Can I Refuse Arimidex?

Anonymous

allalone, that AI script is doing you no good in the kitchen drawer.  SE's are an issue but as one lady said that at stage 3 we need all the help we can get fighting this BC beast.

Barb

allalone

Hi Shanagirl, I've just left a post in Hormone Level Test, is it possible to get one after meno? which explains my position a bit better. As I understand it, the AIs are still in "test mode" and if they recommend I stop immediately if the SEs get too bad I start wondering .....

Anonymous

allalone `  I do get what you're saying and how you feel.  I was of the same mind when I started this thread, but it was the support and encouragement of the stage III girls here and especially a comment from a stage IV girl that really made me think I should be on Arimidex.  After going on it I think I could have dealt with the bone pains and fatigue, but the worst and most uncomfortable SE for me was the vaginal atrophy, and sever pain during intimacy with DH. My onc totally gets this and put me on Tomoxifen to help with the atrophy and pain.  He said to use lube but absolutely NO ESTROGEN  cream or suppositories.  He admits there are many GYNO's who argue with him on this but this is his "PHYLOSOPHY".  NO ESTROGEN FOR ER+ DRIVEN BREAST CANCER" and that's why he prefer's me on Arimidex to Tomoxifen, but quality of life is a big issue that he gets, and he's been prescribing Tomox to many women for many years.  I'm still very conflicted about the switch, and also that my Gyno has told me to use the Vagifem twice weekly at first till the atrophy resolves and the tissues plump up again.  So now I am no longer having those SE's, I'm on the Tomox, but still very conflicted about whether I should go back on the Arimidex, and just use the Vagifem occasionally with lot's of lube as my Gyno recommends. 

Below is a website that discusses Aaromotase Inhibitors and Estrogen driven breast cancer.

Click here: What Are the Effects of Aromatase Inhibitors on Breast Cancer?

Barb

karen333

I think you made the right decision, I want to know I fought this dreaded disease with everything at my disposal.  I have been taking it for 1 and 1/2 years with minimal side effects, achey ankles in the A.M. and a few warm flushes.  Nothing unbearable though.  Karen

Anonymous

Sherri  ~  Thank you for your words of encouragement.  My onc said something similar..

Barb