Is there anyone that had estrogen positive cancer, without use of AI?

Posted by tygerrag2 @tygerrag2, Jul 14, 2022

Is there anyone with stage 1 breast cancer, estrogen positive that had a lumpectomy followed by radiation without any other treatment and has remained cancer free?

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Thank you for your input I’m newly diagnosed rt small mass HER-2 Neg estrogen progesterone 100% positive- will have lumpectomy with target radiation for 5 days and will not do any pills like tamoxifen or A1 this is 2025 There should be many many improvements on the hormone receptors and there’s really nothing it sounds like!

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Profile picture for brooklyn22 @brooklyn22

Thank you for your input I’m newly diagnosed rt small mass HER-2 Neg estrogen progesterone 100% positive- will have lumpectomy with target radiation for 5 days and will not do any pills like tamoxifen or A1 this is 2025 There should be many many improvements on the hormone receptors and there’s really nothing it sounds like!

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I did not take either. 2 and half years out I should say.
A bit worried about recurrance but putting it in Gods hands. Hugs! Quality of life has been amazing so far.

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Profile picture for salamander @salamander

I did not take either. 2 and half years out I should say.
A bit worried about recurrance but putting it in Gods hands. Hugs! Quality of life has been amazing so far.

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Wishing you Best outcome! Thank you for your reply.

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I had DCIS, stage 0 in 2 areas of my left breast. I was estrogen positive. I had a DMS last year, no radiation and no AI's. My oncologist said that due to my age, 72, I was at greater risk of getting blood clots from the AI's and that is why she did not recommend AI's.

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Profile picture for windyshores @windyshores

Are you reluctant to try an AI or did you try one and have side effects? Many of us had few side effects (though bone loss needs to be monitored).

What do you mean by "cancer free"? Five years, ten, twenty?

Even if someone answers your question by saying yes, they remained cancer free without meds, that would not tell much about your own personal risk.

Have you had an Oncotype Dx test? That should tell you your risk of recurrence with and without meds. Everyone's score and overall profile is different.

If your case would seem to suggest AI's reduce risk, I hope you will try one!

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What is AI

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In reply to @betty009 "What is AI" + (show)
Profile picture for betty009 @betty009

What is AI

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Aromatase Inhibitor. It blocks estrogen in the body. There are several kinds. I've been on letrozole for almost three years with no side effects, and my bones are still in normal density range.
I always suggest that a person try the one prescribed by oncologist and then go off it if side effects are too severe. A different kind might work. You can work with your doctor.

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I was diagnosed with stage 1A invasive ductal cancer,onc score of 22, ER+, HER-, lumpectomy with clear margins and no lymph node involvement. My MO wanted me to take anastrozole. Reoccurrence rate in ten yrs without is 16%. After researching side effects, following threads on this site, as well as other research, I have decided against taking estrogen blockers. I am 76 and in reasonably good health, widowed, and live alone. I do not want to be incapacitated due to a drug.
I limit my sugar, alcohol, and have changed my diet. In addition I put a filtration on my fridge and kitchen sink. I try to eat organic and look for items such as toothpaste, hair color, and nail polish that less toxic.
The decisions we must make are difficult in this highly protocoled medical environment. I rely on prayer.
God bless!

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Profile picture for awalton @awalton

Yes, same diagnosis in 2022. I had a lumpectomy, 20 rounds of radiation. I tried AIs but for me I couldn't tolerate the side effects so quit after a month. I cleaned up my diet, exercised regularly, took supplements and after 3 years I feel great and the cancer has not returned. However, 2 months ago I developed a completely new cancer, not a recurrence, in that same breast that is not hormone driven like the first breast cancer. Because it is more aggressive I have elected to do chemotherapy with a mastectomy. Everyone has different reactions from AIs. Some women tolerate it quite well so you won't know for yourself unless you try and you can always stop if you have severe side effects. Also, AIs are no guarantee that you will never develop cancer in the future but they lessen the chance. I would still, if I had to do it again, not take AIs as the side effects adversely affected my quality of life and I did well going the natural route.

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I glad to hear this. I’m in my 80’s and don’t feel I want to do AI for my treatment I’m still researching. My fear is osteoporosis and other complaints I’ve heard about.

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Profile picture for betty009 @betty009

I glad to hear this. I’m in my 80’s and don’t feel I want to do AI for my treatment I’m still researching. My fear is osteoporosis and other complaints I’ve heard about.

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I was 75 when diagnosed and my quality of life was important. For me, the AIs had side effects I couldn't tolerate and after I quit them I felt like myself again. It was important for me to make adjustments to my diet, add certain supplements, exercise, and keep a positive attitude 😁. I found these changes made a big difference in my life.

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I was diagnosed as ILC Stage 1a grade 2 ER/PR+ , her2-. I did the genetic testing, etc and no risk factors. Had 5 days of targeted radiation. The oncologist went over my numbers, and after radiation, the AI's would only decrease my total overall risk 1%. I am very willing to assume that risk for quality of life! AND, life is good!!! Good luck to you and once you make your decision, trust it and don't look back.

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