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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, too am concerned about taking Letrozole. I finished my treatment (surgery and 5day rad), in November ‘22. My oncologist has vehemently recommended the AI prior to treatment during consultation and this week during post exam. She actually said my cancer may “come back a stage 4”. without the AI. My cancer was caught early, stage 1, low grade and small tumor. I opted for the radiation instead of the pills, but now the oncologist is insisting. I have osteopenia, am 74 and don’t historically do well with meds.
As a footnote, 30 years ago my OBGYN prescribed PremPro to help me during early menopause, which contributed to my cancer. Now, another expert wants me to take another pill to “help” me. I’m very wary…has anyone declined the AI? Anyone had a recurrence?
Replies to "I, too am concerned about taking Letrozole. I finished my treatment (surgery and 5day rad), in..."
My experience. Diagnosed with MBC 12/21 at72 years of age. Spread to bones. Took Letrozole 2/1/22 through early June 22. Refused Zometa. Feb. 22 had 5 sessions radiation to C-3 vertebrae. Took Ribociclib for a few weeks in March April 22 which caused problems. Refused to continue Ribociclib. May 31 and September 19 had clear scans. No cancer meds between scans or after. Oncologist recommended returning to Letrozole in October which I refused. I will have a full body PET scan and probably CAT scan in May 23. The worst part of this experience and the only time I was physically ill was August through October because of the side effects of the remedy for the side effects of Ribociclib.
Good luck with your decision.
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@elliej what was your Oncotype? That generally guides treatment, and can sometimes conflict withi nfo from traditional pathology. If your oncologist made that comment, that might mean your ER was high but your risk was too. I cannot comment on that comment but it would help us here to know your Oncotype Dx score.
I and several of my friends took letrozole or anastrazole without signficant side effects. I found if I walked more than 20 minutes, joint pain was better. I already had osteoporosis but still took letrozole for 5 years. I am not on Tymlos for bones and much stronger. It has been 8 years since my cancer.
I would hope you would at least try an AI, and give it a chance, because side effects may ease over time as the body adjusts. Most forum posts are negative but they may not reflect real world experiences.