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How long should one stay on Arimidex after a reccurrence?

Posted by coffeebreak192 @coffeebreak192, Mar 6 5:25am

Had breast Ca, mastectomy and chemo. After 15 yrs, reoccurred in same breast. Had surgery, chemo, radiation and started on Arimidex 1 mg. daily. It has now been 21 yrs and continue on Arimidex. Has anyone else been taking the med for this long? My oncologist said, for the rest of my life, but all that I'm reading it isn't necessary.

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Mentor
Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Mar 6 9:15am

Hello coffee @coffeebreak192 I am very sorry to hear about your second diagnosis. I have often wished that one was enough. lol
If I am reading your timeline correctly you have been 21 years since your first diagnosis and 6 since your second. Please correct me if I have that wrong.
I took Arimidex for 10 years, but there was never a plan for a lifetime on this medication for me.
I find that asking my doctor about the whys, and my choices and being openly curious about my treatments is very helpful. They are usually happy to explain, I think most doctors prefer to have patients who are well educated on their health plans. Have you discussed why your doctor plans a lifetime of this medication? Did you have a recurrence somewhere else in your body?

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coffeebreak192 | @coffeebreak192 | 5 days ago
In reply to @auntieoakley "Hello coffee @coffeebreak192 I am very sorry to hear about your second diagnosis. I have often..." + (show)
@auntieoakley

Hello coffee @coffeebreak192 I am very sorry to hear about your second diagnosis. I have often wished that one was enough. lol
If I am reading your timeline correctly you have been 21 years since your first diagnosis and 6 since your second. Please correct me if I have that wrong.
I took Arimidex for 10 years, but there was never a plan for a lifetime on this medication for me.
I find that asking my doctor about the whys, and my choices and being openly curious about my treatments is very helpful. They are usually happy to explain, I think most doctors prefer to have patients who are well educated on their health plans. Have you discussed why your doctor plans a lifetime of this medication? Did you have a recurrence somewhere else in your body?

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Hi! There was a 15 yr span from my 1st DX to my 2nd and now 21 yrs cancer free. There was no distal metastasis. I really have no side effects from the med, but if there are no further benefits, why take it. I have an upcoming appt. in May and will discuss it then.

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