Conflicted on taking medication

I also had a stage 2 cancer but did have one sentinel node involved. I have tried anastrozole. My side effects were not pleasant with joint pain and cognitive function issues. Anastrozole caused me some pretty severe memory problems to the point that I thought I was sliding into dementia. Then my oncologist switched me to Tomoxifin, the joint pain was better, but I still experienced brain fog. My oncologist has been wonderful through this whole process, and recently changed my meds again to Exemestane. I’ve been on that for a little over two weeks and so far, so good!!! It seems that all of the breast cancer medications have some potential side effects. Do some research on each of them. There is a LOT of information available with just a google search. If I had an alternative choice with the same reduction in recurrence, I wouldn’t take ANY of the meds!!! My Ob/gyn found the lump in my breast during routine annual exam, and referred me for a biopsy. The biopsy revealed cancerous cells. I was diagnosed as stage 2 following surgery as a sentinel lymph node was involved. I then sought out the very best oncologist I could find in my area. I am very open and honest with her about my feelings, side effects, etc. She is the expert, has made oncology her life’s work, and I feel I need to listen to her expertise. Communication with your oncologist is KEY to a healthy recovery and ongoing management of this dreaded disease. Until cure is found, we must be willing to put up with the best effort and judgement available to us by our oncologists. Also, there is nothing at all wrong with seeking out another oncologist if you are unable to communicate well with your current physician. Your best care is a team effort between you your oncologist, and their staff. Good luck to you!

@lisman1408 I'm going on exemestane now for about a month. Bone pain doesn't seem as bad as on the other two aromatase inhibitors. I have joined a therapeutic water exercise class and go two times a week and finding that is very helpful. Still having fatigue and some weakness, but learning to cope with that.

5 years ago at age 64, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 mutifocal invasive dcis. For that reason, I very unhappily had to have a mastectomy instead of lumpectomy. 2 sentinel lymph nodes were removed and were clear.
Arimidex was strongly suggested to me by one oncologist. I wasn't comfortable hearing about all the side effects. I got a second opinion from one of the top oncologists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He does extensive research and reading of all the global studies. To make a long story short, he said that all the studies showed little to no difference in survival rates if the cancer were to return in my remaining breast. He said many women choose not to take it for that reason. After much thought, I decided against Arimidex. I obviously am closely monitored, and have been happy with my personal decision. The survival rates were the deciding factor for me.

It is a very difficult decision between quality of life and chance of recurrence of cancer.

I suggest you have an discussion with oncologist about pros and cons of medication and options. If oncologist is not willing to discuss options, maybe time to find new dr.

The first drug my oncologist put be on gave me terrible side effects, but I stayed on for 6 months because did not think there were options. I stopped taking prior to surgery and felt better within days. After surgery I told my oncologist I would not take again. He reviewed the percent of recurrence with and without drugs. I agreed to try a different hormone suppression drug, and the side effects are less.

Wish you the best

Laurie

I also had a stage 2 cancer but did have one sentinel node involved. I have tried anastrozole. My side effects were not pleasant with joint pain and cognitive function issues. Anastrozole caused me some pretty severe memory problems to the point that I thought I was sliding into dementia. Then my oncologist switched me to Tomoxifin, the joint pain was better, but I still experienced brain fog. My oncologist has been wonderful through this whole process, and recently changed my meds again to Exemestane. I’ve been on that for a little over two weeks and so far, so good!!! It seems that all of the breast cancer medications have some potential side effects. Do some research on each of them. There is a LOT of information available with just a google search. If I had an alternative choice with the same reduction in recurrence, I wouldn’t take ANY of the meds!!! My Ob/gyn found the lump in my breast during routine annual exam, and referred me for a biopsy. The biopsy revealed cancerous cells. I was diagnosed as stage 2 following surgery as a sentinel lymph node was involved. I then sought out the very best oncologist I could find in my area. I am very open and honest with her about my feelings, side effects, etc. She is the expert, has made oncology her life’s work, and I feel I need to listen to her expertise. Communication with your oncologist is KEY to a healthy recovery and ongoing management of this dreaded disease. Until cure is found, we must be willing to put up with the best effort and judgement available to us by our oncologists. Also, there is nothing at all wrong with seeking out another oncologist if you are unable to communicate well with your current physician. Your best care is a team effort between you your oncologist, and their staff. Good luck to you!

5 years ago at age 64, I was diagnosed with Stage 1 mutifocal invasive dcis. For that reason, I very unhappily had to have a mastectomy instead of lumpectomy. 2 sentinel lymph nodes were removed and were clear.
Arimidex was strongly suggested to me by one oncologist. I wasn't comfortable hearing about all the side effects. I got a second opinion from one of the top oncologists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He does extensive research and reading of all the global studies. To make a long story short, he said that all the studies showed little to no difference in survival rates if the cancer were to return in my remaining breast. He said many women choose not to take it for that reason. After much thought, I decided against Arimidex. I obviously am closely monitored, and have been happy with my personal decision. The survival rates were the deciding factor for me.

Anne72, very encouraging that you are doing so well! Thank you for posting your positive success!

Trixie, glad to hear that Exemestane is seemingly better for you! That gives me hope that I’ll do well on it too!