Aromatase Inhibitors
Just need some help in deciding on the next step, in Feb I was diagnosed with IDC ER, PR + HER2-, & DCIS in my right breast, no lymph nodes involved. I had surgery & have just completed 15 days radiot...
Forum Discussion
So sorry to hear of your diagnosis and discomfort following radiation. I hope you see an improvement soon xx
Like you, I come from a big arthritis background too - and the AIs definitely made mine worse. :( I was 64 when diagnosed, and now 70. I was quite fit & able to do most things - but the AIs can definitely decrease your day to day 'enjoyment of life' and ability to do things that previously you just took for granted! ...
It is good that you are querying whether to take them or not. It ends up being a very personal choice.
Re AIs .... it can be a tricky one - it is more of the 'what ifs' than anything. What if it comes back & I didn't take the AIs .... yet others have taken AIs and it has still come back. :( Your Oncologist should give you the 'likelihood of return' statistics .... and if they are very low - I would fully understand you not taking them. I am 'weaning myself' off them just now - I could have stopped last year (the 5 year mark) - but opted to continue for another 2 years 'part time' so that I still have 'some cover' but not all the side effects, which are not always very pleasant.
Talk to your Onc about it - you could try them 'every other day' & see if you have any nasty side effects so at least you KNOW - BUT ... so long as you are happy with whatever your decision is ..... just go with what you feel is best for you xx
Take care & all the best.
Like you, I come from a big arthritis background too - and the AIs definitely made mine worse. :( I was 64 when diagnosed, and now 70. I was quite fit & able to do most things - but the AIs can definitely decrease your day to day 'enjoyment of life' and ability to do things that previously you just took for granted! ...
It is good that you are querying whether to take them or not. It ends up being a very personal choice.
Re AIs .... it can be a tricky one - it is more of the 'what ifs' than anything. What if it comes back & I didn't take the AIs .... yet others have taken AIs and it has still come back. :( Your Oncologist should give you the 'likelihood of return' statistics .... and if they are very low - I would fully understand you not taking them. I am 'weaning myself' off them just now - I could have stopped last year (the 5 year mark) - but opted to continue for another 2 years 'part time' so that I still have 'some cover' but not all the side effects, which are not always very pleasant.
Talk to your Onc about it - you could try them 'every other day' & see if you have any nasty side effects so at least you KNOW - BUT ... so long as you are happy with whatever your decision is ..... just go with what you feel is best for you xx
Take care & all the best.