1. < Breast Cancer

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

Posted by nanato6 @nanato6, Oct 12, 2018

Nanaloves: I’m about to start arimidex and just feel that the contraindications , bone issues etc. are overwhelming. I’m 70 years old, dodged a bullet I feel with zero stage DCIS but the follow up is pretty much no different then if it was more aggressive. I’ve just done 33 treatments of radiation and now they advise arimidex as a preventative. I’m not sure with the beginnings of arthritis and lower back. sensitivity already that I should take it. Anyone not take it and not have a recurrence within the 5 years.

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whr | @whr | Nov 13, 2021

Remember you are in charge of your healthcare. You have to process the information they give you and make a decision that you feel is right for you. I have been off the med for seven months and I can say it took at least six months to feel "normal" for me and my age. It is better each month but it takes time. When I started having problems with my big toe, I told everyone that was the last place the med was, I was joking but the toe is fine now. The oncologist offered up other alternatives but admitted they probably would produce the same effects, Tamoxifen was not an option for me, too many serious issues with that drug. At any rate, PT helped the knee quite a bit, I don't get enough exercise but with the cold and ice settling in it is going to be more difficult. I will add you to my growing list of people needing prayers, hang in there, it will get better.

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1 reply
sequoia | @sequoia | Nov 14, 2021

Thank you @whr You give me hope and thank you for your prayers. Prayers are powerful.

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azme | @azme | Nov 14, 2021

I have the side effects but I do what I can to stay active and deal with them. If in the end, it prevents my cancer from returning from which there likely is no way back, I will deal with the aches and pains from anastrazole. I am okay with that but everyone is free to make an informed decision based on their tolerance and outlook. And people are affected differently and to different degrees and what they can or want to tolerate.

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kilkennyfarmwife | @kilkennyfarmwife | Nov 14, 2021

I started weight bearing exercises at the Y. I am building up strength and feeling good and the side effects are less. Best thing I have done for myself so far. I take Anastrozole and I am 63.

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mdr3 | @mdr3 | Nov 14, 2021

Just started Anastrozole 2 days ago and hope I do well with it. Absolutely NO side effects while on Tamoxifen for 2 yrs prior. I will be on this for at least 8 years, so let's hope for the best. I am high risk so I have no choice. The way I look at it, for every day we're alive, it's gives them another day to come up with new solutions.

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Nov 14, 2021

I just thought this belonged here. Where we all live with uncertainty every day.
From Amit Sood, year of healing. The resilient practice for today.

Insight: We swim in an ocean of uncertainty. Just as fish can't afford to be afraid of water, we can't afford to be fearful of uncertainty.

Suggested Practice: Think of one or more uncertainties that you are comfortable accepting for today.

You can sign up for these free emails daily if you are interested, I find them to be very helpful.

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1 reply
sequoia | @sequoia | Nov 14, 2021
In reply to @azme "I have the side effects but I do what I can to stay active and deal..." + (show)
@azme

I have the side effects but I do what I can to stay active and deal with them. If in the end, it prevents my cancer from returning from which there likely is no way back, I will deal with the aches and pains from anastrazole. I am okay with that but everyone is free to make an informed decision based on their tolerance and outlook. And people are affected differently and to different degrees and what they can or want to tolerate.

Jump to this post

@azme I’m glad you are doing well. How long have you been on Anastrozole? Are your having to deal w/ side effects? Glad they are tolerable.

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brinacarmen | @brinacarmen | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @whr "Remember you are in charge of your healthcare. You have to process the information they give..." + (show)
@whr

Remember you are in charge of your healthcare. You have to process the information they give you and make a decision that you feel is right for you. I have been off the med for seven months and I can say it took at least six months to feel "normal" for me and my age. It is better each month but it takes time. When I started having problems with my big toe, I told everyone that was the last place the med was, I was joking but the toe is fine now. The oncologist offered up other alternatives but admitted they probably would produce the same effects, Tamoxifen was not an option for me, too many serious issues with that drug. At any rate, PT helped the knee quite a bit, I don't get enough exercise but with the cold and ice settling in it is going to be more difficult. I will add you to my growing list of people needing prayers, hang in there, it will get better.

Jump to this post

Thank you for this comment ! It gives me hope After 9 mos on tamoxifen EVERYTHING hurts and dr took me off 10/13 and I still feel awful. I was hoping to feel better right away but realize it might take longer. I feel hopeful. Thank you

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mdr3 | @mdr3 | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @auntieoakley "I just thought this belonged here. Where we all live with uncertainty every day. From Amit..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

I just thought this belonged here. Where we all live with uncertainty every day.
From Amit Sood, year of healing. The resilient practice for today.

Insight: We swim in an ocean of uncertainty. Just as fish can't afford to be afraid of water, we can't afford to be fearful of uncertainty.

Suggested Practice: Think of one or more uncertainties that you are comfortable accepting for today.

You can sign up for these free emails daily if you are interested, I find them to be very helpful.

Jump to this post

Right on!

REPLY
laselidas | @laselidas | Nov 15, 2021
In reply to @whr "When I was diagnosed because of the location of the tumor we started Anastrozole six weeks..." + (show)
@whr

When I was diagnosed because of the location of the tumor we started Anastrozole six weeks before surgery to shrink the tumor. I was never told if that was successful or not but was excited after surgery and a clear PET scan and looked at this drug as an "easy" way to manage my cancer since I opted out of radiation and chemo that was suggested as "preventative". We talked about staying on it for 10 years, to "make sure". I overlooked the side effects in the beginning, insomnia (I would sleep when I could) joint pain, digestive issues, etc. but after I had taken it for 18 months my blood pressure had jumped over 40 pts., I was diagnosed with osteoporosis, I was in such terrible pain with my joints that I ended up in PT. At that point I decided at the age of 76 to quit the medication as quality of life is more important to me than the number of years on this earth and I have been off of it for 7 months, it is the best I've felt in two years. It is a personal decision, not entered into lightly, I am trying to take each day at a time, I am scheduled for a mammogram soon and pray that all will be clear. If not, I will deal with it then. All the options had similar or worse side effects so I wasn't interested in "experimenting". Stay tuned, may your journey be one of peace and confidence in the decision you make being the right one for you.

Jump to this post

Please, regarding osteoporosis, talk to your oncologist about taking calcium and vitamin D, and referring you to a physical therapist to recommend weight bearing exercises. My oncologist has ordered Zoledronic acid (Reclast, Zometa) which also has some slight anti-metastasis action. Stay here, do not give up.

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