1. < Breast Cancer

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

Posted by nanato6 @nanato6, Oct 12, 2018

Nanaloves: I’m about to start arimidex and just feel that the contraindications , bone issues etc. are overwhelming. I’m 70 years old, dodged a bullet I feel with zero stage DCIS but the follow up is pretty much no different then if it was more aggressive. I’ve just done 33 treatments of radiation and now they advise arimidex as a preventative. I’m not sure with the beginnings of arthritis and lower back. sensitivity already that I should take it. Anyone not take it and not have a recurrence within the 5 years.

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djwc | @djwc | Aug 19, 2020
In reply to @nataliehope "I’m so sorry! Did you do any diet, take supplements or make any lifestyle changes, or..." + (show)
@nataliehope

I’m so sorry! Did you do any diet, take supplements or make any lifestyle changes, or did you take just the drugs to cure?

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@nataliehope-I had always exercised & ate healthy. I actually became more focused on healthy lifestyle after my original diagnosis. I started Yoga, hiking,indoor spin & worked w/trainer 2 x a week. My Oncologist encouraged me to stay on tamoxifen for 8 years-looking back I wish I had stayed on it longer or switched over to a aromatase inhibitor.

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Aug 19, 2020
In reply to @djwc "@nataliehope-I had always exercised & ate healthy. I actually became more focused on healthy lifestyle after..." + (show)
@djwc

@nataliehope-I had always exercised & ate healthy. I actually became more focused on healthy lifestyle after my original diagnosis. I started Yoga, hiking,indoor spin & worked w/trainer 2 x a week. My Oncologist encouraged me to stay on tamoxifen for 8 years-looking back I wish I had stayed on it longer or switched over to a aromatase inhibitor.

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@djwc
I have a couple of people in my support group that now have metastatic breast cancer and I am awaiting my next PET scan to see if the lesion now in my left lung has increased. Don't give up hope. They are doing well on Ibrance, in fact, one has been on it 4 years with no advancement. I am sticking with my exemestane so we'll see what happens in October (PET scan). Praying for the best outcome for you.

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mari | @mari | Aug 20, 2020
In reply to @sandyjr "I just had diep reconstruction a month ago. I had cancer in both breasts 11 years..." + (show)
@sandyjr

I just had diep reconstruction a month ago. I had cancer in both breasts 11 years apart and had Lumpectomy and radiation for both. Because I found out I had a genetic mutation I decided to have bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction. I wanted nipple sparing mastectomy but my plastic surgeons did not go for that as there was significant damage because of the radiation. They did not want the diep flap to fail because of this. I had skin sparing mastectomies and the diep in one long surgery. I wanted the diep because I did not want to deal with implants which can also have issues. I have found the worst reaction to the surgery was being extremely tired but I think I have worked through that. Being under anesthesia for 10 hours has to take a toll. I have no regrets about doing the diep. My skin on my chest has sensation but my nipples have been removed and the tissue from the diep flap has been moved to my chest...that means you have to have some pudge going on...lol. I will soon get some final tweaking and construction of my nipples and then have tattoos.

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I had diep May 18, wound was necrosis cause of former radiation. Have been going to Hyperbaric Oxygen - and use Silverdeen- Wound get better Every day. Did your dr. insert a lot of fat under arm - going toward your back?

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sandyjr | @sandyjr | Aug 20, 2020

I am glad my plastic surgeon opted for skin sparing instead of nipple sparing surgery. He said radiation does bad things and after the surgery he said that the right breast had a lot of radiation damage...that was the one I had 35 radiation treatments in. I had no trouble with necrosis. I am also using that same ointment, I read up on it and it seems to be for burns...hmmm.

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jeannie53 | @jeannie53 | Aug 20, 2020
In reply to @trixie1313 "@djwc I have a couple of people in my support group that now have metastatic breast..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@djwc
I have a couple of people in my support group that now have metastatic breast cancer and I am awaiting my next PET scan to see if the lesion now in my left lung has increased. Don't give up hope. They are doing well on Ibrance, in fact, one has been on it 4 years with no advancement. I am sticking with my exemestane so we'll see what happens in October (PET scan). Praying for the best outcome for you.

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@trixie1313 Were you or the ladies in your support group on any aromatase inhibitors and for how long before they were diagnosed with MBC.

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2 replies
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Aug 20, 2020
In reply to @jeannie53 "@trixie1313 Were you or the ladies in your support group on any aromatase inhibitors and for..." + (show)
@jeannie53

@trixie1313 Were you or the ladies in your support group on any aromatase inhibitors and for how long before they were diagnosed with MBC.

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@jeannie53
They were both metastatic Stage 4 when diagnosed. I've been on AIs for over 1 year. I started with anastrozole, then letrozole, and the majority of time with exemestane. I'm hopeful that the new lesion in my lung is not cancer, but atelectasis from a bad flu I had in March. Right now the lesion is too small for biopsy.

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djwc | @djwc | Aug 20, 2020
In reply to @trixie1313 "@jeannie53 They were both metastatic Stage 4 when diagnosed. I've been on AIs for over 1..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@jeannie53
They were both metastatic Stage 4 when diagnosed. I've been on AIs for over 1 year. I started with anastrozole, then letrozole, and the majority of time with exemestane. I'm hopeful that the new lesion in my lung is not cancer, but atelectasis from a bad flu I had in March. Right now the lesion is too small for biopsy.

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@trixie1313 I hope the new lesion in your lung is not cancer! Just had an appointment with my Radiation Oncologist today~he talked about the importance of a positive attitude while dealing with any cancer. He shared that there are studies regarding positive thinking & how this can help a cancer patient to live longer & better! I agree 100%! Keep thinking positive! 🙂

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lisman1408 | @lisman1408 | Aug 21, 2020
In reply to @trixie1313 "@jeannie53 They were both metastatic Stage 4 when diagnosed. I've been on AIs for over 1..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@jeannie53
They were both metastatic Stage 4 when diagnosed. I've been on AIs for over 1 year. I started with anastrozole, then letrozole, and the majority of time with exemestane. I'm hopeful that the new lesion in my lung is not cancer, but atelectasis from a bad flu I had in March. Right now the lesion is too small for biopsy.

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Oh no, Trixie! Sending hugs, and praying for a good outcome for new issue in your lung! Take good care of yourself!

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1 reply
cathyhand | @cathyhand | Aug 21, 2020
In reply to @jeannie53 "@trixie1313 Were you or the ladies in your support group on any aromatase inhibitors and for..." + (show)
@jeannie53

@trixie1313 Were you or the ladies in your support group on any aromatase inhibitors and for how long before they were diagnosed with MBC.

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On Exemestane. 8 years out this November. So far no recurrence. Stage 2 b, 2 positive nodes.
I am having a hip replacement in two weeks and just recently diagnosed with osteopetrosis.

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trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Aug 21, 2020
In reply to @cathyhand "On Exemestane. 8 years out this November. So far no recurrence. Stage 2 b, 2 positive..." + (show)
@cathyhand

On Exemestane. 8 years out this November. So far no recurrence. Stage 2 b, 2 positive nodes.
I am having a hip replacement in two weeks and just recently diagnosed with osteopetrosis.

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@cathyhand
Oh no, I'm sorry you're having to go through the surgery - all the best to you for a successful and fast recovery! Have the doctors talked with you about Zometa infusion for your osteoporosis? Aromatase inhibitors decrease estrogen in the body which can cause this. I've had 3 infusions so far, 6 months apart, to help.

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