Tamox after 2 years with AI?

Julebule
Julebule Member Posts: 5
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

Hello from germany,

 My mother (54) was diagnosed with stage IIIc breast cancer in September 2009. A few month ago her tumor marker jumped a few points (8 - 11 - 20). Today she got new results: 12! :-) So, as you can imagine, we are very happy!!

 My question: Her Onc suggested to change from AI to Tamoxifen. She started Arimidex two years ago. I thought, that it is recommended to take an AI up to 5 years... do you think it is a good desicion to chance the hormonal regime after 2 years with good results?

Julia 

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  • pj12
    pj12 Member Posts: 25,402
    edited March 2012

    Hi Julia,



    Is it possible your mother complained about some of the side effects of the AI and her doctor offered tamoxifen as an alternative? I was on arimidex for a little over a year but switched to tamoxifen when I could not tolerate the Arimidex any longer.



    In the past some women chose tamoxifen because it was cheaper but since most of the AIs are now generic that is not an issue.



    Bone loss and heart issues secondary to AIs might cause a doctor to change a patient to tamoxifen. Also AIs have been known to raise cholesterol levels. All of these drugs have to be prescribed in light of the general health of the patient. Tamoxifen, too, has its own set of problems.



    In the US an AI for ER+ women for five years has been the standard. Recently some doctors are starting a patient on tamoxifen for two years,then switching to an AI for three years. Some think this is not as hard on the heart. I haven't heard of doing an AI for two years, followed by tamoxifen for three years but why not?



    Your mom is fortunate to have you watching out for her.



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  • Julebule
    Julebule Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2012

    Thank you for your reply!

     I know that she has a few side effects. What bothers me is that i dont think it was HER decision to change meds but the doctors. I would feel more comfortable with an "aggressive" approach because of the stage of her disease. She hasnt the feeling, that she has a choice in this matter and that her doctors present her different alternatives.. 

    I want her to trust in the treatment plan und not to worry too much, but it makes me nervous if she doesnt get the best treatment available.. It was the same with her chemo: She got AC+T (every 3 weeks), although I researched, that there are a few more aggressive options that she could have got :-/ 

    2009 I decided not to tell her every option I found, because I didnt want her to be upset (chemo had already started), but now I think she has the right to know about all the possibilities...

    I wish you all the best!

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