Maybe try Starting AIs slowly 'over time' to see if the side effects aren't as savage?

Well done!!  Will you be finishing up this year, @iserbrown?

Sadly, @cactusk ..  Most Oncs have NO idea of the actual side effects of the AIs  - So if they are saying you 'should be feeing "x" ' ... they are really only parroting what others have said, or what they've read in their text books during training.  They need to listen to their clients and BELIEVE what they are being told.  My first Onc was an arrogant male who didn't believe there were ANY side effects to AIs and when a new Onc started at the hospital & I saw her as a locum with my 'other' Onc was away, I asked to be transferred to her - and she was very receptive to all my whinges & immediately gave me a 3 month break, then changed meds .... TWICE!! She then treated my husband when he was diagnosed with mets & he LOVED seeing her - she was just so bright, optimistic, and lovely to deal with (still is)!

SO - if you are NOT happy with your Onc not believing your side effects .... you CAN change to another one. xx

It doesn't really have much to do with whether you exercise or not - as the aches & pains often prevent you from being as active as you used to be!   I was VERY fit & strong before my diagnosis .... not so now.  Nor it isn't lack of motivation - it is bloody aches & pain & discomfort!  What exactly don't they understand about that?  BTW ... Well done on your current exercise regime xx

This is a list of side effects that our members have contributed to over the years (by adding 'x' to specific side effects that THEY've had over the years on the various AIs.) The 'dots' are from the original list ..... So choose FEMARA and run your eye down the list & see which ones apply to you? (Not everyone gets ALL of the side effects, thank GOD!)

It also shows the various 'names' of the AIs and the difference between AIs, vs SERMs vs ERDs ..... 



take care ... feel free to print this off & show it to your Onc!!  ;)   it will educate them!