Afraid to stop taking Arimidex

Daisy-Donna

Hi,

I've been on a combination of Tamoxifen and Arimidex for 5 years now. My oncologist says it's time to stop taking it. She says that for my particular case their is no real benefit to continue. While I know I should be happy to reach this point in treatment I am terrified to do so. In my head it's the only thing keeping the cancer from coming back. Has any one else been in this situation and how have you handled the fear?

SpecialK

You might ask your oncologist about the BReast Cancer Index (BCI) test from Biotheranostics. This text is designed to do two things for patients at the 5-year crossroad - determine your risk of recurrence beyond five years, and also determine the benefit of anti-hormonal medication on your individual tumor. The genetic examination of your original tumor material results in a predictive and prognostic score. Here is a link to more information

https://www.answersbeyond5.com/what-is-bci

Cloudygarden

Daisy -Donna, I experienced the same fear. Diagnosed with BC in 1999. Unfortunately I did relapse, twice. One new tumor in the other breast & a relapse, 2013, in primary site. I have been on Tamoxifen, Femara, Aromasin, and now Arimidex. When my Femara was stopped after 7 years I relapsed one year later. I now have a lesion on my spine. I continue on Arimidex indefinitely. My oncologist said some women benefit from a longer course of aromatase inhibitors. I feel well with no diseases progression.It is a hard decision and I wish you well. Cloudy

notadaygoesby

I am at that same crossroad as of yesterday. My oncologist said October 2018 will be 5 years on Tamoxifen. I tried Arimidex for 6m but the joint pain was unbearable. My oncologist recommended the Breast Cancer Index test. I read a little about it this morning. Very interesting and worth doing, in my opinion. I don't like the joint pain, confusion, and hot flashes from Tamoxifen, but I also don't want a recurrence. I'm not even sure what to do if the tests come back where I have a low percentage chance of recurrence, will I feel comfortable enough to stop. In my mind, I think taking a pill is preventing recurrence, not always true!

Look into the BCI test - it might help you decide. Good luck!

pupmom

Cloudy, you had 13/13 positive nodes, and are classified IB? That doesn't seem possible. But, if it is, I would be very reluctant to stop hormonal therapy. I only had 2 positive nodes, classified IIA, and am on the 10 year plan.

Daisy-Donna

When speaking to others about my concern and fear of recurrence and stopping the medication, I was asked if i thought I would feel more secure at the end of an additional five years or would I have the same fears and concerns then as well. I had honestly not thought of that and it's something I have to think about. I hadn't heard of the Breast Cancer Index test before - thank you for bringing that to my attention. It looks very interesting and I am definitely going to speak to my oncologist about it. I've been very lucky and have had only very minor side effects while on the medication. I know many others have not.

Cloudygarden

I had breast cancer in both breast & relapse. The 1B was left invasive ductal. The right breast invasive lobular IIB, & local & regional relapse. My diagnosis profile shows some of it, my technology skills are limited. Happy note I am feeling well since initial diagnosis in 1999 despite multiple reoccurrences, Arimidex aromatase inhibitor help keep my disease from progressing for long periods. Wish everyone the best in their journey with treatment. Take care & hugs. Cloudy