Which Aromatase Inhibitor?

Thanks Cath and everyone else - taken on board your comments now and earlier - guess I'll see how it all goes . Hoping all going well for you and life is ambling on  . xoxoxoxoxo

Hey @Romla, I'm on Tamoxifen so can't help you with any info about AI's but can tell you that due to the Tamoxifen I have a memory like a sieve. I discussed this with my oncologist and she recommended a brain training app for my phone. I now use Elevate Brain training  and can't believe the amount of difference this has made to my daily life as I it's rare that I have to go back into rooms for things I have forgotten about, or writing things down immediately so I remember them. All the best Xx Cath

I am also on letrozole. I can't deny it has had an impact on my bone density  - mine was very good to begin with so I am likely to get through the 5 years my oncologist recommends without anything disastrous. I also have quite severe vaginal dryness. One needs to be monitored, the other to be worked around. No other side effects. I will stick with it because I feel it helps keep any recurrence at bay. There are of course no guarantees but the old refrain - I know I am doing everything I can - is a powerful one. Best wishes with your own choices. 

I'm on AI and had osteopenia before starting. I'll be watched closely and start prolia if gets too low. I initially had stiffness in ankles abd wrists which improved once moving around but it settled after a few months. I had some memory issues for a little while post chemo but that seems to have resolved now. I think stress contributed to this also and fatigue. I think of it as my insurance pill at keeping any remaining cells at bay (and we all hope there are none ) and hope they just starve to death.  Hope all goes well. I'm on letrozole. Kath x

Thanks. Melinda - have been able to put aside fear and think about what is actually worrying me with a view to mitigating potential problems - just wish communication was betterwith my medical onc- understand the need for professional distance but feel a bit like am a specimen in a jar - guess he has seen it all before but I haven't.Been great to hear you and Jane have found a pathway thru. XX

Hey @Romla well I had Tamoxifen in 2011 at first diagnosis, 2015 I had a recurrence, I had zero side effects on that. Post Chemo I started on Arimidex January 2016, found I had alot of pain in joints though, so now I am on Aromasin, pretty much the same really. Im 20 months post chemo and my pain has settled dramatically, I put it down to recovery/healing, 350g magnesium in water daily, with half teaspoon of Caltrate, Vit D,C. A great naturopath and Exercise Physiologist. I have Osteoporosis accelerated by Chemo yippee!!! LOL wouldnt even know I had it. I have 2 Prolia injections a year to combat that. Honestly I feel absolutely fine, not concerned at all anymore about it all, in fact cant wait to have another bone density scan to see if things have improved lol. :) so dont be afraid of them, there not that dramatic I don't think. In terms of memory, mine was bad post chemo, but now is improving out of sight, so I wouldnt say it affect memory at all :) 

Melinda xo

PS Am also very grateful for this site and all the wonderful women on it including yourself.

Thanks Jane appreciate the advice - looks like I'm to have 6 monthly Prolia injections for my osteoporosis to help with the bone side effects . Have just had 8 teeth out and implants in preparation as serious dental is risky on bisphosphonates ie osteonecrosis of the jaw.I already take 2 Caltrate Bone Health tablets daily but am hearing the need for more Magnesium and  a daily 30 minute walk . Re hot flushes I went thru menopause at 40 and had a lot of success with Remifemin but as I'm no longer working the hot flushes may be less of a problem.Take the tip of glucosamine as well and heard that panadol osteo is useful but not keen on analgesics unless last resort.I too doctor googled a lot and panicked but was steadied by some kind ladies on this site and accept I need hormone therapy.I am lucky to have a wonderful gp and surgeon just wish I felt better about the medical oncologist. XX

He@Romla, I completely understand your anxiety in starting on an Aromatase Inhibitor.  My breast cancer was 100% ER/PR receptive.  I am also post menopausal and was put on Arimidex following my mastectomy last August.  I had the prescription filled and it sat on my bench for 2 weeks while I googled everything I could find on Arimidex.  Probably not the best idea as my head was overloaded with horror stories - I knew I had to take it and was becoming more and more stressed.  

I ended up going to my GP who put things into perspective.  Basically, I had to take it - no choice with my cancer results.  He did believe there were things I could do to offset the side effects.  I already have B12 injections every 2 months as I don't produce B12.  I am naturally low in vitamin D and already take a compounding prescription of a 25,000icu capsule per week.   In addition, I take 2 glucosamine and 2 calcium tablets per day plus magnesium powder in a glass of water.
Exercise is so important.  I've been a bit slack lately with the darker afternoons, but I take a long walk on the weekends and most evenings when its light.  Or I'll spend 30 mins on the treadmill at the gym.

After 11 months, I don't have many side effects.  Not everyone does.  A little stiffness when I bend down and first thing in the morning, but no pain.  Yes, there are some hot flushes, but I was getting them anyway!  They are not life altering, a couple a night and one or two a day.  Bone density is my real worry as I already have some loss of bone density.  I'm hoping the vitamin D, calcium and exercise will keep this under control. I've got a bone density scan coming up so I'll find out!
So far no issues with memory either.

I know some ladies have had a lot of side effects with Arimidex and similar drugs, but that doesn't mean you will.  We all react differently, you just need to give it a try and see.  There will always be an option to try something similar which may better suit you.  I got most of my information and reassurance from my surgeon and GP.  I hope they can put your mind at ease.   Wishing you all the best.  Jane xx