I was never able to take the hormone blocking drugs (tried 'em all) but I was post menopausal at the time of my bi lateral mastectomy and I do think that's a strong factor. I am close to 8 years from my surgery and no recurrence of cancer!! Very grateful. I will say that many of the drug side effects have happened over time anyway, gradually (joint pain, vaginal atrophy, hair loss, skin changes, etc). I guess those horrible maladies are inevitable? I spend a lot of my day patching up those conditions (sigh). I was also very lucky my cancer was Stage 1 when I found it the second time...so no chemo or radiation. It's a tough decision and a long road, but hang in there and take good care...........HUGS to you.