AIs - questions to ask
Hi everyone! I have successfully completed my surgery (03/02/23), and radation (13/04/23). I'm seeing the oncologist tomorrow to discuss/commence AIs. Does anybody have a good list of questions to...
Forum Discussion
Always useful to ask about the following:
1. Length of treatment 5 years, 10? On what basis, what’s the current research?
2. Your bone density may be affected. Have you had it tested recently? Best to get a referral and know what’s what before you start. Check on what you can do to try and counteract any negative effect (vitamin D, calcium, exercise etc).
3. An AI may affect your sex life - vaginal dryness may occur, which can make normal sexual relations uncomfortable or even painful. Ask about recurrence with the AI proposed, and what medications may reduce any effect.
4. Some side effects include menopausal type symptoms, bone and joint pain. Discuss how this might be treated if it occurs.
Side effects can vary but it’s important they are not dismissed. You need to know that your oncologist will take them seriously. I’ve just finished ten years, it can be done and I am glad I’ve see it through but difficulties can arise and you need to know what your options are if they do.
Best of luck, it’s all part of doing the best you can to never have cancer again.
1. Length of treatment 5 years, 10? On what basis, what’s the current research?
2. Your bone density may be affected. Have you had it tested recently? Best to get a referral and know what’s what before you start. Check on what you can do to try and counteract any negative effect (vitamin D, calcium, exercise etc).
3. An AI may affect your sex life - vaginal dryness may occur, which can make normal sexual relations uncomfortable or even painful. Ask about recurrence with the AI proposed, and what medications may reduce any effect.
4. Some side effects include menopausal type symptoms, bone and joint pain. Discuss how this might be treated if it occurs.
Side effects can vary but it’s important they are not dismissed. You need to know that your oncologist will take them seriously. I’ve just finished ten years, it can be done and I am glad I’ve see it through but difficulties can arise and you need to know what your options are if they do.
Best of luck, it’s all part of doing the best you can to never have cancer again.