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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debbie2721 | @debbie2721 | Apr 3, 2023
In reply to @mpirruccel "I will ask my oncologist about turmeric. A very reputable oncologist suggested it for the joint..." + (show)
@mpirruccel

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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My rheumatologist reccomends tumeric for joint pain and my oncologist pharmacist told me to keep taking it. I don't see where it helped with my joint pain or the pain from the anastrozole. I do find when I walk a few miles it lessens bone pain.

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frogjumper | @frogjumper | Apr 4, 2023

The side affects are real and should be taken seriously. There are online calculators that will show you the benefit of taking them or not. Mine came up .046 to 1.4% difference in overall survival over 15 years and that was taking them for 10 years. So for me it was an easy decision, I am a hard no.

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2 replies
Gini Pariseau | @ginip | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @frogjumper "The side affects are real and should be taken seriously. There are online calculators that will..." + (show)
@frogjumper

The side affects are real and should be taken seriously. There are online calculators that will show you the benefit of taking them or not. Mine came up .046 to 1.4% difference in overall survival over 15 years and that was taking them for 10 years. So for me it was an easy decision, I am a hard no.

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Thanks for your post! It has always been my cross to bear in this moment- experts giving me the benefit of there expertise in prescribing Anastrozole and me finding myself in a place where the value of this “for me” in considering side effects versus overall benefit becomes a very lonesome reality to deal with. My one major take-away is - why can’t this particular % discussion be offered at the time of prescription. While side effects will vary widely give the person and their breast Cancer overview, this could help women to make a decision that reflects the power that is inherently theirs. It would help us understand that we are not powerless, we are not whining, we are not without the ability to assess, understand what is happening to us!

This process doesn’t eliminate anything. It just allows a personal input and value to a prescription that seems cookie-cutter.

Your post is a welcomed addition to a thought process that needs to be here. Thanks again!

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jloraine46 | @jloraine46 | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @frogjumper "The side affects are real and should be taken seriously. There are online calculators that will..." + (show)
@frogjumper

The side affects are real and should be taken seriously. There are online calculators that will show you the benefit of taking them or not. Mine came up .046 to 1.4% difference in overall survival over 15 years and that was taking them for 10 years. So for me it was an easy decision, I am a hard no.

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can you tell me how to find the on line calculators?

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1 reply
nora305 | @nora305 | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @jloraine46 "can you tell me how to find the on line calculators?" + (show)
@jloraine46

can you tell me how to find the on line calculators?

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Yes, indeed. Where can I find these online calculators? I am particularly interested in finding "absolute risk" for specific AIs.

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1 reply
frogjumper | @frogjumper | Apr 5, 2023
In reply to @nora305 "Yes, indeed. Where can I find these online calculators? I am particularly interested in finding "absolute..." + (show)
@nora305

Yes, indeed. Where can I find these online calculators? I am particularly interested in finding "absolute risk" for specific AIs.

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Yes, here are a few of them....while no calculator or algorithm is 100% accurate, these can be helpful with decision making.
https://breast.predict.nhs.uk/tool
The above link is helpful for chemo/endocrine therapy

and one for radiation benefit...
https://www.tuftsmedicalcenter.org/ibtr/
There are lots of others out there as well just search for breast cancer calculator/nomograms. MDAnderson has several also.

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