Looking for research re: taking AI drugs vs not taking them

@brightlight66 wow I just took it . I have recently finished chemotherapy and my oncologist wants to do AI. I am having some major side effects from this last dose so oncologist wanted to wait another month before starting AI's. Without AI predict has me at a 98 percent of surviving first 5 years , 95 percent at 10 years and 91 percent at 15 years . I think those are stats I can live with..

@prc73 Excellent! Your stats are great.

@brooklyn22 I am 69, onco score 5, KI-67 - 3. I chose not to take them. I also live healthy and when I weighted the decision of dealing with brain fog, joint pain, weight gain, osteoporosis, eye problems, and all the other potential side affects, (I do know not everyone gets them) decided to take on the small risk (in my case) of foregoing them. I am hopeful the next 10 years are the best!!! I did have 5 targeted sessions of radiation and was told the AI's would reduce my overall risk by 1%. Good luck.

@wyowyld Here’s to the Best is yet to come!!! Good Luck and Thanks for responding.

Hello all,

Looking for some insight, thoughts etc. Diagnosed 1/2/2025. ILC. 20 weeks of chemo, mastectomy, corrective surgery, on Anastrozole radiation to start in Nov. I feel like I am losing myself. My thoughts are confused, losing weight, tired, sleepless and emotions are all over the board. I cry at least two hours a day and am insecure about everything,

Is this normal? I use to be a very intelligent person and now still reach for words. How effective are AI drugs and what is the risk not taking them?

Thank you, Corey

@ccc1965

Hi! Corey:

I am saddened upon reading your post, my heart with prayers go out for you because you've been through so much lately, my comrade of fighting the disease of cancer!

Life throws curve balls at us from time to time, isn't it?! I am so sorry for all your sufferings, Corey... But please be reminded that you just went through 20 weeks of chemo, mastectomy and corrective surgeries, on Anastrozole currently and will start radiation treatment in November; all these tough and rough treatments would exhaust anybody! So please be nice and more patient with yourself, my friend. Please contact your primary care physician and ask him/her to refer you to an experienced therapist (preferably specialized in working with cancer patients), because you need an experienced professional with a caring heart to talk to, and help you calm your heart and mind on the journey ahead.

My thoughts and prayers are with you, Corey; you are not alone because you've found us and you have all of us behind you. Best wishes to you all on the journey ahead!

@ccc1965

Anastrazole did not agree with me at all. Similar side effects as you. There are 2 other AI drugs. Talk to your doctor. Did you have ann Onco score? After talking to my Dr we did a wash- stop taking it for 3 weeks. I felt so much better. And then I went on Exemestane- worked better for me for about a year( insomnia)- just finished a wash and now am starting Lectrozole(sp). I’m going to see how this is working-

I’m 62 now- 2023 lumpectomy and reconstructive surgery ,15 days radiation. No Onco score IDC too small.

There is a group on this sight that do a zoom meeting each Monday evening. With Lynn. Very good! I think it’s called Breast cancer.

@ccc1965 Hi Cory, I was diagnosed with ILC June 2024 and did mastectomy, chemo, corrective surgery , radiation and tried Letrozole and Exemestane which have both given me intolerable side effects. My onco wants me to try Anastrozole but I am on the fence as I feel so much better without any AIs. I'm taking a supplement recommended by my Naturopathic Doctor called, "Breast Defend" for now and am having my estrogen levels checked.
It could be the Anastrozole causing the insomnia, weight loss and confusion. That's what Letrozole did to me, along with joint pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and feeling irritable. Ask your doctor to stop the Anastrozole for a few weeks. The risk of not taking it for a few weeks is not significant. The overall risk of not taking for 5-10 years is that there will be a recurrence, but they can't seem to accurately predict the chances of a recurrence either.
For me, the radiation did not cause any side effects, it was the prescription drugs. I'm trying to sort my way through this too as I feel SO much better without these drugs and am considering just sticking with the supplement.
Let us all know how you're doing. Blessings to you!

@ccc1965
Many blessings to you Cory. My journey started in 2021. This is a difficult journey. Sending you lots of hugs and love. 💕❤️💕 My emotions are all over the place: anger, sad, grateful, depressed—don’t want to do anything but feel sorry for myself—wishing I would just start quilting, Then the emotional wheel goes round again. It’s like playing Whack-a-mo.

@sharon35981