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Diagnosed with DCIS: How do I decide on treatment?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Mar 20 10:00am | Replies (345)Comment receiving replies
I assume she meant whether to take an Aromatase Inhibitor or not. If you are ER+ and/or PR+ then this drug suppresses all hormones in your body, which were feeding your cancer. 40% of people have negative side effects from taking this pill. I have about 13 months left to take mine to hit my 5 year mark. My doctor talked about taking it for 10 years - but I discussed it at length with her and we decided I could stop at 5 years. I was on anastrozole for 12 months and suffered terrible joint pain - especially in my hands. I switched to Exemestane, which for me, has had less side effects. If you are pre-menopausal - they usually prescribe tamafoxin. Get all the information you need to make an informed decision on this. Good luck.
Replies to "I assume she meant whether to take an Aromatase Inhibitor or not. If you are ER+..."
The aromatase inhibitors do not "supress all hormones in your body" or people would die from taking them, given that there are hormones keeping us alive :‐).
Aromatase inhibitors block the production of estrogen. Thereby, depriving estrogen-fed cancer cells of their fuel, in a sense.
The current statistic cited is that aromatase inhibitors may cut the risk of recurrence of breast cancer by somewhere between 40-45%. That number does not apply to all breast cancers, some being much more aggressive, caught at a later stage, etc., so is a very rough "average."
Approximately 50% of the women who begin aromatase inhibitors discontinue taking them within the first five years for myriad reasons. Most who do, discontinue them within the first two years, usually because of side effects. This is known as the 'non-compliance issue' in the oncology world and several studies address it.
Google Scholar is a good search engine for research and studies related to the many facets of breast cancer treatment and recurrence stats.
The anti-hormone aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen are powerful drugs and saving some lives. I hope that anyone whose oncologist(s) recommend them try them and, if side effects are negligible and/or the drugs easily tolerated, stay on them for the extra security they can provide, depending upon the type of cancer one is dealing with.
For those taking aromatase inhibitors, please remember that estrogen helps feeds bone renewal, so these drugs require paying close attention to any effects on bones. A recent DEXA scan would be wise to have as a basis for monitoring any changes to bone density after from taking atomatase inhibitors so they can be addressed.
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Thank you so much for all this info and sharing your personal experience - I really appreciate it. Take care.