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Decide against aromatase inhibitors?

Posted by ruffianfan55 @ruffianfan55, Jul 2 12:02pm

I have DCIS ER+PR+, stage 2, treated with lumpectomy(clear margins) and radiation. I’m 70 and am leaning towards not taking aromatase inhibitors since they only lower the risk of recurrence by 2%. Has anyone else decided the same and do they regret it?

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penny21 | @penny21 | Aug 26 3:00pm
In reply to @wews "Thanks so much for your insight. I am finding stretching with yoga and exercising to help...." + (show)
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Thanks so much for your insight. I am finding stretching with yoga and exercising to help. But stiffness when I get up from sleeping and sitting is hard. My hair is getting thinner and I am going to speak with my cardiologist about taking Minoxidil since my oncologist suggested it for my hair. I hear that Molloxicam is supposed to help with joint pain but I am not sure I can be on it because of blood thinners. Have you tried either of these treatments for your sypmtoms? I also have a lack of appetite and some stomach issues but I take it at night to avoid feeling that. I also have hot flashes once in a while. My oncologist said this drug is the strongest one and invasive lobular cancer is harder to respond to chemo so I feel like I should try to stick with this for the 5 years to reduce my chances of a late reoccurrence which is the concern.

I read the study that was shared by someone on this site which showed that taking letrozole every other day resulted in the same degree of blocking estrogen in postmenopausal women so I am going to discuss this with my family doctor and my oncologist. I am sorry for your cancer having metastasized. I wish you the best and I hope that both our bodies can adapt to and jump over the hurdles of these side effects.

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I have not tried the two medications you mentioned for thinning hair and joint pain. I am trying more natural things because I would prefer not taking more drugs. I am using a salve made with frankincense on my joints, and about to try something on my hair. I will let you know if it helps!
Best to you! Hope you are having a good day.

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myoga | @myoga | Aug 26 9:07pm
In reply to @mimig77 "Hi! I’m 77,and starting Anastrozole just tonight. I opted for AI after surgery for Stage 1..." + (show)
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Hi! I’m 77,and starting Anastrozole just tonight. I opted for AI after surgery for Stage 1 ILC with clear margins because of high BMI and fairly high platelet count which made me afraid of low tam therapy. Here’s hoping for minimal side effects.Dr. also recommended tart cherry juice to help with body aches and pains.3 weeks of radiation starts in Sept.All this is new and a bit lonely and overwhelming to me!

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Best of luck with radiation. Make sure you check out the forum on radiation to get advice on how to prevent radiation burn. It can easily be prevented if you apply cream/lotion/aloe vera right after each treatment (in the dressing room) and continue reapply several times a day to at least 2 weeks after the treatment is complete. Light walking is also good for your body during treatment. You will be fine. Radiation is probably the easiest part of the treatment. Hugs.

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myoga | @myoga | Aug 26 9:56pm
In reply to @timely "As I get concerned about various issues, I am worried that a side effect of Exemestane..." + (show)
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As I get concerned about various issues, I am worried that a side effect of Exemestane is that it puts a permanent block on metabolizing any estrogen.

I think that if I have an allergic reaction to Exemestane in any way, that allergic reaction will be permanent because of permanent estrogen blockage.

I have had allergic reactions to most meds. given me in the past 3 years….

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I found this out through web search.Key Points
-Permanent Binding: Exemestane binds irreversibly to aromatase, but this does not mean the enzyme remains inactive forever.
-Resumption of Function: After discontinuation, aromatase can regain its activity, leading to a potential increase in estrogen levels over time.
I will ask my oncologist about this to confirm.

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sequoia | @sequoia | Aug 27 10:53am
In reply to @mimig77 "Hi! I’m 77,and starting Anastrozole just tonight. I opted for AI after surgery for Stage 1..." + (show)
Profile picture for mimig77 @mimig77

Hi! I’m 77,and starting Anastrozole just tonight. I opted for AI after surgery for Stage 1 ILC with clear margins because of high BMI and fairly high platelet count which made me afraid of low tam therapy. Here’s hoping for minimal side effects.Dr. also recommended tart cherry juice to help with body aches and pains.3 weeks of radiation starts in Sept.All this is new and a bit lonely and overwhelming to me!

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@mimig77 we are here for you. Stay in touch. When feeling overwhelmed- reach out, tell us how what you are feeling. We are here with lots of HUGS and support. Stay strong. Drop by with a cup of coffee, the light is on. ❤️ blessings 🙏🏼

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