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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@cerwin

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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Thank you for your reply. I will look up the book you spoke about. I have also been trying to eat a much more low carb/less sugar diet. There is a lot information out there to help us on this journey and I love reading about new ideas that could help us along.
Wishing you good health.

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@gldilli

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

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I’m sorry. My husband seems to think the same way. He’s been so good through out the surgeries and treatment;he seems to think now I should just be over it and it is so hurtful.

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@coldia

Thank you for your reply. I will look up the book you spoke about. I have also been trying to eat a much more low carb/less sugar diet. There is a lot information out there to help us on this journey and I love reading about new ideas that could help us along.
Wishing you good health.

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Same to you❣️💕

Let me know what you think of the book. Also, check out Dr Livingood videos on YouTube!💕💕

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Will do. I ordered it today. Looking forward to reading it. Thank you again for the suggestions 🥰

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@coldia

Thank you for your reply. I will look up the book you spoke about. I have also been trying to eat a much more low carb/less sugar diet. There is a lot information out there to help us on this journey and I love reading about new ideas that could help us along.
Wishing you good health.

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My favorite evidence-based resource is cancerdietitian.com. Lots of realistic tips on what to eat more more of and dispelling myths.

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@marciapell

My favorite evidence-based resource is cancerdietitian.com. Lots of realistic tips on what to eat more more of and dispelling myths.

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Thank you so much. Having my lumpectomy in a few hours. Will definitely look this up tonight☺️

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@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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The oncology nutritionist told me that tumeric decreases the efficacy of ibrance by 10-14 percent

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@janetamyshapiro1956

The oncology nutritionist told me that tumeric decreases the efficacy of ibrance by 10-14 percent

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I will ask my oncologist about turmeric. A very reputable oncologist suggested it for the joint pain that can happen with estrogen blockers. I take Arimidex aka anastrozole.

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I was told not to take it with ibrance.

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Unfortunately it is such a subjective issue. I took Anastrozole following a lumpectomy and really didn’t have any identifiable side effects for almost a year. At that point they came at me one after the other. Knowing the bottomline value of sticking with it, I stuck with it trying to overcome side effects as they arose. I have come to a place where (based on my post op report) I am going to opt for a quality of life without this drug. In hindsight I find issues with this cookie cutter approach with a lack of consideration based on the post op vulnerabilities. I definitely wish this choice wasn’t necessary! I don’t make it lightly. I can only hope my fastidious attention to annual mammograms are my safety net again.
I hope your surgery is remedial and if you choose Anastrozole or its equivalent, I hope your side effects are totally manageable! ❤️

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