AI's - when to start?

LillianGish

I am finishing radiation as of April 3rd. Woo Hoo! Been a long road.

Will likely be taking an AI, since I am post menopausal and ER/PR+.

In the meantime, over the course of my treatment these past seven months, I've grown to really hate my medical oncologist. Truly. Don't think I've met a bigger jerk in my life. So, I'm interviewing for a new MO. Another woo hoo!

And my question: How much time do I have after radiation ends, before I need that first prescription for AI? Trying to avoid any further interaction with The Jerk, but if I have to grin/bear one more visit to get the Rx I will.

Michelle_in_cornland

Even if you are post menopausal, you can still take Tamoxifen. And, you can start out on a half dose for one month, upgrading to a full dose. Give yourself time to recover from radiation. Did you have a high oncotype or why the chemo?

LillianGish

Hi Michelle,

Thank you - That's good to know about the tamoxifen. At one point a few months ago, MO said he would prescribe tamoxifen for a couple years and then AI, but the last visit he said he would be prescribing Femara only. I've lost trust in his opinion though, so it wouldn't surprise me if a new MO decided something totally different

A Mammaprint test said I was at a high risk for recurrence. MO didn't order Oncotype, and I still am disappointed about that. The mammaprint, as well as the facts that the tumor size was 3 cm, the tumor grade was 3 and I have a strong family history of cancer, all made me choose chemo.

LillianGish

So, my MO says that if radiation ends April 3rd, hormonal therapy starts May 1st. Does that sound about right? I don’t trust him, so that’s why I’m asking.