1. < Breast Cancer

Side Effects of Aromatase Inhibitors

Posted by coldia @coldia, Mar 9, 2023

It was suggested that I start on an AI after my upcoming lumpectomy. I am just concerned about some of the side affects that I am reading about but wondering if the risk of not taking them and having another recurrence is worth it. I would appreciate any thoughts or experiences anyone has had when taking them. Thank you ☺️

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anjalima | @anjalima | Mar 23, 2023
In reply to @jeaniebean "Most of the side effects I had were caused by the fillers they use in AIs...." + (show)
@jeaniebean

Most of the side effects I had were caused by the fillers they use in AIs. I did have a last ditch effort by trying pure aromatase, which I lasted much longer on. If your oncologist will prescribe them for you, they are much easier on the joints and almost all other effects. I still could not tolerate and ended up stopping and going on an all whole food plant based no oil diet and I have been doing much much better. I lost 70 pounds, (gained 30 on AIs) and I walk 1 to 2 miles every day. Never felt better in past 40 years!

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What is “pure” aromatase and how is it obtained? Interested in looking into this. Thank you.

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gldilli | @gldilli | Mar 23, 2023
In reply to @elliej "Read comment from vivi1 on treatment study by Tufts." + (show)
@elliej

Read comment from vivi1 on treatment study by Tufts.

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Thanks. My husband considers me cured at this point and thinks I overly obsess about the possibility of recurrence.

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1 reply
mpirruccel | @mpirruccel | Mar 24, 2023
In reply to @alicejoan "I had a mastectomy as a result of stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma, opting for that..." + (show)
@alicejoan

I had a mastectomy as a result of stage 2 invasive lobular carcinoma, opting for that surgery to avoid radiation and chemotherapy. I am now on aromatase inhibitor but I have told my oncologist that I would continue only if I don’t have side effects that affect my quality of life. Ultimately this seems to be a personal decision made with your oncologist but my age and good health have affected my decision making . So far, I have had some knee discomfort that I did not have prior to taking anastrazole.

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You might try taking a turmeric supplement. I take 100 mg per day. OTC not prescribed. No side effects and my arthritis and additional joint pain from AI seems better.

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2 replies
janetamyshapiro1956 | @janetamyshapiro1956 | Mar 25, 2023
In reply to @mpirruccel "You might try taking a turmeric supplement. I take 100 mg per day. OTC not prescribed...." + (show)
@mpirruccel

You might try taking a turmeric supplement. I take 100 mg per day. OTC not prescribed. No side effects and my arthritis and additional joint pain from AI seems better.

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I was told by the oncology nutritionist that I could not take tumetic/curcumin with Ibrance.

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1 reply
mpirruccel | @mpirruccel | Mar 25, 2023
In reply to @janetamyshapiro1956 "I was told by the oncology nutritionist that I could not take tumetic/curcumin with Ibrance." + (show)
@janetamyshapiro1956

I was told by the oncology nutritionist that I could not take tumetic/curcumin with Ibrance.

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I haven’t seen an oncology nutritionist. What was the reason he/she said no?
I take Arimidex. Made a typo, I actually take 1000 mg turmeric per day. 500 mg didn’t make a difference.

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janetamyshapiro1956 | @janetamyshapiro1956 | Mar 25, 2023

I looked it up and don't see contradictions but see if your team has an oncology nutri6to adk.

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Young@65 | @happyat65 | Mar 26, 2023
In reply to @surpriseca "I have been taking Aromasin (Exemestane) for just about 4 months after lumpectomy for DCIS/5 radiation..." + (show)
@surpriseca

I have been taking Aromasin (Exemestane) for just about 4 months after lumpectomy for DCIS/5 radiation treatments. The start was kind of rough with lots of fatigue and generally just not feeling well. Over time I am feeling better, but still have poor sleep at times which can be a side effect. I feel like at age 61 I want to stay on the medication, but have to weigh against side effects and quality of life. But I feel safer on them than not....

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My sleep is terrible. Weird side effect is that my toes ache at night! Have you had any foot pain on this medicine?
I too, am afraid to not take the medicine!

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surpriseca | @surpriseca | Mar 26, 2023

I have not had any aches or pains on this medication. Perhaps that will come as it has only been about 5 mos on the Aromasin. Always trying to find the balance between side effects and presumed protective features of these medications. I think sometimes switching meds can be helpful for some.

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Gini Pariseau | @ginip | Mar 26, 2023
In reply to @ginip "I have been on Anastrozole for 2 years with no noticeable side effects until the end..." + (show)
@ginip

I have been on Anastrozole for 2 years with no noticeable side effects until the end of the first year. Then I started experiencing a wide variety of side effects. Most women I asked if they were/had experience with any side effects said no. That random effort was getting me nowhere and making me feel like a hypochondriac. I made a call to doctor’s office and got the understanding responses that are the limitations of a someone who prescribes and not someone who experiences. I received an email from my pharmacist saying my prescription for Letrozole was ready for pick-up. First I heard about this option. In checking the value of this change I realized that the devil you know could very well be better than the devil you don’t know. I opted to stay with Anastrozole and take charge of making my side effects as manageable as I best could. I am making progress!!!

To all the people who have brought their knowledge to this new Dawn for women in living a longer life with breast Cancer I an so grateful.
To the women who find the need to remind those heroes that their experience in wanting life - along with a quality of life - is a necessary inclusion.
Between those heroes and forums like this maybe we can add so much to understanding of not only Cancer, but women’s experiences along the way. Value +

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❤️

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cerwin | @cerwin | Mar 27, 2023
In reply to @jeaniebean "Most of the side effects I had were caused by the fillers they use in AIs...." + (show)
@jeaniebean

Most of the side effects I had were caused by the fillers they use in AIs. I did have a last ditch effort by trying pure aromatase, which I lasted much longer on. If your oncologist will prescribe them for you, they are much easier on the joints and almost all other effects. I still could not tolerate and ended up stopping and going on an all whole food plant based no oil diet and I have been doing much much better. I lost 70 pounds, (gained 30 on AIs) and I walk 1 to 2 miles every day. Never felt better in past 40 years!

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I was stage 1B in right breast with small metastasis in lymph nodes. I’ve been on Anastrozole for 2 years now and have adjusted somewhat to the side effects. Fatigue has been the toughest to deal with.

I started the Dr Livingood lifestyle by watching his videos on YouTube (search Dr Livingood videos). Within a few months of reading his book and eating clean foods, I have gotten rid of over 10 medications, lowered cholesterol, joint pain, GI issues and have lost 30 lbs. No more pain meds or fibromyalgia meds!

I knew I had to cut sugar & carbs, with breast cancer. His “Living Good Daily”book and monthly challenges gave me the tools and the support group to do that, and more!

Two years cancer free, PTL! Mammogram each year & bone density every 2 years.

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