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

@angele2times, did you try it yet?

@nanato6 I had stage 2 lobular cancer with no lymph node involvement. Along with the oncologist, I decided against hormone therapy due to my age, almost 80. I was also told that Tamoxifen was not given to postmenopausal women. I had 5 days of radiation, with no side effects or damage to the skin. I recently had a follow-up appointment with my surgeon. He said I would continue to have follow-ups with the breast clinic every 6 months and an annual mammogram. Good luck to you and all of us on this journey.

@callalloo thank you for posting about these studies. I’ve been on Letrozole for nearly a year & within the prior month have developed numbness/weakness in my thumb & pointer finger pincer grasp. Over the last two+ weeks this has evolved & worsened to a pain on the underside of my thumb to pain running through the connecting tendon to my finger & my thumb’s knuckle joint “sticking” or “popping.” I need to update my oncologist of the new developments.

@brooklyn22no I wasn't on anything from 1998 to 2025. Yes, the cancer did return after 26 years. I had a lumpectomy and lots of radiation inn 1998. That seemed to have worked and something radically changed, and I don't know what. I walk everyday, and go to the gym twice per week. I left weights which I really enjoy. Why do you ask?

@angele2times hi I just read your reply if I may ask were you on tamoxifen or anything ? And then the cancer returned after 26 yrs?

Just found info on *AGEs, which accumulate in tendons and fibers as we age causing stiffness and pain. I went further requesting correlation between AGEs intake and the issues AI users have with tendons, collagen, and musculoskeletal pain. My thinking: by managing AGEs intake you may be able to reduce some of the side effects - although this will definitely not eliminate side effects.

“It is biologically plausible that lowering dietary AGEs could be beneficial for connective tissues given the associations between AGE burden and tendon degeneration, but there is no direct research linking low‑AGE diets to prevention or treatment of aromatase‑inhibitor–related arthralgia or tendinopathy in the current material.”

Unfortunately the correlation between AGEs and AI has not been researched. Which probably means there is no financial benefit in researching this topic and/or the population served is low on the research hierarchy.
But if I were taking an AI (I’m on tamoxifen) I would maybe try a low AGEs diet just to see if it reduced aches and pain in joints.

*AGEs: Advanced Glycation End Products
One example is the burnt edges of grilled meats, or excessive browning of sugar on baked/roasted food. Lots on info on the web on AGEs.

Everyone makes their own choice. I will pray for you, but you understand God makes this decision for us. He can not keep us from earthly things. I have to ask you one question?> Do you think you work here,is done?
I never heard of pinkwashing , But I just read today that Creatine helps with neuropathy, muscles, bones, and cancer. And cancer from recurring. I don't have the website address available to me yet. But, when I do, I will send it to you. I was on Creatine for a long time, I felt good and no bone aches. PLUS I checked it out with my Oncologist and she said she was using it!! So, I know I am safe in telling you this. It comes in powder format,
100"% Monohydrate . Walmart sells it and so does CVS. This will help you. I know this!! I respect you, in your decision, and you are a tad older than me. But, my work is not done here. Good luck and I will add you to my prayer list!! Perhaps it will make your journey easier.

@angele2times DCIS in 2002, now ILC, mastectomy tomorrow. After researching/discussing/praying/
etc, I told my doc nothing more after tomorrow. I’m 80 and have no plans to live forever, But I respect you for your decisions and hope for the very best for you!
Ever heard of “pinkwashing”? Google it…

Thanks.

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@angele2times So, so sorry to read this! i believe we need more women in the medical and pharmaceutical fields working towards solutions fo Breast Cancer! Take care of yourself and be your best advocate!