Hi,EVERYONE’s decision is so personal. Here’s where I am right now unless things change after radiation. I have agreed to radiation and am about to begin 15 treatments next week but have decided against the anastrozole because of the horrible and extensive list of “common/less common” side effects. I had DCIS-Paget’s stage 0 with no lymph involvement and it was not invasive. The pathology was 3.2 cm and that’s what made me decide to do radiation . According to my radiation oncologist 2.0 cm pathology is a “maybe yes radiation or possibly wait and monitor,” 2.5 cm pathology, is “recommended radiation” and 3.2 pathology is a “yes you need radiation “ so the pathology was the decision maker for me. Initially I was going to refuse radiation and TRY medication. Surgery was 5 weeks ago and was a breeze- No pain or problems afterwards and I was out walking the next day and I’ve been riding my bike, hiking, yoga and gardening for the last month. I’m healthy, strong and do not want to take the medicine especially since there no guarantees of return with taking it ( or the radiation for that matter) but I’ve been told that the radiation alone will lower the risk enough % to make worth doing it . I’m a very active and healthy 70 yr old woman and am willing to take the risk of it returning. If it were to return ( I don’t think it will) I will deal with that down the road. The quality of whatever life I have left is the most important to me however long that will be. My medical oncologist supports my decision although of course she suggested I “try” med and see if I have side effects and I can discontinue if I feel badly. I think I’ve only read 1 or 2 positive comments on this site about medication and HUNDREDS of reports of negative side effects. Also the girlfriends I know who take or have taken anastrozole all struggle with the side effects and feel sick, weak and exhausted . I’ve lived a great life so far and still have many more adventures to explore.
Check out the “common” and “less common “ side effects on this Mayo Clinic website . That list is daunting and doesn’t feel right for me at all. I’m listening to my gut on this and have been at peace since I made the decision be it right or wrong… it’s all such a personal decision and every cancer diagnosis is truly unique. Keep me updated on what you decide to do . Listen to your inner voice. Be well