The test that considers 5% risk of recurrence high is a different test from the OncotypeDX that I took that yielded a 3% risk of recurrence if I took AIs, meaning 5% if I did not. They are different tests, measuring different things and using differing statistical models. I don't want to confuse people about this.
The current thinking is that the rate of bone loss, from osteopenia to osteoporosis, while on aromatase inhibitors is faster than from osteoporosis to worse osteoporosis according to my endocrinologist who was recruited to Cleveland Clinic from the NIH where he worked on bone loss studies.
There are two issues at play; 1) the effect of estrogen depletion on bone density (and other things) and 2) the process by which aromatase inhibitors accomplish this.
The latter, with the accompanying side effects, which cause over 50% of women to discontinue the drug prematurely, is why research scientists are working to develop less toxic
Can you cite that 50% figure for the number of folks who go off AI's? I have 3 friends who did 5 years as did I, so I am curious on this.
I am still confused by the fact that your Oncotype score is higher (by one) than mine but risk is so much lower (half). If you talk to Genomic Health I hope you will share! It makes me wonder if they take stage or grade into account when interpreting a score.