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Letrozole and checking estrogen levels
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Aug 8 5:47pm | Replies (93)Comment receiving replies
Thank you. I was told that I would be seeing the Oncologist every six months, if I was taking the AI. She does a physical exam of the chest area and palpates, I assume looking for lumps? My cancer was lobular which I am told does not organize as a lump, but I have no breast tissue in that area, so I'm not sure what the palpation is for. They offered me exemestane. So far I have chosen not to start taking it. I had a heart attack before they found breast cancer. And my bone scan showed osteopenia. My mother died from falling and fracturing her hip. It was a very long and painful death. I want to avoid that experience if I can, and I want to keep my arteries strong. I have not made an appointment with an integrative or naturopathic oncologist yet. I am looking for one I can afford, and I may have to change my medicare advantage plan.
Hoping for the best for you, as well.
Replies to "Thank you. I was told that I would be seeing the Oncologist every six months, if..."
Hi ssalget:
As your post is from Oct. 2022, were you able to get an Integrative Oncologist? Would they be in place of a Medical Oncologist?
How are your bones and have you started an AI at any point?
What are you doing for bone health?
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I started an AI with osteoporosis that had been present for 7 years. I did not have osteopenia; I had osteoporosis that was somewhat advanced. My docs did not want to give me Reclast due to afib but that factor has since been debunked. I got through 5 years without fracture. My bone density went down the first year rather abruptly similar to menopause, and then the loss eased up. (I fractured three years after finishing, but could have done Tymlos earlier).
Choleslterol for me did not worsen on the meds. Everyone is different. I felt it was worth trying the meds and stayed on them for 5 years. The Breast Cancer Index done at year 5 indicated no further benefit for years 5-10.