Hormone inhibitors. To use or not.

I am having a break from AIs and I can't bring myself to go back on them, and my oncologist has said the main benefit for me was in the first three years, and that I need to weigh up benefits and QOL.  Having progressive osteoarthritis that seemed worse whilst on the AIs and also adding to that I am on a waiting list for knee surgery, been two years so far through the public system, I have had enough suffering already!  My oncologist added that I am more likely to "die" from the HER2 positive tumour rather than the ER positive tumour.  Thanks doc :) and I have had all the treatment for the HER2 positive tumour.  

We get to the point where we have to weigh up how the hormone therapy is impacting our health and how debilitating to our overall health it may/can be.  When I went through menopause I didn't go on HRT because it was suggested that it can cause cancer, well I got cancer anyway!

@PYM you can always try them and see how you go.  Some people cruise through, if you decide to try them, you may be one of the lucky ones.  Take care. xx

That’s brave of you June. We’re your cancer characteristics similar to mine? ie not in lymph nodes and hormone positive and HER 2 negative?

@June1952

As you suggest, I don’t regret my decision! 

Stats ?  No stats ?  Who really knows what these things do to us - now or in the future.  As far as I am concerned, the medical profession is so driven by the dollars of the chemical companies.  Money makes money.  I refused them (with the blessing of the oncologist) and am still here 7 years later.  What will be will be.  Go with your mind and body - but don't regret any decision.  Life is short at times, enjoy being as healthy as you can however you can.  To me the quality of life was far more attractive than the length of life.  All the best.

Dear @PYM

I’ve survived nine years of an AI. Probably wouldn’t have made the distance if the stats didn’t tell
me it may be worth it. No aches, no pain but my bone density has taken a bit of a hit (very good to start with, always check it if you don’t know at the outset) and requires a bit of invention with your sex life! Then again, my age is also affecting both! Nothing ventured, nothing gained. The important thing is that you can always stop. Best wishes. 

Thank you very much for your thoughts

Aromatase inhibitors generate a fair bit of negative press as they can have some really unpleasant side effects. For some people. They are also prescribed at the end of what can be a long, gruelling and damaging treatment regimen when many of us are struggling with recovery and are already feeling battered and run down. That can amplify any negative issues.

One of their more notable effects is that they significantly reduce the incidence of recurrence. There are never any guarantees, but they do a pretty good job.

If it's recommended, why don't you give them a try? You can always stop taking them and there is no evidence that any side effects are permanent so there is little to lose.  Mxx

Thanks Cath.

Hi there,

May ask your oncologist was percentage those hormone blockers are of your treatment. My bc was hormone positive, no lymph but most aggressive cells and the hormone suppression I am on is actually 65% of my treatment. The balance was surgery, chemo and radium. Good luck 

Thanks Julez for responding to my post. I appreciate it.