Deciding against taking AI

I don't know any alternatives either and would love to know. I thought flax was good for us. A friend of mine swears by flax seed and soy also.  I'm really confused. I can't take some things because I'm on a blood thinner which complicates things. My onc wants me on Aromasin and I'm very nervous about it. Is the answer to consult a nutrionist?  And where do you find one who is familiar with cancer survivors?

Timothy beat me to it.  Many women who have a tough time on AIs do better with tamoxifen.  There is a myth that it is only for premenopausal women but that is absolutely not true.

srbreastcancersurvior,,

about flax seeds and soy

flaxseeds was recomended by my nanay's endocrinologist for those who have an imbalance of estrogen metabolites (more 2OH than 16OH)

however, most BC patients have more 16OH than 2OH-- so my mother eats more cruciferous vegetables --- but not flaxseeds

about soy--  my mother eats natto (fermented bean curd), and miso-- as this type of soy actually has the substance called genistein -- which was proven as anti-cancer..

however, most of the products sold in the market-- labeled soy-- most often does not have that genistein-- 

so if you really have to eat soy-- chose natto, tempeh or miso (avoid everything else)

also avoid soy supplements.

as for flaxseeds-- I would probably get tested for my 2OH and 16OH ratio first before taking it...

small amounts will probably do-- but if you are taking it as a supplement -- you might need to reconsider..

when we are talking about hormones and endocrine system--we normally talk to endocrinologists--but I learned that not all endocrinologists specialize on cancer..

the ob/gynae that my mother is seeing also orders hormone test and give good advice on what to eat and not to eat-- depending on how it affects hormones/endocrine system as part of the battle plan to protect her ovaries/uterine..

I have been on both tamoxifen and arimidex.  Tamoxifen was definitely more of a problem for me.  So don't assume that an AI will be worse.

I'm not aware of the approved use of Raloxifene for prevention of recurrance of ER+ breast cancer.  From what I've read, its approved use is for the prevention of occurance in women at high risk (genetic factors).  Correct me if I'm wrong on this.  There are several SERM's (including lasofoxifene) that have approval for (initial) prevention, but not treatment.

hillck--

Arimidex is only more effective compared with Tamoxifen in recurrence. Tamox has proven overall (all cause) survival value. You will not find any studies that demonstrate Arimidex improves overall survival. Originally, they thought that less recurrence would cause women to live longer. However, Arimidex is so hard on the heart and bones, that survival benefit washed out.

Beth, check out the Natural Girls thread.  It's in the Alternatives and Complementary Medicine Forum.  It's a very lengthy thread, but many of us who post there are on alternative estrogen modulators.  Also use the search feature on this page (to upper right) to search for any of those names.  I've used I3C for 2 years after a bad reaction to Femara.     Deanna

Yes, Lucy, that is urgent information for me, thanks.  If I am menopausal, my onc wants me on an AI. I have been clear from the beginning that to me, that trades the cancer benefit for other problems that affect overall survival, particularly in the younger set.  41, IMO, is just way too young to have all the estrogen stripped.

Beth, have you read, Anti-Cancer, A New Way Of Life, by David Servan-Schreiber, MD, PhD?  It's one of the best books out there. 

I'm a big advocate of making small changes to your eating habits and diet each week, rather than going cold turkey on everything you're used to, which may be hard to maintain.  Add one uber-healthy food (like salmon or broccoli) to your menus each week, while at the same time eliminating or cutting down on the less healthy stuff.  You'll be amazed at the changes you can accomplish in a few months. 

Also, exercise has been shown to reduce our risk of recurrence by something like 35%.  So it's really important to find an activity you like and can stick with.     Deanna