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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@lucillem72

I had HR2 cAncer. This was the 2nd time I had cancer. My issue with my AI, Arimdex, is that my joints hurt and I fell like I am back menopause. I also have Sjogrens which gives you joint pain. Rheumatologist feels the joint pain is worse due to the Arimdex. I think about this and at this point I just don't want cancer again. So I take it every other day.

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@lucillem72. I hope your joint pain gets better. I also take Anastrozole snd have hip/joint pain. I am starting to take pill every other day. The PT exercises do help relieve some pain in hip so I’m thankful to my wonderful therapist. I’ve been on Anastrozole starting my 3rd year. One size fits all of these AIs is not right. Blessings to you.

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@bluebird70

Good morning All! I needed you this morning. I have struggled through the 3 AI’d and now Tamoxifen. I have been on Tamoxifen for a full 3 months and last week had such bad rib pain I discussed with onco and I am off for 2 weeks. 1 week later it is better but not totally gone. I am 71 had stage 1 BC grade 3, right mastectomy 18 months ago and no lymph nodes, onco type score of 51, so have a high percentage of recurrence so had chemo. But I am so close to stopping these pills altogether. I struggle every day and go down rabbit holes I don’t need to go down but it is hard. Is the rib pain bone cancer??? Those types of holes. I read your comments and feel such a kindred spirit. Thank you all❤️❤️❤️

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Please remember you are there for us too! Thank you. If your rib, bone pain is persistent when off the AI, I would advocate for a bone scan but if it gets better……………Because of your recurrence risk, I would hate to think you gave up. But I would understand why. Have you tried walking a bit, is that an option for you?

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If able to walk, if having hip pain, walking is good. I try to walk 2+ miles each day. One thing that helps me with hip pain is to put a rolled towel on the opposite hip with pain just on your glute bun and relax like that for about 2 minutes. I think it takes pressure off the hip with pain. Sometimes when we have pain we tighten our muscles cuz we have pain. This exercise allows some relaxation. I’m not a therapist or anything. Just what works for me. A suggestion. It may help. I know bone pain is ‘bone’ but different things help. I try them all. 🙏🏼

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@sequoia

If able to walk, if having hip pain, walking is good. I try to walk 2+ miles each day. One thing that helps me with hip pain is to put a rolled towel on the opposite hip with pain just on your glute bun and relax like that for about 2 minutes. I think it takes pressure off the hip with pain. Sometimes when we have pain we tighten our muscles cuz we have pain. This exercise allows some relaxation. I’m not a therapist or anything. Just what works for me. A suggestion. It may help. I know bone pain is ‘bone’ but different things help. I try them all. 🙏🏼

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Love this 🙄🙄

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Thank you all! I actually went to a chiropractor today and we discussed a plan. Had my first manipulation and am booked for Monday. They have massage, phsiotherapy and acupuncture so we will decide what will benefit me. I have a GP appt for Tuesday and want to discuss the rib pain in more detail. By the time I speak to the onco on Friday (2 weeks from stopping the Tamoxifen) he will know that I am taking this seriously. I don’t want to stop the Tamoxifen altogether but I need a plan to manage it. So we will see. One day at a time. Yes and I need to start walking again😁😁

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@bluebird70

Thank you all! I actually went to a chiropractor today and we discussed a plan. Had my first manipulation and am booked for Monday. They have massage, phsiotherapy and acupuncture so we will decide what will benefit me. I have a GP appt for Tuesday and want to discuss the rib pain in more detail. By the time I speak to the onco on Friday (2 weeks from stopping the Tamoxifen) he will know that I am taking this seriously. I don’t want to stop the Tamoxifen altogether but I need a plan to manage it. So we will see. One day at a time. Yes and I need to start walking again😁😁

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Yes, I agree that walking is good, and generally will help with the hip pain. I’ve been walking 2 miles/day, 5 to 6 days/week, for over 20 years. However, on some days it takes a lot of toughing it out, because sometimes it takes more than 1/2 mile for the hip pain to get even slightly less. So I’m still walking, but at times panting just to deal with the stabbing pain. But - on the bright side - about 1 or 2 days per week I’m pretty much ok. OTC pain relievers have never done much for me, and with a time line of 5 years of AI I don’t consider them a viable long term solution.

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@bluebird70

Good morning All! I needed you this morning. I have struggled through the 3 AI’d and now Tamoxifen. I have been on Tamoxifen for a full 3 months and last week had such bad rib pain I discussed with onco and I am off for 2 weeks. 1 week later it is better but not totally gone. I am 71 had stage 1 BC grade 3, right mastectomy 18 months ago and no lymph nodes, onco type score of 51, so have a high percentage of recurrence so had chemo. But I am so close to stopping these pills altogether. I struggle every day and go down rabbit holes I don’t need to go down but it is hard. Is the rib pain bone cancer??? Those types of holes. I read your comments and feel such a kindred spirit. Thank you all❤️❤️❤️

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I’m so very sorry that you are in such pain. It is impossible not to worry that the pain you feel is cancer. I have been on 2 of the AI in the past 2 years. My pain comes and goes. I take ibuprofen during the daytime if it’s too much and to sleep I take melatonin and two Celebrex. Right now it is working🤗. When I was feeling overly concerned as soon as I got out of bed I would place my hand on my heart and say some positive affirmations to myself. After a week or two I truly started feeling happier. Good luck to you and everyone here!

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Thank you so much. I needed that❤️❤️❤️

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I dont trust these medications or the Mammograms.

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@nanato6

Thank you for your advice and kind words. It’s great to connect with people who are traveling the same path. There just seems to be so little research for early stage non- invasive cancer, but you are right best to try it.

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I find it odd that theirs no research for those stage 1 or less who opted not to take these meds. I just had mastectomy as well, stage 1 no lymph involvement and stopped with that. So i ask, "Where are the survival rates for those who chose this path?"

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