1. < Breast Cancer
Profile picture for lj22

Any long-term success stories from those NOT taking hormone therapy?

Posted by lj22 @lj22, Mar 30, 2025

Hello all, I'm fairly new to this forum. Have previously described my case, early 60's, Stage 1, HR +, Her2-, lumpectomy and now radiation. Soon, I'll need to make a decision about whether to take hormone therapy. I've ruled out Tamoxifen, and if AI (Anastrozole), I would need Zometa due to osteopenia. I am otherwise healthy and take no other daily meds. I am also looking into natural AI's in foods and supplements. (Have reviewed Predict model, showing relatively high survival rates, but unclear on recurrence rates from his model.)

Anyone in a similar situation who has decided not to take AIs, and is doing well long term? Would like to hear your experiences. Many thanks. LJ

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

Profile picture for brightlight66
brightlight66 | @brightlight66 | Feb 8 7:14am
In reply to @mir123 "@songfamily2025 It's a good question but I have no clear answer. I'm guessing you are right..." + (show)
Profile picture for Miriam, Volunteer Mentor @mir123

@songfamily2025 It's a good question but I have no clear answer. I'm guessing you are right as regards ten years. With each passing year, my oncologist explained, my life expectancy looks better. The two year and then the five year mark both bode well. I don't mind being on letrozole at all. My bone density is still normal. The truth is, I'm very grateful this drug is keeping me going. I'm almost 72, and other co-morbities have made me face mortality in a way that isn't bad at all. I'm really enjoying life, a day at a time. Wishing you all the best, too, in every arena.

Jump to this post

@mir123 Thank you for sharing that your bone density is still normal. I truly believed that everyone who took AI's lost bone density. I am on Anastrozole and worry about losing bone density and you have given me hope!
(Dexa scheduled for July 2026)

REPLY
Profile picture for brooklyn22
brooklyn22 | @brooklyn22 | Feb 8 6:54pm

@chancyb Thank You for responding best of good luck great outcomes on our journeys!!

REPLY
Profile picture for brooklyn22
brooklyn22 | @brooklyn22 | Feb 8 6:59pm
In reply to @mir123 "@brooklyn22 I hope I can explain what I know. You should ask your oncologist for the..." + (show)
Profile picture for Miriam, Volunteer Mentor @mir123

@brooklyn22 I hope I can explain what I know. You should ask your oncologist for the percentage of risk reduction for the Aromatase Inhibitors with your specific cancer. Let's say there is a 50% improvement with the drugs. But then you need to know what you risk of recurrence/spread actually is. Let's say it is 2%, so the risk reduction is very minor. But if it is 80% the risk reduction could be critical. As I'm no doctor I don't know the exact answer--but your oncologist should provide you with the info you need. It will vary person by person. Also, consider if you re ok with starting an Aromatase Inhibitor and seeing how you do. (I think from your comments you have not yet started?) You can always start and then tell your oncologist you are stopping--or ask to try a different one. I gather about half of women have few or no problems. I've been on letrozole for 3 1/2 years without side effects and good cancer control. I hope you can get some peace mind with this decision. (I found decision making the hardest part, for me, of the process).

Jump to this post

@mir123 thank you! I’m still considering all facts - great for you no side effects!!! w letrozole good to see this.

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.