Conflicted on taking medication

Which drug worked for you?

I am taking Letrozole,
Laurie

It's a tough decision, and one that I struggle with every day. I had invasive mixed ductal and lobular
carcinoma stage 2v, and lobular carcinoma in situ.
I had a double mastectomy with all of the sentinel and axillary lymph nodes removed. I know I have a higher risk of recurrence than you do, but here's my experience - I've been on Arimidex for 4 years and Zoladex for about a year, and it's been a nightmare. I started taking Taurine supplements which greatly reduced the joint pain. 20% of women on the hormone blockers quit taking them due to the side effects. I have no criticism for anyone who chooses to do that! The thing that makes me continue them was watching my grandma die of breast cancer. I don't know if you have an oncology rehabilitation medicine physician, but they might be able to help you manage the side effects. I know it's hard and I'm so sorry you're suffering!

I really wish doctors did a better job at explaining this!

I was diagnosed with Stage 1 invasive ductal carcinoma. I had a lumpectomy and radiation and have now been prescribed Tamoxifen. I, too, have been very conflicted about taking this medication due to the side effects. I am awaiting an appointment with a nutritionist to determine if a serious change in diet will provide a similar reduction probability to the tamoxifen. I had initially agreed to try it but still have not. Treatment for breast cancer is a very difficult but personal choice and you must do what you feel is best for you both in regards to treating your cancer and your quality of life. Good luck!

Hi, I go to Rochester, MN as well. I was very fortunate to hear John Shin, M.D. at the Cancer Education Center, in the Gonda Building on April 2, 2019. The topic was Diet and Cancer: Does it matter what I eat, evidence-based recommendations for focusing on plant-based nutrition. It was very informative information on foods that fight breast cancer. Not sure he speaks too often but if he does go! A book that is extremely helpful to support Dr. Shins presentation is “How Not To Die”, by Michael Gregor, MD, FACLM founder of NUTRITIONFACTS.ORG. Discover the foods Scientifically proven to prevent and reverse disease. Chapter 11 is specifically targeting Breast Cancer. I find it very enlightening and gives me some control over my fight against Breast Cancer. Good luck and good reading?

I have this book too. I try my best to follow it as well!

I too read that book "How Not to Die" by M. Gregor, MD. and also get email updates from his Nutrition Facts website that are awesome. https://nutritionfacts.org/ That group is not for profit and doesn't promote/sell anything except evidence based research (except the book proceeds are not for the doctor's personal gain). So after a lifetime of the standard American diet, I transitioned to eating whole foods, plant based as much as possible. It is good and takes the right motivation to change. Breast cancer & wanting to have a long life was it for me. 😀

I concur - 👍. P.S. another good book is, “Breast’s The Owner’s Manual” every women’s guide to reducing cancer risk, making treatment choices, and optimizing outcomes by Dr. Kristi Funk. Good luck all! 😀

Thank you guys. Sorry I haven’t been active here.
I have decided to get on Letrozol and it’s been 2 days. Of course I am hopeful that side effects would be mild (it’s the optimistic part of me)
I take it with carrot, ginger, apple, lemon, cucumber fresh juice in the hopes that it would spare my healthy cells. Call me crazy but hoping it would.
Will keep you all posted on the progress as the days, months and years go.
Good luck to all of you my friends who are suffering from this despicable diseases!!!!