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

Glad you caught the cancer early. I had a stage 0 LCIS which 2 years later became a Stage One. Because the Lobular is trickier, I opted to have a bi lateral mastectomy so I wouldn't have to go through all the constant testing and worry. All that said......I tried the aromatase drugs (Letrozole and Arimidex) and had ALL the side effects (just lucky I guess) and opted not to use them......at Stage 0 and again at Stage 1. BUT, I think I am the exception. I can't tolerate most drugs. There are lots of people who do tolerate them pretty well. I was 56 when I was first diagnosed and am 61 now. I opted for feeling better most of the time vs. the drugs, but why not try them, see how you feel on them and take it from there. I tried 2 different ones and the Letrozole was better than the Arimidex for me. Everyone is different. I wish I could have tolerated them because perhaps it would have stopped my cancer from advancing to a Stage 1 ultimately. If they make you feel bad you can always quit them. If they are tolerable....perhaps you won't have the cancer again???? There are so many tough decisions to make at a time when you are least emotionally able to make them, so hugs to you.

I was diagnosed with DCIS, stage 1. I had a lumpectomy in August of 2017 plus radiation and have been on Arimidex ever since ( a year and a half now.) There was no cancer in the lobe and my surgeon said I had the smallest cancer she had ever seen. My question is Do I really need to take the Arimidex since my hair is falling out? I am afraid I will have to wear a wig if I take it for the recommended five years.

Nanato6~
I was just wondering what your final decision was with the advise of your oncologist on taking an aromatase inhibitor. I am close to 72 and I have been on Letrozole for 2 years. My Oncologist just took me off of it for 30 days to give me a “break”. My joint pain has increased steadily the past 8 months. I had arthritis when I was diagnosed and I have read that A I side effects are worse when you already suffer. Tylenol & Aleve really do not cut the pain. I used to work out 3-6 days a week, walk daily, & bike. Now I read, do art and try not to move.....ahhhh! My Oncologist suggested I start on Tamoxifen to replace the Letrozole. It has it’s own set of bone pain issues.
Thank you for sharing what your final decision.

Any tips for time of day to take tamoxifen? Morning or night? With or without food? My goal is to mitigate potential side effects as much as possible without resorting to other medications.

Quality of life is a piece of cake with Tomoxifen . Some oncologists are in the dark ages and will not prescribe Tomoxifen for post menopausal women. They are dumb

Both radiation and anastrozole cause heart problems . My dr never told me that but my cardiologist did

I'll be interested to know the responses to this post.

With milk or meat, etc, can you provide a typical’s days Meals? What supplements do you take?