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

I had many bouts a day of diarrhea while on Anastrozole. Took a 3 week break and pretty well back to normal. Onc switched me to Exemestane. I will start that this evening.

Good luck with the Exemestane, Patty. I had extreme problems with Anastrozole I stayed on it for nearly a year and a half and after trying others, ended up with Tamoxifen. I've been on it since December 2019, and this has been the best for me so far.

thank you. I started with the Tamoxifen because my onc wanted me to confer with my bone doc before she switched me to the anastrozole as I have been on Prolia for a couple of years, and my bones are not too good. My onc believes the AI's are more effective in preventing a recurrence in post menopausal women and said the Tamoxifen could cause blood clots and uterine cancer. My endocrinologist said I was good to go on the AI.
I'm afraid to start the Exemestane but will do so tonight and hope for the best.

If all else fails I can go back on the Tamoxifen.

@pattycincinnati
Don't be afraid to try the exemestane. I tried anastrole and letrozole, but they weren't kind to me. I've been on exemestane for almost a year now and I don't seem to have the terrible bone pain as with the other two. I do get hot flashes, but as long as you dress for them, it's okay. I've recently had a thalamic stroke that gives me worse "heat bombs" than with the AI. All good wishes to you.

Best of luck on the Exemestane! I started on Anastrozole, and it gave me some pretty bad ‘brain fog’ and memory issues. I’ve found a few articles on-line about low estrogen from these meds causing memory/cognitive function challenges. I had a similar issue with tomoxifin. I’m now on Exemestane and it’s not perfect, but it’s better for me than Anastrozole or Tomoxifin. Do some research on line for yourself and your individual situation. For me, it’s been a trial and error process. Personally, I don't think any of these drugs are perfect, they all have side effects, but it’s certainly better than a return of cancer!

In November 2019 I switched from anastrozole to exemestane. My hand joint pain is still there but maybe a 1 as compared to a 7 on anastrozole. Hopefully I can stay on exemestane for the full 3 years remaining. Stay safe & healthy everyone in these challenging times.

I am perplexed. I have just read on this site that Aromatase inhibitors treat breast cancer without the benefit in overall survival. So could someone possibly explain what the point is to our taking this drug. I have just started this drug and I want to make sure that I am doing the right thing.
Thanks
Katrina123

@katrina123
Hi, Katrina. Perhaps a good place to start would be you pointing out what it is exactly that you're reading?

@katrina123
I don't know if this will help, but this is a calculator that doctor's use to tell you if your chances are high for cancer to return. https://www.cts5-calculator.com/ It's been explained to me that aromatase inhibitors do help your chances. I've tried anastrozole and letrozole but did not do well with them and have been on exemestane now and have few problems with it. Because of the types of cancer I have, will need to be on it for 10 years. I wish you well in your decision.