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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rababkoepp | @rababkoepp | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @roch "It is discussion you need to have with oncologist, but at end, it is your decision...." + (show)
@roch


It is discussion you need to have with oncologist, but at end, it is your decision. The percent of recurrence with and without AI will depend on type cancer, prior treatment and genetics.

I am 65, had stage II breast cancer (one breast / 2 lymph nodes). I was on AI 6 months prior to lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I tried 3 different AI meds over 6 months after radiation and decided to go off due side effect. I feel better off the Ais. Prior to decision I discussed with oncologist and my percent of recurrence without AI was only few percent points. It has been over 2 years since surgery and I continue to see oncologist every 6 months for recheck and have mammogram / MRI yearly. I have an MRI because my breast are very dense.

But, by sister had Stage 0 and diagnosed very early, she had lumpectomy, no chemo or radiation. In her case, the dr said it was important for her to take an AI because she had not had chemo or radiation to kill any cancer cells remaining.

So, have discussion with you oncologist and get the facts.

Good luck
Laurie M

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Thank you Laurie!! I will make an appointment with my oncologist and follow
through. I appreciate your response very much.
Rabab

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cctoo. Catherine Crowley | @cctoo | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @roch "It is discussion you need to have with oncologist, but at end, it is your decision...." + (show)
@roch


It is discussion you need to have with oncologist, but at end, it is your decision. The percent of recurrence with and without AI will depend on type cancer, prior treatment and genetics.

I am 65, had stage II breast cancer (one breast / 2 lymph nodes). I was on AI 6 months prior to lumpectomy, chemo and radiation. I tried 3 different AI meds over 6 months after radiation and decided to go off due side effect. I feel better off the Ais. Prior to decision I discussed with oncologist and my percent of recurrence without AI was only few percent points. It has been over 2 years since surgery and I continue to see oncologist every 6 months for recheck and have mammogram / MRI yearly. I have an MRI because my breast are very dense.

But, by sister had Stage 0 and diagnosed very early, she had lumpectomy, no chemo or radiation. In her case, the dr said it was important for her to take an AI because she had not had chemo or radiation to kill any cancer cells remaining.

So, have discussion with you oncologist and get the facts.

Good luck
Laurie M

Jump to this post

Laurie, I didn't think ale killed cancer cells! They just prevent estrogen! So why would your sister take them? Stage 0 is not really cancer either...research it.

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3 replies
mom23boys | @mom23boys | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @sparklegram "@mom23boys I wish you all the best, too. Sending you hope for a complete recovery." + (show)
@sparklegram

@mom23boys I wish you all the best, too. Sending you hope for a complete recovery.

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Thank you sparklegram! We all just need to hang in there. This "condition" is working its way toward being labeled "chronic" instead of terminal for us stage 4. New treatments coming our way and so many more options currently available. There is lot so hope!
Peggie

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mom23boys | @mom23boys | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @rababkoepp "Thank you so much Peggie. I just hate the way it made me feel" + (show)
@rababkoepp

Thank you so much Peggie. I just hate the way it made me feel

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Rabab, Totally understandable.It is so much a personal choice. Some people choose no txt due to age or just the opposite, their active lifestyle. Absolutely an individual choice of what is best for YOU. I can only monday-morning quarterback. What would I have done in the same position????
You take care.
Peggie

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mom23boys | @mom23boys | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @trixie1313 "@rababkoepp I also had invasive ductal breast cancer, but in addition had a secondary tumor that..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@rababkoepp
I also had invasive ductal breast cancer, but in addition had a secondary tumor that is neuroendocrine cancer. For this reason I will remain on the AI and also have to undergo PET scans every 6 months due to the aggressive nature of the NET. I was first placed on anastrozole, then letrozole, and have found that exemestane has few bad side effects for me. I truly understand your reasoning and wish you all the best and hoping you get the answers you are seeking.

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Hi Trixie! How have you been? I've heard quite a few women say that Exemestane worked best for them, with few side effects compared to others. I hope you are doing fine and will remain so.
Have a great day.
Peggie

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1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @mom23boys "Hi Trixie! How have you been? I've heard quite a few women say that Exemestane worked..." + (show)
@mom23boys

Hi Trixie! How have you been? I've heard quite a few women say that Exemestane worked best for them, with few side effects compared to others. I hope you are doing fine and will remain so.
Have a great day.
Peggie

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@mom23boys
Thanks, Peggy - Doing pretty good. Have my next PETS scan at the end of this month. Had to go to every 3 months when they thought I had mets in lungs, but they got smaller so probably due to my bronchiectasis with atelectasis (nver been a smoker and this is what I get?!). Seems like the walking every day helps quite a bit and am trying to get some weight off of this short body!!! Thanks for thinking of me and hoping all continues to go well for you as well...so glad we have this group!

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1 reply
trixie1313 | @trixie1313 | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @cctoo "Laurie, I didn't think ale killed cancer cells! They just prevent estrogen! So why would your..." + (show)
@cctoo

Laurie, I didn't think ale killed cancer cells! They just prevent estrogen! So why would your sister take them? Stage 0 is not really cancer either...research it.

Jump to this post

@cctoo
I have a few friends with Stage 0. It is cancer, but it just means it hasn't traveled elsewhere, that is it is "in situ" or in place. And how great is it that anyone is diagnosed as Stage 0 to have caught it that early. So whether we are Stage 0, 1, 2, 3, or 4, we have all been confronted with the concept of our mortality.

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Mentor
Laurie, Volunteer Mentor | @roch | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @cctoo "Laurie, I didn't think ale killed cancer cells! They just prevent estrogen! So why would your..." + (show)
@cctoo

Laurie, I didn't think ale killed cancer cells! They just prevent estrogen! So why would your sister take them? Stage 0 is not really cancer either...research it.

Jump to this post

cctoo @cctoo, AI do not kill cancer cells, they suppress estrogen which will cause cancer cells to grow. My sister made her decision based on medical facts and discussion with oncologist. I would never 2nd guess her decision. Everyone has to make their own decision.
Laurie

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elizm | @elizm | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @cctoo "Laurie, I didn't think ale killed cancer cells! They just prevent estrogen! So why would your..." + (show)
@cctoo

Laurie, I didn't think ale killed cancer cells! They just prevent estrogen! So why would your sister take them? Stage 0 is not really cancer either...research it.

Jump to this post

@cctoo
To clarify, Laurie didn't say that AI's kill cancer cells. She noted that, since her sister did not have chemo or radiation which do kill cancer cells, her sister's oncologist prescribed an AI. As to Stage 0, it is indeed cancer -- "Stage 0 breast cancer, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive cancer where abnormal cells have been found in the lining of the breast milk duct. In Stage 0 breast cancer, the atypical cells have not spread outside of the ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue."

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mom23boys | @mom23boys | Mar 18, 2021
In reply to @trixie1313 "@mom23boys Thanks, Peggy - Doing pretty good. Have my next PETS scan at the end of..." + (show)
@trixie1313

@mom23boys
Thanks, Peggy - Doing pretty good. Have my next PETS scan at the end of this month. Had to go to every 3 months when they thought I had mets in lungs, but they got smaller so probably due to my bronchiectasis with atelectasis (nver been a smoker and this is what I get?!). Seems like the walking every day helps quite a bit and am trying to get some weight off of this short body!!! Thanks for thinking of me and hoping all continues to go well for you as well...so glad we have this group!

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Trixie, Glad to hear you are doing well. Just remember, if you ever do have to deal with lung mets, I have numerous lung nodules and 1 22mm mass that have all been shrinking on the meds. My breathing is no different, and has never been labored. People freak out at the thought of lung involvement but like all else, we are making strides in treatment.
Peggie

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