Tamox or Arimidex

Summer23

I'm a newcomer to this forum but I'm hoping for your input.   I was diagnosed at 36 and was pre-menopausal.  I underwent chemo, bilat.  mastectomies, axillary dissection and prophylactic oophorectomy.   My onc originally suggested I go on Arimidex but now has pondered whether I should be on Tamox first and then switch to Arimidex after a couple of years.  I have researched both drugs and how they work in my situation (having been premenopausal and put into menopause basically overnight).  I know with the Arimidex there are still studies out on this.   My onc has left the decision up to me and I am struggling with what to do.    I am wondering what other women with a similar situation are taking for hormone treatment.  

ruthbru

Arimidex gives you a better chance of non-reocurrence. I've known people who have had hysterectomies just so that they could go on Arimidex instead of Tamox, and people who become menopausal during treatment are almost always then switched over from Tamox to Arimidex. I'd go with the Arimidex!

LouLou40

Hello I'm 40 and went straight onto Arimidex as I am in menopause from the Chemo, my Onc checks my hormone levels every 12 Weeks to make sure my ovaries haven't started to work again. My Onc thinks Arimidex is better for Her2+ BC and that's why I didn't go onto Tamox first.

I had a bone mineral density scan before starting the Arimidex which showed I had Osteopenia, so am taking Vit D and Calcium supplements, and will have another scan in 6 months and go from there. Arimidex can cause Osteoporosis so make sure you have a bone mineral scan first as Chemo-pause causes rapid bone thinning in young women.

I tolerate the Arimidex well, the hot flashes are only mild and I have no joint or bone pain............it does cause many young women quite severe joint pain.

LL

REKoz

As with every other aspect of this bc journey, you have to do what feels right for you...physically and mentally. I am post menopausal and tried Aromasin which just ruined me mentally and physically. Taking all the estrogen out of my body was very unkind. So I went off and am awaiting the results of the Tamox metabolizing test. If I am a go, I am going to give it a try. I am hoping this will be better as I will still have estrogen. The reoccur stats are minimal between AL's and Tamox and I just need a quality of life!  I have one now that I'm not on anything and am hopeful the Tamox will allow me to feel somewhat normal. If not, I will investigate bioidenticals (my Onc says there are no studies verifying their efficacy, however there is no big drug co. $ behind them to do that!!)

Anyway, I tried the AL first and it didn't work for me. It may for you..so if you're more comfortable with that, at least give it a try. You can always switch.

Good luck!