Arimidix recommended even though I'm premenopausal?

tilsgirl

I'm 37 and I'm 5 years out from Stage 2 breast cancer with lymph node involvement (had chemo, radiation & mascetomy).  The cancer was "very mildly estrogen positive".  I've been on Tamoxifen for almost 5 years with only very mild side effects.  

Now my oncologist wants me to start Arimidix, which will require a Lupron shot 3 times a year to trick my body into menopause so I can take the Arimidix.  I was informed that this is the "standard of care", but I am hesitant. 

First, I'm not sure what damage the induced menopause will be doing to my body (A doctor had informed me years ago that is best for cardiovascular & bone health to not force your body into menopause before the age of 40) . 

Second, my cancer was "very mildly" estrogen positive according to the my doctor.  So, is this providing enough additional benefit?  

Third, I worry about the side effects that I have read some women report with Arimidix.

Does anyone have a similar experience?

Thanks in advance :-)

 

 

 

dltnhm

I am fairly certain someone will chime in with information regarding the soft study. You might want to add information to your post by editing it to include ER, PR, Her2, status, etc.

10 years on Tamoxifen has shown better results than 5. But again, I do not know the particulars of your diagnosis.

Here is a link to a thread about switching to an AI with suppression.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78/topic/...

Here is a link regarding 10 years on Tamoxifen

http://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/10-years...

Hope these help you in your search for answers.

Diana

ElaineTherese

I am premenopausal and have been prescribed Zoladex (like Lupron, an ovulatory suppressor [OS]) and Aromasin (an AI). My MO did this because the SOFT study showed that there were better outcomes with this regimen than Tamoxifen. The SOFT study particularly emphasized the better outcomes for young women (like yourself) who do OS + AI. That may be your MO's rationale. As far as side effects go, I have had mild SEs from OS + AI. I've had some mild hot flashes and some moodiness (treated with Celexa). I will also be getting a dexascan to provide MO with a baseline re: bone density. If the AI does a job on the bones, we'll be able to see that in subsequent scans. Diana is right; these issues have been discussed elsewhere on the boards. You are welcome to participate in those threads as well.

dltnhm

I am adding another link which discusses the soft study in more detail.

http://www.onclive.com/conference-coverage/SABCS-2...

Diana