Survival

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Octobergirl
Octobergirl Member Posts: 334
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

I just read this... 

 http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/new_research/20110823.jsp

This is so depressing to me.  Apparently, 5 years on aromatase inhibitors helps lower recurrence rates but shows no benefit for longer term survival.  I have been so aware of my bone loss and growing bone fragility, aches and pains the past 6 months and working really hard to battle it with physical therapy, Denosamab, Pilates, calcium and increased protein.  Think of how many of us take our daily medicine believing our docs that it is our main defense for a longer life. This is so so depressing. I guess I will email my onc about changing to Tamoxifin...at least it doesn't destroy our bones. 

Blessings today and please respond.

Octobergrace

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  • KerryMac
    KerryMac Member Posts: 3,529
    edited September 2011

    What the article actually points out though is that "Five years of an aromatase inhibitor is somewhat better than 5 years of tamoxifen for reducing recurrence risk in postmenopausal women diagnosed with early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer -- about 20% better overall."

    So, it does look like the AI's are more likely that Tamox to prevent a recurrence of BC. However there was a slightly higher risk of dying from something else - 11% higher in AI users than Tamox users.  (which they said was not statistically significant) And from reading that seemed to be heart issues.

    I would certainly talk to your Onc, but from reading the article, it seems AI's are still a better option at staying cancer free. However, I think if you have other underrlying health issues, they may be more toxic (and more likely to lead to death from other causes)

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  • diana50
    diana50 Member Posts: 2,134
    edited September 2011

    well, i am nine years out. was on arimidex for 5 and half years.  my oncologist told me "arimidex keeps you around"  i think treatment is very important.....i prayed for 4 years when i was diagnosed....and here it is 9.  i know so many women who are past the stats for stage III.  i think you just have to do treatment and pray./..hope for the best.

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  • solange49
    solange49 Member Posts: 102
    edited September 2011

    That's great to know Diana. That gives me hope for many good years to come. I'm stage IIIc as well. This forum has been a lifesaver for me. I belong to a support group but sometimes I am the only one with stage 3 and at times i feel isolated. I'm looking forward to (hopefully) my last chemo coming up on the 19th, another PET scan and prepare for my mastectomy and rads. I haven't posted often and hope I can one day be an encouragement to other women who are on the journey none of us chose. :)



    Hugs,



    Diana

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  • NancyD
    NancyD Member Posts: 3,562
    edited September 2011

    Heart disease is much more prevalent in my family than breast cancer, which so far as I know has only struck my mother and myself. Whereas heart disease (congestive heart failure) has taken out more relatives than I can count.



    I think I will talk to my onc about switching up from the monohormonal course I'm now on.

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