Aromatase Inhibitors: How to choose and manage side effects?

Hello
I was diagnosed in May 2023 with stage 1 her+.
I had a lumpectomy and radiation. I had my first post treatment MRI in march of 2024. Also the required mammogram and ultrasound. The mammogram I had 8 months before being diagnosed missed my tumor so I have no faith in mammograms! I was clear with all 3!
As for the AI’s… I have tried all 3. The asnastrozole triggered carpal/cubital tunnel so I’ve had bilateral surgeries for that. The letrozole gave me such terrible brain fog and vertigo that I was on the point of being housebound. Tried exemestane it affected my optic nerves and made my hands so stiff they were claw like.
I’ve discussed tamoxifen with my oncologist and my general practitioner. They have left the decision up to me. Surveillance only or drugs with surveillance. My GP had advised me not to take the tamoxifen based on my history of side effects. The possibility of blood clots with tamoxifen has made me decide not to take that one as well.
I am due for my annual MRI in March 10 2025. I am counting the days for peace of mind! Praying and positive energy!
Blessings to all of you during our struggles mental and physical.
We have no idea what the chemicals in these drugs are doing inside our bodies. Let me add, I am very mindful of my environment including diet and exercise. I am using every cell of my body and spirit to fight this battle and winning! 💪
All my love to you. Peace my friends ❤️

Hi
I was diagnosed Oct 2023 er/pr + her 2 neg
Had a lumpectomy and radiation. Finished treatment apr 2 2024.
I did 2 wks of tamoxifen then had a discussion with my drs . Decided to not take anything. I am cancer free as of my 1st mammo post surgery. See my drs every 6 mths. The side effects from those ai drugs are debilitating. It's a personal decision. Do what your gut says. Good luck

I am 74 also with an Onco score of 11. I did have radiation with no problems but refuse anything else based on your last sentence.
Good luck to us for 20 more years of living!

After Anastrozole did not agree with me, I too, am on Exemestane every other day. So far, so good. 9 months and counting. Hair thinning and occasional joint aches. But not like Anastrozole where I had no energy, and joint pain.

One thing I have learned, that I didn’t anticipate…was that I can make changes as I go into different stages of healing. I’m on my 3rd type of AI medicine, and after talking quite openly about the emotional/psychological changes in the first two on me, he and I came up with a plan to take a pause for a week, then try Exemestane every other day. What a difference! I know I can pause, I can propose, as I go along. I listen to my back pain, and odd feet/heel pain, and take more time resting. In other words, worrying ahead hasn’t helped me as much as noticing as I go along, and communicating it. I hope that eases those who get anxious (as I do!)…looking forward or reading too much.

I think that you are being very proactive in determining your best future. I am 72 and just had a lumpectomy a week ago. While my lesion was much larger than yours, the margins are clean with 3mm clear. I found the PREDICT algorithm posted elsewhere on this site and using it, I have also decided that further treatment would be more detrimental than I can tolerate.

Hello
I am on anastrozole. Started Aug of 2022. With little side effects. I do take my medication right after dinner so it helps with hot flashes, and helps me sleep. A little stiff in the morning but not too bad.

I have always had weight issues… just chubby - I would have to say possibly- if that makes sense. I gained about 5-10 pounds during treatments. And currently stay there or 5 lbs more. Hope that helps. I honestly haven’t worked on losing weight. I am currently eating very healthy.

Is the Exemestane causing you any weight gain?

I can deal pretty much with everything BUT the weight gain. It all settles right in my stomach, which is where I always gain. It really makes me uncomfortable.