Conflicted on taking medication

I'm in the same boat. Pus, I'm overweight by nature and so hate how tamoxu makes it so difficult to lose weight

I am 72. I took Raloxifene and the only side effect I had was cold-sensitivity. That went away after a few months. I was taking it for my osteoporosis and DCIS. I had to quit it when my bone scans showed lower bone density.
Twelve years later, I was diagnosed with IDC. I had a mastectomy 4 weeks ago and will not need chemo. I am going to start anastrozole in a couple of days to prevent any further growth. I’ll be on that drug for 5 years.

Thank you for the information I know we all can react differently to these drugs
So glad you don’t need chemo
Wishing you the best

Thanks! You’re very right about individual reactions to treatments.

These anti hormone (estrogen) are prescribed to limit exposure to remaining breast cells. It’s a daily pill. Many women do not have bothersome side effects. If your doctor prescribes it I would suggest you try it and if it’s truly not something you can tolerate you can stop … also there are others you can try if need be.

I had mild joint discomfort mitigated by walking and yoga. After one year on Anastrozole my symptoms exacerbated … made no sense … so I scrutinized everything I was doing and realized that the pharmacy where I fill 3 mos. Script had changed manufacturer. After 2 mos. I took a one week vacay as suggested by oncologist and restarted with new script ( new pharmacy was able to order the original manufacturer) and my symptoms are back to mild and mitigatable .

I feel safer taking Anastrozole. I feel that it is protecting me from possible recurrence.

If you had an ONCOTYPE done on your tumor tissue the report will indicate recurrence risk with and without Aromatase inhibitor. Perhaps this can guide you.

Best to you and all of us on this unwanted journey. 🌸

@rabab101 I am supposed to start taking Tamoxifen after I do radiation and I am dreading it. What side effects made you so miserable? I’ve heard horror stories!

I had breast cancer 12mm @12:30 in left breast. Not in margins or lymph nodes. I have had hysterectomy ovaries and all. My oncotype score was 16. I did not have radiation. I am taking methetrixate plyquenil folic acid for swelling in hands. Swelling has subsided. My oncologist says no radiation. And does not think I have to take the hormone suppressor pill for 5 years. He said 8% chance of cancer reoccurring not taking suppessor pills and 4% if I take pills. Since I had a hysterectomy I think my chances of reoccurring is even lower. So I am thinking to not take pills. My doctor says the chance of reoccurring so low and the diff between is 4% more. Am I right in not taking pills ?

It’s definitely a very personal decision. I had 2 tumors with favorable ONCOTYPE so no benefit to chemo. Also no radiation. I feel safer taking the Anastrozole. Post menopausal ( either age or surgical) estrogen is created by the adrenal and adipose ( fat) through conversion of estradiol. These meds help block the conversion of estradiol to estrogen which these estrogen positive breast cancer cells need .

I feel safer on the hormone blocker in terms of mitigating recurrence but you may feel that it’s not for you. If you are on the fence why not try it.. so many women do not have side effects.

4% is VERY ATTRACTIVE

I refused all meds, radiation, chemo. My tumor was huge 94mm! Just had the double Mastectomy. Im 5 yrs. Cancer- free !