Tamoxifen/Evista vs AI (Arimidex/Aromasin)

Hi KJohnson,

We're sure you'll be getting some helpful advice from the other members here shortly, but we wanted to share with you a recent study that Breastcancer.org reported on that may provide some insight for you: New ASCO Guidelines Recommend Aromisin to Lower Risk in High-Risk Postmenopausal Women.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

I was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer at 58.  I had been taking HRTs for 7 years prior.  After my diagnosis I immediately quit taking HRTs.  After surgery, chemo and radiation I took Arimidex for 3 years.  I have two loves in life besides my family and husband - working out and playing golf.  I worked out daily and continued to lose muscle mass for the 3 years I was on Arimidex.  My sister finally told me I looked frail.  After I stopped taking Arimidex my muscle mass returned after 1 1/2 years.  I asked my Oncologist if anyone had done a study to see if less time worked.  He said good luck trying to find anyone to fund that study because they are funded by the drug companies.  I have been cancer free for 6 years and counting.  Each decision is personal and must be weighted by the individual. 

KJ---I was diagnosed with LCIS ( a step further along the bc spectrum) almost 10 years ago and my risk is further elevated by family history of bc (mom had ILC). I took tamoxifen for 5 years and now have been on evista for about 4 years.   I do have hot flashes, insomnia, and achiness, but I had a total hysterectomy 8 years ago, so it's difficult to tease out exactly what is causing what now (the meds, or the lack of estrogen from no ovaries! I think it's probably a little of both) I'm sure I would've had similar SEs from natural menopause, just not as intense or as long. So overall, I think I tolerate both meds pretty well considering, and even though they're difficult at times, I wouldn't want to deal with the joint pain/stiffness/bone loss from the AIs. (I'm a PT, and those issues would greatly impact my ability to do my job, among other things).  Keep in mind as you as researching and making decisions, the incidences of the blood clots and the endometrial cancer are very very rare, <1% chance. (and they can monitor you yearly with transvaginal US and you can take baby aspirin daily to reduce the risk of the endometrial ca.)

anne 

Hi, I also had the choice of the same drugs due to mastectomy left breast estrogen positive. I chose not to take tamoxifen, as I have had blood clots and so just didnt want to take the chance. I was put on arimidex. 4 years now. It gave me a few side effects, but it has softened my bones. The doc wants to put me on fosamax or actonel, which I was unable to tolerate. My mom took tamoxifen for 5 years. Her cancer hasnt come back so far. You have to weigh the risk against the good. I am trying to get my rt breast removed now as I regret not getting bilateral, but thats just my decision. Just try one and see how you do, if it bothers you maybe he can adjust the dose or it might be ok for you. I know you will get help here. I have and im so thankful I found this site

Hi!  Just thought I would put my two-cents on here.  This is my second time around with this beast!  2005 just DCIS in left breast but did all the treatments and 5 years of tamoxifen.  Not too many side effects with that except weight gain. 

Now 7 years later, ILC in right breast so I had them both removed, finished chemo, rads and am taking Arimidex.  I start Arm. in May.  About month after, hip pain for a couple of days.  So instead of taking it in the a.m., I started in the p.m.  Have been experiencing more hip pain(once a month for a week) now.  All the MO did was give me norco to take.  Now, I am back to a.m. taking this little white pill.  This month Aug. the hip pain has been on my backside all the way down to my leg(right side only).  I see the MO next week and I guess I will have to discuss this treatment.  MO's office seems to think adding more pills is the answer to keep taking Arimidex while I keep on questioning about my liver.  I just started taking it in the mornings today and hope to cut out this stiff type pain.  Let me know your thoughts.  Thanks

I've been on exemestane just over two months. My SE's started pretty much right away, which surprised me, as I thought they would come on a little more slowly. Hot flashes, nausea, headaches, numb fingers (really badly) very sore arms and legs, and a feeling of general weakness. I'm sure I missed a few, BUT they are definitely getting better. Less intense, unless I have to sit for a long time. Then I am very stiff and achy as I start moving around again. Now it's mostly the numbness in my fingers and pain in my right ankle. My MO said that by ninety days, the body and brain adjusts and the SE's should be more tolerable.



At first I didn't think I would be able to tolerate. It Now I think I'll be ok. I used to take the pill in the morning, but now i take it either at supper, or just before bed, depending on the night.



I just went for my first massage ever. It was wonderful, and I feel as if it brought some relief to the numbness in my fingers. I'm not getting it as often, and it's not as intense.



Just realized i forgot something. As Savgigi mentioned above, I do experience mood swings, like the pre-period crankiness I used to get before menopause, though it's manageable so far.

Hah! I forgot about the dreams! When I first started the med, I had very wild, very intense dreams. Even mentioned it to a friend of mine who is taking a different AI, to see if she was having the same strange se from her medication, but she wasnt. Thankfully, they, too, have diminished, though I am not sleeping well, waking up every couple of hours, and having more daytime fatigue than normal. Then nine at night rolls around and I can't keep my eyes open.

For me, the wild dreams did not last long, no more than a couple of weeks. It was just really strange.



Hope yours slip away just as quickly.

Proud to spin - Would it be possible for you to describe the stretching you do?? Thanks in advance!

barrieb- Just in response from a post 5 year out person. I had taken HRT for over 12 years prior.  I made it to almost 7 years before return of ER+BC a couple of months ago. I had thouht I had this thing beat. I took if I recall right Arimedex to start with then switched to Aromasin then finally Femara. They all gave e crippling joint and bone pain and after 18 months stopped them and was advised to go on Tamoxifen. Two weeks of continual nausea I quit taking that and decided to take my chances. So I advise staying on as long as you all possibly can. I am having loss of appetite now which I blame Tamoxifen but since am getting RADS too will have to wait and see after I get done. I had only ever gained weight on all the others HB. I too was age 58 at time of Dx and a very active RN. Had to give up work at age 60 d/t complications of chemo. So some loss of muscle is bound to happen by this age so just feeling good and being w/out pain is my main goal right now.