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

For what it's worth, i looked at my OncotypeDX report and the risk isn't half of the score. The Recurrence Score (RX) Result is 9. And the Distant Recurrence Risk at 9 Years is 3% [if I take Tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor]. The oncologists I saw say that the current thinking is that the meds can reduce the recurrence rate, all other things being equal, by about 42%. That would make the 3% risk a 5% risk if I do not take Tamoxifen or AIs. Nothing about this BC journey is certain but I'm hoping Oncotype is correct or errs to the conservative on this.

Do you mean your Oncotype score was 4 with anastrazole? So the score itself was 8? That is a very low score, relatively low risk. What was the grade of your cancer, and any lymph nodes positive, or lymphovascular invasion?

That is quite a list of possible side effects. I believe the lipid rise is a known side effect. Do you think there are any other possible explanations for other side effects? Blood pressure is very variable anyway...

I wonder if you could switch to Femara, or switch brands, or take a half dose or alternate days. The package insert for Femara cites a study showing that 20% of the recommended dose is effective. My doc okayed a half dose (alternate days) but I stayed on a full dose.

I hope the monitoring is helpful. Regardless of cause, your symptoms sound scary and monitors are sometimes reassuring and in any case will tell you what is going on.

I'm so sorry to read about what you're going through. I chose not to take an aromatase inhibitor in part because I have the genetic marker for, and a nuclear family full of, heart disease. However, I question you doctor's thinking that a static could not work. My former (great) cardiologist invented the calcium store and has patients in their 90s who had their first heart attack in their thirties and are alive and active today. Please do search out some more proactive physicians. I had to do it after moving to a new area but it was worth it. I've had high cholesterol for a zillion years but the echocardiagram of someone decades younger. And I cannot take statins. The human body is complicated and fascinating and isolating a variable here and another there does not tell the whole story. Best wishes in getting a new medical team to work with you.

I'm so sorry to read about what you're going through. I chose not to take an aromatase inhibitor in part because I have the genetic marker for, and a nuclear family full of, heart disease. However, I question you doctor's thinking that a static could not work. My former (great) cardiologist invented the calcium store and has patients in their 90s who had their first heart attack in their thirties and are alive and active today. Please do search out some more proactive physicians. I had to do it after moving to a new area but it was worth it. I've had high cholesterol for a zillion years but the echocardiagram of someone decades younger. And I cannot take statins. The human body is complicated and fascinating and isolating a variable here and another there does not tell the whole story. Best wishes in getting a new medical team to work with you.

I have been on Anastrozle for 6 months and was congratulating myself on lack of significant problems when that all changed 1 month ago. It slowly began with minor dizziness and rapidly accelerated to a doze or many more times a day when I feel as if I will blackout. Occasionally, my heart feel like it is pounding in my chest. I should relate that I am 77 and util My BC diagnosis, was blessed to have great health and was not on any medication. I went to my GP a week ago and requested a Lipid profile. My last was 2 years ago and excellent numbers. No longer; LDDL nearly 250. BP 149 over 99. Seven months ago 130 over 80. For years i have weighed between 102 and 106. Now gaining weight at almost 2 pounds a month. I related to my oncologist my concern about taking this drug. While I did not have heart problem, I related that my son died of a massive heart at age 54; my mother also died in her sleep at age 61, my mother’s brother had his first heart attack at age 39 and the list I gave him goes on. My GP said she could write me a prescription for a statin; however, there is no evidence to suggest at my age it would help. I have an appointment in 2 weeks to receive a heart monitor to wear for 2 days. Results will take 2 weeks. I have not contacted my oncologist. I am thinking of visit a different oncologist, a cardiologist and a doctor of geriatric medicine because my current doc is huge on the med. I forgot to mention having hot flashes, which seem more intense but not more frequent.
My ANCO score is 4 with Anastrozle therapy. From the beginning of taking the drug, I was aware it could cause heart problems in elderly patients with a history of familial heart disease. I am extremely upset that the many years I worked very hard to stay heart healthy have been all for nothing after only 6 months on Anastrozle, if that is indeed the case. There is little study done on this in the aged. Thanks to every one for posting; every comment has been helpful.

To clarify for you, the grade 2 refers to the s phase, or how many cells are reproducing at any given time within a tumor. This would be middle of the road, 1 being the least aggressive and 3 being the most aggressive reproduction in cells.
The 1a or 1b would be the stage of your cancer, this refers to how advanced it was, with stage 0 being in situ or encapsulated. Stage 1 would refer to a tumor 1cm or smaller with no node involvement. Definitely a preferable stage. Stage 4 being the worst meaning metastatic disease.
@windyshores is awesome at helping to decipher the tests. I am so glad she is here for all of us.
I agree with her and others about having a conversation about your endocrine therapy with your doctor. There are quite a few options that could be considered.

Did the woman who ate the dried plums mention why they help or hopefully do? I've read about all the major anti-resorptive drugs and the side effects are worrisome. I'm hoping that healthier diet and post-lockdown return to gym will stave off loss of bone density. My oncologist did ask if people in my immediate family suffered broken bones, wrists, etc., beyond things like sports injuries and the usual childhood stuff as genetics play a part. And stressed any activity that can help one's balance, e.g., yoga or tai chi.

Do you mean your Oncotype score was 4 with anastrazole? So the score itself was 8? That is a very low score, relatively low risk. What was the grade of your cancer, and any lymph nodes positive, or lymphovascular invasion?

That is quite a list of possible side effects. I believe the lipid rise is a known side effect. Do you think there are any other possible explanations for other side effects? Blood pressure is very variable anyway...

I wonder if you could switch to Femara, or switch brands, or take a half dose or alternate days. The package insert for Femara cites a study showing that 20% of the recommended dose is effective. My doc okayed a half dose (alternate days) but I stayed on a full dose.

I hope the monitoring is helpful. Regardless of cause, your symptoms sound scary and monitors are sometimes reassuring and in any case will tell you what is going on.

Do you mean your Oncotype score was 4 with anastrazole? So the score itself was 8? That is a very low score, relatively low risk. What was the grade of your cancer, and any lymph nodes positive, or lymphovascular invasion?

That is quite a list of possible side effects. I believe the lipid rise is a known side effect. Do you think there are any other possible explanations for other side effects? Blood pressure is very variable anyway...

I wonder if you could switch to Femara, or switch brands, or take a half dose or alternate days. The package insert for Femara cites a study showing that 20% of the recommended dose is effective. My doc okayed a half dose (alternate days) but I stayed on a full dose.

I hope the monitoring is helpful. Regardless of cause, your symptoms sound scary and monitors are sometimes reassuring and in any case will tell you what is going on.