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

Like you I wanted to avoid AI after stage 1 bc lumpectomy (age 68) hearing all the side effect horror stories so when my radiologist said rad was most important would protect about 90% against recurrence with AI just adding bit more I declined AI. then 2.5 yrs later i had local recurrence, masectomy, and virtually all lymph nodes removed (no spread) but now early lymphedema. So now have been taking AI for almost 3 yrs and essentially none of the side effects I worried about. I wish I had at least tried the AI maybe i could have spared myself the recurrence.

May you share the original diagnosis?

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.

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.

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.

Like you I wanted to avoid AI after stage 1 bc lumpectomy (age 68) hearing all the side effect horror stories so when my radiologist said rad was most important would protect about 90% against recurrence with AI just adding bit more I declined AI. then 2.5 yrs later i had local recurrence, masectomy, and virtually all lymph nodes removed (no spread) but now early lymphedema. So now have been taking AI for almost 3 yrs and essentially none of the side effects I worried about. I wish I had at least tried the AI maybe i could have spared myself the recurrence.

This sounds like me. Can I ask your age? i am 54!

are you brca positive!

are you post menopause!