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

Yes they are in just about everything. Europe doesn't allow them in any products! I also read that the replacement for BPA's is also bad!! Also products with GMO's use Monsanto's roundup, my dad died of Non Hodgkins Lymphomia which they suspect was caused by roundup! The only way to avoid those products is through organic since Monsanto has fought very hard to not have to label foods that contain GMO's!

@saucy
I thought staying away from BPH in plastic bottles would be the easiest thing until I saw this article by Dr. Mercola....seems to be a hidden danger in quite a few things. From my perspective with my second tumor being neuroendocrine, I wonder if my body was affected by the hidden BPA.
https://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2016/04/13/bpa-canned-goods.aspx?v=1611603546

I also had a mom and sister with breast cancer and did the genetic testing. Everything was negative including BRCA but had 2 mutations of unknown significance, one for melanoma, which I've had and the other was breast cancer. I was sent to an oncologist who prescribed AI. I read all the side effects including bone loss and at 68 years old don't want to risk it. And of course for all the side effects there's another drug. I don't take any prescription meds at this time and don't want to go down that rabbit hole! What I do instead is watch the Zeno estrogen, meaning hormones in foods and BPH in plastic water bottles, exposures to chemicals ect. After extensive research I believe these hormones are the cause of cancers, not natural estrogen. I have decided to try that route of elemiating them from my diet and also exercising. I eat Whole Foods including grass fed beef, organic chickens and eggs. wild caught fish, and even though it's more expensive, it's cheaper than these drugs. It's worth a try! Also now qualify for 2 mammograms a year and have regular checkups including blood work, and of course prayers!

FYI
I was diagnosed in March 2018. Surgery showed stage1, close to stage0, ER+, PR+, Her-, no cancer cells in 2 lymph nodes, no cancer cells in marginal tissue...had tumor oncotyped and scored a 19, which lead to 20 radiation treatments and a hysterectomy. After all that, my oncologist also wanted me 3-5 years on an AI. Tamoxifen was a no go due to blood clots 40 years ago due to BC pills, the other two..Holy shit! The side effects....I was 64 when diagnosed I had/have 4 young grandsons and 4 young great nieces and I am/was an active person in love with the outdoors. I gave up the meds, have a wonderful honest oncologist and personal doctor. So you ask what do I do for checkups? I have a mammy once a year, and a, I believe, breast MRI with dye every year. I am hoping with having some sort of breast checkup every 6 months...anything new will be caught.
I am not ignorant nor closed minded to the fact it may appear elsewhere, but you know what, that's another story.
My best direction to anyone is trust your personal doctor and oncologist, but remember you live it or are living it, they are not. Be honest and open and knowledgeable. Blessings up, Girls!

@roewes07 Thank you so much!

Good luck on your surgery. 70 years old Right mastectomy no recon Stage 1 grade 4 2 cm tumour no lymph node involvement. 4 chemo sessions because my oncotype score was 51. I totally agree with you. When you do Dr. Google search for the most part you find the negatives. I actually typed in one time anyone have good results from the AI medication and of course nothing came up. How often do we do a positive review when we are happy with something but would be on it like grease lightening if we had bad service. I am on my second AI exemestane started on Thursday and I won’t wait as long as I did on Anastrazole which I was only on 3 months. Wishing you all the best!❤️❤️

Sessooner☀️ Your attitude is forward thinking. I believe in the science behind the aromatase inhibitors. I was on Letrozole for 2 years, switched to Exemestane 15 months ago. My joint problems were so diminished! As long as I take care of myself with healthy food and exercise, I am feeling fine.
Trust yourself and let your oncologist know your side effects. You will find the right drug to keep you smiling in this new reality. You can do this. Life is so worth it!

Sessooner, I first off want to wish you good luck with your upcoming surgery. Second, I appreciate your reasonable view of meds and possible side affects. Such a great way to approach the start of new meds!

I appreciate your input. I face surgery in two weeks and know I will be facing these meds for 5 years following radiation. I have been disheartened by the posts about the side effects. While it is good to know about side effects, I also have to remind myself that we are all more likely to post if we are having a bad experience. While my heart goes out to everyone facing these horrible side effects, it is encouraging to know that not everyone experiences them.

I have insomnia but always have....no bone pain or hot flashes at all!!