Aromatase Inhibitors: Did you decide to go on them or not?

@rosiebee

Your individual diagnosis should guide your decision. Opinions from others based on different factors should not influence your decision. AIs save lives. For those who have a high chance of recurrence the drugs significantly help reduce recurrence. But for patients who have a lower likelihood of recurrence the side effects may not be worth it. Work with your medical team to decide. There’s no way of knowing what any outcome will be when there are so many variables. Do what is right for you regardless of what others choose to do.

I did not take it. My BC was Stage 1 with a 1.1 cm lump. I received 28 days of raidation as well. Im happy to say that I'm 5 years out since I was diagnosed. I have bone issues as well. Good luck with your journey.

Hi, I am just joining today. It is recommended that I start with anastrozole after my radiation. So I have a few weeks (15 treatments) until I need to decide.
I was at the medical oncologist yesterday and I am trying to weigh the risk-benefits of the side effects.

In the long run is it worse to have the DCIS come back or have osteoporosis?

It doesn't make sense to me to be potentially miserable for the next 5 years for a chance of something that isn't life threatening returning.
Is anyone checking out natural ways to lower estrogen without the side effects?

Same decision for me! I had the radiation but have refused tha AIs. I will be 76 in December. Quality of life won out for me, as well. Good luck!

Yes, 22 years later.Original was IDC with + nodes, lumpectomy, chemo, radiation. It is back but in the other breast and that is considered a " new" cancer.

After a visit with my PCP, she validated what I have been thinking of for several months.
I am going with a new facility/breast cancer oncologist. At my last visit with the breast oncologist she really didn't address my concerns I wanted to discussed with her. She answered in basically one word sentences, didn't elaborate, referred me to other specialties and was sort of just staring at me. As if I was "too much" for her & acting wacky. At the end of our visit she simply said "well, if you want me to change your AI, I will" with no further discussion on such a change. Only "they all have the same side effects" and that was it. I told her I will let her know. My PCP was shocked at her interactions with me and recommended a new cancer care center.
Awaiting a new appointment/evaluation after this center receives all my medical records. I never felt I was getting the personalized medical attention that was called for - considering all my other serious health ailments.
When it doesn't work or "click" with your provider - just change. I know this is the right move. But just hoping my post mastectomy care will be better with new eyes. Best wishes for all.

Sending you love and hugs. I’ve been on anastrozole since 2021. I have my own wrist BP cuff. I take my own blood pressure at home. It’s normal if I’ve been deep breathing and sitting in my chair for 15 minutes—feet on the floor. It’s always high when I’m at my oncologist’s office. Having or having had BC and being concerned about recurrence is stressful every day! I long for the life I used to have.

As for headaches, my husband gets them. My chiropractor mentioned that headaches usually come from the neck and stress. (My husband worries about me.) I have my husband sit on a chair, and I stand behind him and press on pressure points on both sides of his neck and on each side of his spine down to his scapulas. I rub his tense scalp, and rub his neck and shoulders. His headache is always better and completely gone about fifteen minutes later. I wish I could do this for you❤️💕❤️

Anyone finished 5 years of Aromatase Inhibitors and the cancer returned?

All I’m seeing are side effects- have not read one person without any who take the lovely AI pill- I’m prob going to waste my time, would like to try and find a more natural A1 tht maybe has the least side effects if there is such a charm.- I have to make my decision based on facts if I will be taking g or not I am scheduled for radiation next week I’m 70 I had lumpectomy in July Stage 1 E&P pos, Her- Onco3 N nodes
I’m deciding.

BTW, according to American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), taking exemestane 3 times a week is non-inferior to taking every day.https://dailynews.ascopubs.org/do/reduced-dose-exemestane-noninferior-standard-daily-dose-postmenopausal-women-early-er
I think AIs are not only for prevention of cancer recurrence but also for prevention of metastasis because they starve rogue cancer cells in the blood.