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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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Sep 27, 2021
In reply to @rbaltzley "I find it odd that theirs no research for those stage 1 or less who opted..." + (show)
@rbaltzley

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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It is quite individual, there is research studies on specific populations.
This would be driven by an onco dx score, and cancer type, grade, age, etc. A cancer that is fed by estrogen will thrive in an estrogen rich environment. Endocrine treatment is definitely an individual decision. I hope you are willing to have a conversation with your doctor about this before you decide.

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1 reply
rbaltzley | @rbaltzley | Sep 27, 2021
In reply to @auntieoakley "It is quite individual, there is research studies on specific populations. This would be driven by..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

It is quite individual, there is research studies on specific populations.
This would be driven by an onco dx score, and cancer type, grade, age, etc. A cancer that is fed by estrogen will thrive in an estrogen rich environment. Endocrine treatment is definitely an individual decision. I hope you are willing to have a conversation with your doctor about this before you decide.

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I have and he suggested tamoxifen which I know is not as beneficial as an ai. Im 52 and choose to go through menopause naturally, I do believe then, my estrogen levels along with diet will be helpful

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Sep 27, 2021
In reply to @rbaltzley "I have and he suggested tamoxifen which I know is not as beneficial as an ai...." + (show)
@rbaltzley

I have and he suggested tamoxifen which I know is not as beneficial as an ai. Im 52 and choose to go through menopause naturally, I do believe then, my estrogen levels along with diet will be helpful

Jump to this post

Tamoxifen is a hormonal therapy. It is the oldest and most-prescribed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It sounds as if you have done your decision making already. It truly is an individual decision, everyone here makes the best decision they can and plans for the best. I hope your decision works exactly as you plan it. 😁

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1 reply
rbaltzley | @rbaltzley | Sep 27, 2021
In reply to @auntieoakley "Tamoxifen is a hormonal therapy. It is the oldest and most-prescribed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)...." + (show)
@auntieoakley

Tamoxifen is a hormonal therapy. It is the oldest and most-prescribed selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It sounds as if you have done your decision making already. It truly is an individual decision, everyone here makes the best decision they can and plans for the best. I hope your decision works exactly as you plan it. 😁

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Thanks 15 years beaten

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shells555 | @shells555 | Sep 28, 2021
In reply to @bluebird70 "Good morning All! I needed you this morning. I have struggled through the 3 AI’d and..." + (show)
@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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Hi I’m on Letrozole and doing well. I actually have very minimal side effects. It is also an AI so maybe you should talk to oncologist about changing pills.
Good luck…

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2 replies
windyshores | @windyshores | Sep 28, 2021
In reply to @rbaltzley "I find it odd that theirs no research for those stage 1 or less who opted..." + (show)
@rbaltzley

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?"

Jump to this post

Did you have an Oncotyype done? Your risk is double without the meds, so you can do the math. That was researched.

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2 replies
addieg | @addieg | Sep 28, 2021
In reply to @shells555 "Hi I’m on Letrozole and doing well. I actually have very minimal side effects. It is..." + (show)
@shells555

Hi I’m on Letrozole and doing well. I actually have very minimal side effects. It is also an AI so maybe you should talk to oncologist about changing pills.
Good luck…

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I agree it is a personal choice. I was on Letrozole and had horrible pain after a couple of months. I am currently off of everything and will discuss another AI with oncology and see what they say. I was on Tamoxifen for a year and a half and had not issues with that. So it is all an individual experience.

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bluebird70 | @bluebird70 | Sep 28, 2021
In reply to @shells555 "Hi I’m on Letrozole and doing well. I actually have very minimal side effects. It is..." + (show)
@shells555

Hi I’m on Letrozole and doing well. I actually have very minimal side effects. It is also an AI so maybe you should talk to oncologist about changing pills.
Good luck…

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Thank you. I haven on all of them. The Tamoxifen is my last resort.

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rbaltzley | @rbaltzley | Sep 28, 2021
In reply to @windyshores "Did you have an Oncotyype done? Your risk is double without the meds, so you can..." + (show)
@windyshores

Did you have an Oncotyype done? Your risk is double without the meds, so you can do the math. That was researched.

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Mine was 12, but I dont believe thats true that it is doubled.

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1 reply
Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Sep 29, 2021
In reply to @windyshores "Did you have an Oncotyype done? Your risk is double without the meds, so you can..." + (show)
@windyshores

Did you have an Oncotyype done? Your risk is double without the meds, so you can do the math. That was researched.

Jump to this post

Thank you for confirming the research. There has been a lot of research on aromatase inhibitors, thankfully. I personally took two. Tamoxifen and anastrazole.
@rbaltzley if you are interested in reading any, here is a list. I don’t disagree with not taking it, I believe everyone should make their own choices about treatments. I do disagree with misinforming about there not being any research, as this could interfere with someone else making an informed decision. I hope you understand.

https://www.komen.org/breast-cancer/facts-statistics/research-studies/topics/aromatase-inhibitors-for-early-breast-cancer/
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