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New member: stopping AI is a greater risk of reoccurrence?
I am 76 and was diagnosed with breast cancer on March 31st. My cancer was found in a backwards way. I had a clear mammogram in December 2024 and breast reduction surgery in February 2025. A 3 cm tumour was found in the 1kg of tissue that was removed from my right breast. I am so thankful I had the reduction surgery.
In May I had sentinel node surgery and 6 nodes were removed and they were clear. Tumour is Estrogen+ progesterone +, HER2-; grade 2; onco score 9; no DCIS. I just finished 5 days of radiation.
Radiation oncologist said the radiation would reduce my risk of reoccurrence from 8% to 2.4%. (I’m pretty sure that is local reoccurrence.) Medical oncologist said taking AI would reduce my 10 year risk of dying from this BC from 8% to 5%.
I have an appointment with my oncologist next week to tell her if I agree to take Anastrozole. I am still undecided considering my age. It’s a personal decision but I do appreciate what members have written about their experience.
I have read anecdotally that starting hormone blockers and then stopping can increase your risk of reoccurrence. Does anyone know if there has been any research done in this area?
Thank you for sharing your stories. I am so pleased that I found this group a few days ago.
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@ytendoll Can you explain how cyroablation will work? I haven't heard of that.
Thanks.
@jardinera25
It's much like a needle biopsy. After you are numbed, a small probe is inserted. An ice ball is formed over the tumor using liquid nitrogen, thus freezing and destroying the cancer. The procedure has been used for years and the results are as good if not better than a lumpectomy. Youtube has a lot of videos.
@ytendoll Wow. I wanted cryoblation but no one in the city I live does it and MD Anderson surgeon said no. Apparently they aren't real excited about doing it at MDA.
I have to say this: I had a horrid surgeon at MD Anderson, and not that great of an oncologist. The surgeon said no on mastectomy or partial in the beginning. She wouldn't even listen to me so I changed surgeons. Then the second surgeon said I was "too risky" for surgery and would not explain herself. To make a very long story short, I changed oncologists to someone I had gotten a second opinion from once. By then, my tumors were not visible with any tool, and that had gone on for over 6 months. So the new oncologist I went to said a lumpectomy might just do the trick and I was thrilled. Sent me to a surgeon and she said the same...in the end, she did a BEAUTIFUL job of the surgery, told me afterwards there was simply no finding the cancer, that it was all gone, leaving only the titanium clips. You can't even tell that I had a lumpectomy, she did such a beautiful job. A month after surgery, I had radiation for 5 days. THERE IS NO CANCER IN MY BREAST. It is gone. Done. My oncologist wants me to finish taking anastrozole for 2 1/2 more years (equaling 5 yrs total). I am taking it but I am not planning on going on with it. I have some questions for her (like, how long would I likely make it without more cancer showing up in either breast, % likelihood of that happening, etc). If I like her answers, I am going to stop taking anastrozole. There are just too many side effects, from bones to joints to lack of sleep, gaining weight, memory issues, fatigue, losing muscle, and more. I want to LIVE for a few more years, not just EXIST. I will get answers in about April when I have my next appt with the oncologist and will make a decision then.
Long story - sorry! I am so relieved right now!
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2 Reactions@lifetraveler At my surgery in November, and up to now, the cancer never showed it's face again. It was gone before surgery. There is only one scar on my breast and that is under the breast. There was hardly any tissue removed. I had radiation for 5 days. I had been on anastrozole for 2 1/2 years by the time I had surgery. My oncologist wants me to continue it for 2 1/2 years, the full 5 years. Just FYI - I had those really ugly MRIs where you lay on your belly and your boobs hang down outside the table. I HATE THOSE...so uncomfortable and you have to be so still. But yes, also US, Mammo done all along and no cancer for about the last 6 or 8 months. The lung cancer is in remission; nothing happening in the last 6 years. Ovarian hasn't come back.
We'll see what answers I get from her regarding percentages, recurrence, possibility of the other breast, etc. Then I will make my decision. I am an inch away from stopping anastrozole right now but I will try to use my head and follow the research.
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5 Reactions@eleanorrigby
Hi! Eleanor:
Thank you so much for updating us on the progress of your health post BC surgery with such inspiring news, for it brightens my day! wow!
I am so glad that you've found a good surgeon and made the right decision to do the surgery in November, my friend; for now you can put BC all behind you - almost! I am also grateful to know that apparently Anastrozole has been doing its job keeping those cancerous cells disappearing from your body - at least for the last 2.6 years and counting! Wow! What encouragement for us all! Thank you, Eleanor! I am so pleased to know that your lung cancer is still in remission and ovarian cancer has never come back:) Indeed, I pray that those ugly cancerous cells never show up again.
When will you see your oncologist to get her assessment regarding her estimate of percentages, recurrence, possibility of the other breast & all? Pray for wisdom granted to you from above to make the best decision for your treatment plan going forward alongside your oncologist.
Wishing you all a better journey ahead with hope, peace, and love to greet the New Year!
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2 Reactions@lifetraveler You're so kind; thank you! I see the surgeon, US and MRI in March, and the oncologist in April. Fingers crossed that my visits will become routine well-checks!