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

I had asked my Mayo oncologist to draw my baseline estradiol and estrone levels before starting hormonal drugs. I was told that this was not indicated. Having been on Exemestane for past 8 months with side effects I again asked if these levels could be drawn. I again was told no and was lead to believe that the current commercial test available for these levels was not accurate. This drug has been found to be efficacious at many levels. 25mg was dosage settled on. The issue is that none of us are the same size, age Nor do we all have the same medical issues. Lower doses have fewer side effects. What may be the correct dosage for me may be different for someone else. But the mantra is the adult medical world seems to be one size fits all. The other disappointment for me is that I would have expected to be given a questionnaire about the side effects since 40 to 50 percent of women quit therapy. Survey would include joint, gastrointestinal, estrogen loss (hair loss, brain fog, vaginal dryness, beard formation) , mental health (depression, anxiety, insomnia, suicidal thoughts), high blood pressure, change in lipid profile, and quality of life each time I saw the oncologist. I use to fill out surveys like this regarding the health of my children before the pediatrician stepped in. It allowed us to focus our discussion. Also, it would provide data to let women know if your this age, or this BMI, or have or do not have your ovaries, or are premenopausal or post menopausal you are at risk for certain side effects. I am a small person and I feel like I am being overdosed.

Finally, I and six of my friends and colleagues have been diagnosed with breast cancer this past year. We all have had surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. WE are now all on hormonal treatment. WE are not the same age, same tumor, or same medically, but everyone of us has experienced side effects. By nature I think most women do not complain or quit therapy, but would really like someone to listen and to find or offer solutions for these effects that can effect quality of life. Happy Thanksgiving to All!!

I ordered the turkey tail mushroom on Amazon. I'm excited about giving it a try!

Thanks. Found it! Have you watched Paul Stamets (YouTube) presentations on Turkey Tail Mushrooms (TTM) and their healing potential for breast cancer? Granted, we each must make our own choices and I certainly do NOT advocate for anyone to take supplemental non-prescribed herbs without first consulting your doctor. Let me also be clear that I've been including TTM ALONG WITH the bilateral lumpectomies, the radiation treatments, and, now, daily Letrozole.

How are you doing?

I hear you Katehanni. I just rescued a dog from Mexico 3 weeks ago. So this little guy is a survivor and so am I so we are working together to be strong. I am sure he gives me more then I give him but perhaps he thinks the same way🥰🥰🥰

I did 5 years and then did a Breast Cancer Index test that said there was no further benefit with extending meds to 7 or 10 years. I would have been comfortable doing 7, which some studies says is of the same benefit as 10, but I had osteoporosis before cancer and am prioritizing bone meds right now. One oncologist says I can do two years more of Femara in a year if I so choose.

@windyshores I’m so glad that your side effects are tolerable. Positive thoughts that that continues. How long has you been on med?

My oncologist was okay with alternate days and I had grade 3. Stage 1. I continued with daily full dose though because for me side effects were tolerable.

The VA website area to look in is called "whole health" and it mentions two of the mushrooms I was prescribed which are turkey tail and lions mane in addition to white button mushrooms and a few other mushrooms I did not get prescribed but am truly excited to know about!

That's exactly what I'm living with. FOR. I wish I could stop that tape running in my head as I know that being peaceful and present is important for creating an environment where cancer won't thrive.