Help me please

Hi @NatF it sounds like you are on the home run, and not long to go before you can put the AIs behind you.  Each person has a different type of experience on the AIs, and for me I lasted on them for four years, probably due to severe pain in my knees while trying to sleep and waking at least 30 times throughout the night (I kid you not).  I also had very bad memory and was very forgetful whilst on the AI, and also taking a thyroid medication which can present with similar side effects.  I just didn't know if I was "Arthur or Martha" most of the time.  My oncologist was happy enough I discontinued on the AIs, as in my case my Ki % was low, and the most benefit for me was in the first 3 years of taking the tablet.

Maybe you can see if there is another AI that may get you over the finish line, it could be worth a try.  I was also postmenopausal when diagnosed, so there are many factors to take into account and also what other health conditions an individual is already experiencing.  

Take care and I wish you all the best with your decision. xx

Hi @NatF, what other strategies have you tried to help with sleep eg meditation, reading etc? Have you discussed changing drug treatment to another AI with your dr? I had terrible side effects on one drug and had a 6 wk break and then started on another. Thank goodness for me that worked to stop the side effects I was having. Maybe a short break and restarting or starting a new AI would help you get to the end of your treatment. Wishing you all the best.

I’ll complete ten years next May, on Femara not Arimidex. I do have some side effects but they’re manageable, my immune system seems fine (I am certainly not immunosuppressed) and while I am not the world’s best sleeper, that started long before breast cancer or Femara. Your oncologist will want you to have the maximum exposure possible, but you are the one to judge the cost. Has any change of treatment been suggested?