Aromatase Inhibitors: Did you decide to go on them or not?

I saw an article the other day where some oncologists are also recommending against post-lumpectomy radiation for women over 60 who had early stage cancers excised.

There is a lot of reexamining possible 'over-treatment' of early-stage cancers now that more are being detected. At least among older women whose breast cancers are often less aggressive and slower-growing than the same cancer in a younger woman. [And then, on a more cynical note, insurance companies save money. There's a lot of policy pressure to spend less on elder health in general. ]

Hello,
I see this post is from 2019.
But if you get this ,I’d like to know how every 3rd day taking the AI worked. And if you had less side effects.

I too would like to know how that regimen works!

Me three!

Here is a page from Mayo in my inbox today. There is many discussions about these drugs, this one seems to be dedicated to help and information. So I just wanted to post it here.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/hormone-therapy-for-breast-cancer/about/pac-20384943?mc_id=us&utm_source=pes&utm_medium=e&utm_content=engagement&utm_campaign=mayoclinic&geo=national&placementsite=enterprise&invsrc=patloy&cauid=122853
Does this information help with the decision making process?

I just popped in here before getting ready for work.
I was wondering about taking these pills every other or every 2 days..
Do you have any information on that?
I see the question was raised here before but right now I can’t find it.
Thank you and have a good day:)

I know there has been a few discussions about this and most doctors seem to have been open to it. These drugs have an optimal dose but not everyone can tolerate it. The side effects that are directly caused by the lack of circulating hormones would probably remain, but drug effects might be lessened.
Are you taking one of these drugs now? Are you comfortable having this discussion with your doctor?

Hi,
I do understand if at a lower dose it blocks the estrogen that side effects would be the same.
Just really curious as to why we would put more of a drug in our system than it needs.
I would think taking excess of any drug isn’t necessary or good for us and that in itself could cause side effects.
Example:
When I have allergies I take a pill. One works. Why would I take 2 or 3.
If I have a migraine and one pill works. Why would I take 2 or 3?
I really am just trying to understand.
I may be way off with my way of thinking.
That’s why I ask these things.
Doctor don’t really want to get into details.
Just the facts ma’am (Joe Friday) Maybe some of you remember him:)
Thank you for your reply.
I do appreciate it.

Just a thought. My son’s mother in law had a lumpectomy before I had my BC. She had radiation and her oncotype score was in the middle so she also did chemo. She was still working at a job she loved but was nearing 70. When she couldn’t tolerate the Arimidex, she was switched to Tamoxifen. She told me that drug is not without its own side effects (I know that transvaginal/pelvic ultrasound were preventative measures). But she did well and her bones are better than ever because Tamoxifen helps apparently?

Optimal dosing means just that. It means that in order to get the optimal benefit, this is the dose.
Here is an example; my husband has multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer. He just started Revlomid, Ninlaro, and Dexamethasone. The optimal dose is 25mg, 4mg, 40mg. But there are reduced dosing options that are also effective in “most” cases. My friend has kidney disease and she takes a much lower dose of revlomid. It is still effective but works much slower.
Does this help you understand why one does is recommended but lower dose might be effective?