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Aromatase Inhibitors: Did you decide to go on them or not?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 12, 2023 | Replies (1190)Comment receiving replies
I feel I’m in a similar position as you I’m scheduled for a lumpectomy on Friday, followed by radiation and then anti-hormone meds. I had a spinal fusion nine months ago and a knee replacement two years ago. I”lol be 68 in July. Menopause was horrible for me. I admit, I am very confused and scared.
Replies to "I feel I’m in a similar position as you I’m scheduled for a lumpectomy on Friday,..."
I have been on anastrazole (+ Verzenio) for 8 weeks. This is pretty new (and mostly scary for me), too. I have not seen any side effects from anastrazole yet. I was pre-menopausal so they stopped it (with Zoladex) , too. Taking a walk helps me relieve stress and takes my mind away from it. I bake muffins, cakes etc. and be happy if they turn out good -mostly give them to my kids and friends. There's a lot of confusion on my side so cannot offer much help. Be strong.
The surgery was pretty easy and I was scared out of my mind going in as I had never had general anesthesia. I also did 4 weeks of radiation which left my breast tender. But 3 months out it’s pretty normal. I may have been a little fatigued at end of radiation. Not so much that I didn’t break my leg skiing and in combination with Tamoxifen which I felt pretty good on developed a blood clot. So now 5 weeks into Femara. Most noted SE is vaginal dryness. I helped my sister in law through hospice at 61 with similar diagnosis who didn’t take the drugs. So I’m trying to avoid worrying about every side effect. I will be 59 next week. My aunt was 101 this week I want to be like her.
@jaynep, wishing you all the best for your upcoming surgery. You might find some tips helpful in these related discussions:
- Advice on Taking Care of a Spouse after a Mastectomy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/advice-on-taking-care-of-a-spouse-after-a-mastectomy/ (I know you're having a lumpectomy, but there's still some good stuff here.
- Exercise and Physical Activity after Breast Cancer Surgery https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/exercise-and-physical-activity-after-breast-cancer-surgery/
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It is a scary time to be facing, but you will get through this. Think of all the trials you have been through in your life. Then realize you have conquered them all and survived.
I would also remind you that the few voices you read the most are only a tiny percentage of the people who have taken endocrine therapy. I took anastrazole for more than 5 years after 5 of tamoxifen. There were side effects and I look in the mirror and go “wow, I look way older than my years” but none of the side effects were so bad that I quit. Many women have little or no side effects from these drugs.
Deciding to take them or not should be an individual decision based on the best information about your cancer, and not on someone else’s side effects.