Aromatase Inhibitors: Did you decide to go on them or not?

@kathyomaha55 I was ready to have bilateral mastectomies, but the surgeon said NO and that is for precisely the reason you stated. They did partial mastectomy instead. She advised me that with full mastectomies, they cannot remove all tissue and there is so much damage to nerves with patients having nerve pain following. I am happy she went this route. I went from quite large, pendulous breasts to smaller (A to B sized) and don't have the pain anymore. The scars are really not that bad actually. The radiation on the affected side tanned that area and hid the scar and then this summer I went topless in my backyard pool and tanned the other side!!! I do have to wear a compression bra now with a Joviak serratus swell spot that should help with the hard areas resulting from prior hematomas and radiation side effects.

Oh my Francine6829, I very glad you have had such luck with Tomoxifin!! It gave me brain fog and memory loss so bad I couldn’t think straight. I also have been on Anastrozole, that gave me even worse cognitive issues, brain fog; and it seems I had an allergic reaction to Anastrozole as I broke out in hives that Itched so bad I thought I’d go crazy! I started Exemestane last week and so far, so good... Hoping I’ve found the right drug for me, but it’s really expensive, my insurance won’t pay much on the Exemestane. A 3 month prescription of It cost me over $500. If it’s the right drug for me, guess I’ll need to change my insurance to one that does cover it better.

Mine recurrence rate was 12 , I was put on anastrozole which I took for 3 months . It destroyed my bones , joints and much more . Finally I was not able to lift my arms enough to dress or feed myself . I decided there was no quality to my life once I started on the meds . Tamoxifen is mild compared to anastrozole . They wanted me to switch I fired my oncologist instead . I am much better now 10 months off it but still having problems . Exercise helps so I chose yoga

Both radiation and anastrozole cause heart problems . My dr never told me that but my cardiologist did

Make sure if you use dairy or meat you get hormone free / organic grass fed . Up the Whole Foods fruit , veggies , nuts ect

It is chemo and chemo kills the immune system

Recent studies show a 0 percent risk for your heart with radiation. They have new methods

Any tips for time of day to take tamoxifen? Morning or night? With or without food? My goal is to mitigate potential side effects as much as possible without resorting to other medications.

Take in morning. There are possible blot clot risks so you don’t want to take it and then not move around. I always take my pills with food

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Nanato6~
I was just wondering what your final decision was with the advise of your oncologist on taking an aromatase inhibitor. I am close to 72 and I have been on Letrozole for 2 years. My Oncologist just took me off of it for 30 days to give me a “break”. My joint pain has increased steadily the past 8 months. I had arthritis when I was diagnosed and I have read that A I side effects are worse when you already suffer. Tylenol & Aleve really do not cut the pain. I used to work out 3-6 days a week, walk daily, & bike. Now I read, do art and try not to move.....ahhhh! My Oncologist suggested I start on Tamoxifen to replace the Letrozole. It has it’s own set of bone pain issues.
Thank you for sharing what your final decision.