Hormone inhibitor treatment decisions
Sorry this is a long post. 70 year old, between August 2024 to April 2025 diagnosed DCI, PR+, ER+, HR -, R partial mastectomy and reconstruction, radiation, Anastrazole(such awful, awful side effect...
Forum Discussion
So sorry you have had such difficulties. I am 71 and recently diagnosed with HER 2 Positive (IHC 3+). I was operated on 3 weeks ago and have an appointment with my Oncologist in several days time to discuss treatment. There appears to be so many different blockers as far as I can see so far. I am becoming nervous as to what will be recommended 😬.
Hibirdsong I am sorry to hear about your diagnosis. I was triple positive and commenced the Aromatase Inhibitor Letrozole after my radiation treatment whilst finishing immunotherapy and chemotherapy 3 years ago. The side effects are manageable and I have taken a “holiday” from the tablets for up to a month each year ( for long haul flight travel and other reasons).
I take them at night which seems to be better for any side effects (I do have aches in my feet now and then). I find yoga is great for keeping my joints mobile.
Good luck with your discussion. My oncologist thinks it’s worth me being on these for a total of 10 years.Hi Tri, thanks for your supportive response and tips of when you found taking meds best for you. I am anxious to hear what treatment my Oncologist recommends tomorrow. I know whatever it is I will get through it as I have this community ❤️ support. Thanks again, wishing you smooth sailing with your treatment. 🩷
Welcome to the group birdsong xx So sorry to see you joining our select little group xx
Not everyone gets ALL the side effects from AIs - I was in my mid 60s when diagnosed (now 73) and started with Letrozole, changed to Exemestane then settled with Anastrozole for 7 years!
Wait & see what your Onc recommends .... give it a 'real go' .... and all going well, you won't have any bad side effects xx. If you have issues - let them know.
Make sure you take a trusted friend or relative with you to all your meetings from now on (& consider recording them too, on your phone) xx. It is almost impossible to remember everything & this way you can go back over it in the quiet of your home & take notes. xx
Also, consider listening to Charlotte Tottman's Podcasts on her own experience with BC - she is a specialist breast cancer Counsellor who had a double mastectomy, choosing to stay flat - and was surprised at her own reaction to the news, when she'd been counseling others for many years & thought she 'knew it'! She has done 2 ‘podcast seasons' ... check out the 1st season, right from her diagnosis onwards and how she coped, then move on to the 2nd season. She is very easy to listen to & you'll probably recognise your own reactions in many of the podcasts.
http://www.drcharlottetottman.com.au/my-podcast.html
Check out this thread too - there is a lot of info on the forum & what to take with you to hospital - even 'tick sheets' that you can fill in to take with you to your appointments on your mental & physical health .... this info has been gleaned from many of our members over the years ... I hope it helps you xx
https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest
take care & all the bestOoops pushed the button too soon. I will keep in touch with what my Oncologist recommends. Cheers.
Thanks for your reply arpie. I really appreciate the links and advice re: having someone with me and possibly recording. I hope you are doing well now, 💗
All the best for your Onc Appointment xx
Whack up any questions you have here too ... we'll do our best to give honest answers xx You can start a new thread in the Treatment & Surgery category - so it all relates to you and your ongoing treatment xx
And don't forget, if you'd like to chat to someone privately, you can give our helpline here a call on 1800 500 258 xx. Mon-Fri, 9-5
If you DO have side effects, there are also alternative methods to help lessen them to help you stay on them for the time your Onc decides .... but you can cross that bridge if/when you get to it xx.I always took mine at night with my meal (allowing it to work its magic overnight) .... but some preferred taking it with breakfast. See what suits you.
Take care
