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

The side effects I’ve experienced on Exemestane aren’t nearly as severe as I had with Anastrozole or Tomoxifin. I last saw my oncologist in late September; I had my mammogram, blood work, and physical exam. There were no signs of recurrence of breast cancer at that time. She gave me the ‘ok’ to take a few months break meds. then, but I waited until the beginning of the new year to take that break. We have some events coming up in the next few months that I want to feel like my old self again! I’ll likely go back on Exemestane in April, when I have my next visit with my oncologist. But for now...being off those evil medications is wonderful!!

@mjay
In my limited research on the subject of natural, plant-based aromatase inhibitors, it seemed to indicate that that study of phytophenols let to the development of current AIs. Also, I noted that there were a number of studies of phytophenolic natural products in the 1990s and early part of this century without conclusions of their efficacy. Taken together, I had concluded that the research community was not promoting them.

Perhaps you have recent and shareable research studies which can shed more light on the subject?

I gained almost 30 pounds and I eat plant based whole foods. I have already lost 5 pounds. It is crazy that the first the doctor says is you need to lose some weight and then puts you on AIs that cause weight gain. I will get my results tomorrow as to remission or not.

I do not have cancer but had genetic testing and even though no direct evidence of cancer, my oncologist wants to put me on this therapy to lower my risk of family risk. I do not to want to lose my quality of life just in case I might get breast cancer. My mom and sister had breast cancer but I choose not to live my life with these side effects in case!

@jeaniebean
I'm off of them for 1 week now and going to be off another couple of weeks. They say we need to reduce weight to help make a difference and, so far, I cannot lose weight no matter how much exercise I do. Now that I'm off, my weight is starting to go down a bit. For me, the exemestane is not too bad but I have noticed my ankle joints feel much better off.

My cancer coach is 9 years clear.

I took them for 6 months and the side effects were crippling. It has been 11 weeks now and I am clear headed, sleeping better, still have stiff joints and fingers not bending at all, but those are also side effects of radiation. I now take DIM plus, calcium, Vd3, selenium, Ve, garlic, and an immunotherapy vitamin. Have felt 80% better and improving every day. Went for mammo (1 yr) and ultrasound and should hear from Dr tomorrow. I will not put that poison in my body. It causes too many other issues. The starvation of all estrogen to the brain in that short time has now caused head tremors. No way.

Beta Glucan

I take it you meant Beta Glucan?

Congrats on your remission! Thank you for your reply.