Aromatase inhibitors help

rayofsun

I was dxd with 3c in oct 2009. Had neoadjuvant chemo for 6 months. Had one positive sentinel node and a mam node light up on PET scan. Had complete response from chemo! Did tamoxifen for 1.5 years. Ovaries removed in Jan 2011 and started AI's in March 2011. Have taken some doctor prescribed breaks and switched types of AI's. Since AI's had lower back surgery and a knee replacement. I am 55 and active. I feel my body deteriorating and am thinking of stopping the AI's. Thoughts. My Onc says it's up to me. Reoccurrence not a worry but showing up distantly could be.

Kathleen26

Have you considered going back on Tamoxifen? I had to go off the AI's and went on Tamoxifen, and I don't have all of the joint issues, and my Dexa scans show I have rebuilt all of the bone I lost on the AI's. Tamoxifen provides statistically very close to the amount of protection as the AI's and studies show there is a benefit for taking it up to 10 years.

rayofsun

Thanks Kathleen, that's a good idea. I will ask my onco tomorrow. I need to investigate what longterm effects there are with Tamoxifen. I agree I will feel better with some protection.

Lafish

hi rayonsun, I was on AI's for a few years and found that I not only was aging on the outside but also internally, a few surgeries and procedures later as well as high BP, including some side effects from the AI's that were causing a QOL issue I switched to tamoxifen just recently, right now I am feeling as though a change is as good as a rest and hopefully I can tolerate the tamoxifen. It's worth a discussion with your MO.

LAF

Meow13

Doctors down play the effects on AI therapy. I am so glad I am off them. I have permanent side effects that no one ever told me could happen.

rayofsun

meow how long were you on them? I have had back surgery and a knee replacement since. Def feel it's related!