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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cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Jan 24, 2021
In reply to @saucy "I do not have cancer but had genetic testing and even though no direct evidence of..." + (show)
@saucy

I do not have cancer but had genetic testing and even though no direct evidence of cancer, my oncologist wants to put me on this therapy to lower my risk of family risk. I do not to want to lose my quality of life just in case I might get breast cancer. My mom and sister had breast cancer but I choose not to live my life with these side effects in case!

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Saucy, you can take Evista....prevents breast cancer and straightens bones....no side effects at all!!! Dr. can prescribe it. Tamoxifen is generic name...ask oncologist. I had cancer and take it.

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cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Jan 24, 2021

Me! Never took All and no radiation and no recurrence....pray it lasts And why with dcis, which is not really cancer yet would you get radiation..which can kill!!!!???

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cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Jan 24, 2021

Mjay....ask dr. about Evista....phtoestrogen....also I took Beta Glucan....another is Indole1

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elizm | @elizm | Jan 25, 2021
In reply to @cctoo "Saucy, you can take Evista....prevents breast cancer and straightens bones....no side effects at all!!! Dr. can..." + (show)
@cctoo

Saucy, you can take Evista....prevents breast cancer and straightens bones....no side effects at all!!! Dr. can prescribe it. Tamoxifen is generic name...ask oncologist. I had cancer and take it.

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@octoo @saucy
Evista is a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator), similar to Tamoxifen and Fareston in how it blocks estrogen. They all have side effects (many similar to the AIs). The benefit of taking Evista over an AI is that it does not cause osteoporosis, but it still has side effects like insomnia, hot flashes, bone/joint pain, risks for blood clots and stroke, etc.

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1 reply
cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Jan 25, 2021
In reply to @elizm "@octoo @saucy Evista is a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator), similar to Tamoxifen and Fareston in..." + (show)
@elizm

@octoo @saucy
Evista is a SERM (Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator), similar to Tamoxifen and Fareston in how it blocks estrogen. They all have side effects (many similar to the AIs). The benefit of taking Evista over an AI is that it does not cause osteoporosis, but it still has side effects like insomnia, hot flashes, bone/joint pain, risks for blood clots and stroke, etc.

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I have insomnia but always have....no bone pain or hot flashes at all!!

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sessooner | @sessooner | Jan 25, 2021

I appreciate your input. I face surgery in two weeks and know I will be facing these meds for 5 years following radiation. I have been disheartened by the posts about the side effects. While it is good to know about side effects, I also have to remind myself that we are all more likely to post if we are having a bad experience. While my heart goes out to everyone facing these horrible side effects, it is encouraging to know that not everyone experiences them.

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betsyk | @betsyk | Jan 25, 2021

Sessooner, I first off want to wish you good luck with your upcoming surgery. Second, I appreciate your reasonable view of meds and possible side affects. Such a great way to approach the start of new meds!

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KKRogers | @roewes07 | Jan 25, 2021
In reply to @cctoo "I have insomnia but always have....no bone pain or hot flashes at all!!" + (show)
@cctoo

I have insomnia but always have....no bone pain or hot flashes at all!!

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Sessooner☀️ Your attitude is forward thinking. I believe in the science behind the aromatase inhibitors. I was on Letrozole for 2 years, switched to Exemestane 15 months ago. My joint problems were so diminished! As long as I take care of myself with healthy food and exercise, I am feeling fine.
Trust yourself and let your oncologist know your side effects. You will find the right drug to keep you smiling in this new reality. You can do this. Life is so worth it!

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1 reply
bluebird70 | @bluebird70 | Jan 25, 2021
In reply to @sessooner "I appreciate your input. I face surgery in two weeks and know I will be facing..." + (show)
@sessooner

I appreciate your input. I face surgery in two weeks and know I will be facing these meds for 5 years following radiation. I have been disheartened by the posts about the side effects. While it is good to know about side effects, I also have to remind myself that we are all more likely to post if we are having a bad experience. While my heart goes out to everyone facing these horrible side effects, it is encouraging to know that not everyone experiences them.

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Good luck on your surgery. 70 years old Right mastectomy no recon Stage 1 grade 4 2 cm tumour no lymph node involvement. 4 chemo sessions because my oncotype score was 51. I totally agree with you. When you do Dr. Google search for the most part you find the negatives. I actually typed in one time anyone have good results from the AI medication and of course nothing came up. How often do we do a positive review when we are happy with something but would be on it like grease lightening if we had bad service. I am on my second AI exemestane started on Thursday and I won’t wait as long as I did on Anastrazole which I was only on 3 months. Wishing you all the best!❤️❤️

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sessooner | @sessooner | Jan 25, 2021
In reply to @roewes07 "Sessooner☀️ Your attitude is forward thinking. I believe in the science behind the aromatase inhibitors. I..." + (show)
@roewes07

Sessooner☀️ Your attitude is forward thinking. I believe in the science behind the aromatase inhibitors. I was on Letrozole for 2 years, switched to Exemestane 15 months ago. My joint problems were so diminished! As long as I take care of myself with healthy food and exercise, I am feeling fine.
Trust yourself and let your oncologist know your side effects. You will find the right drug to keep you smiling in this new reality. You can do this. Life is so worth it!

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@roewes07 Thank you so much!

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