How Many are doing 10 years on Aromatase Inhibitors

I like Bone Defense. 3 capsules per day supply 500mg calcium (from a blend of types) plus Vitamin D 3000 iu, plus Ipriflavone, Vitamin K2, Biotin, Magnesium and other things like black pepper and ginger root to help absorption. If I am not mistaken, this blend of ingredients helps prevent calcification of the arteries.

I've never heard of that dosage of calcium causing concern. I think I'm taking 1000 or more per day. I'd run your OB/GYN's comment past your MO and go with MO's recommendation, frankly.

So those of us on AIs definitely fit under this statement from the above article.

Furthermore, the National Osteoporosis Foundation maintains that the findings of current studies and advice about supplements should "not apply to women with osteoporosis or broken bones after age 50 or those with significant risk factors for fracture." For them, the benefits of calcium supplements are likely to far outweigh any risks.

I barely supplement with calcium - 300 - 600 mg, but work to get much of my calcium from food. And always take supplements with food. I'll find out next fall whether this is working for me at the next DEXA in a year. Hope to never find out that I've taken too much, evidenced by heart problems.

I just don't think that most of us adults can get enough calcium or magnesium from food.  Just sayin'.

I agree with voraciousreader. Bone density loss while on AI is frequent but not a given. Not everybody gets calcium prescribed just because one is on AI. I for one was recommended to increase the intake of calcium with food and more exercise, but no calcium supplement for now.

Great discussion!

Thanks for the article. Interesting. You pay your price and take your pick! All medics have their pet hobbyhorses and prescribing varies according to a number of criteria. Absorption may vary too - we are not all the same height/weight/body mass. If women dieted less and didn't avoid dairy which contains much calcium, they might have stronger bones in the first place.

Hi Ladies. Please remember to take your Vit D supplement 2x/day. I am Vit D deficient and was told by my Onc to split up my Vit D to AM and PM so the body has time to absorb it. I am taking 3000 IU but splitting it up; I am hoping that will help. Also, take food based calcium supplements that it goes to your bones not your arteries.

Hugs!

Cakes

I started taking D3 last year before BC as I was deficient. My family doctor did a blood test. How often do you get tested for levels? Do you need more being on an AI or just a normal level maintained?

way before the BC junk, my primary doc was doing a full blood work up and it always checks for Vit D.  Mine has always been fine but I do still take suppliments.  Amazing how much can be found in blood work up, mine showed my Lyme disease at an early stage.  Love the doc for her testing!

You can review the information for BCI at http://www.biotheranostics.com/wp-content/uploads/BTXBCI_149_BCI%20Updated%20CVA_v18_fnl.pdf.

The fact that caught my attention is over 50% of recurrences happen after the 5th year and 4-5 % of women will benefit from extended endocrine therapy.  This test may save lives.  The statistic is similar to the 3-5% that can be helped by chemo.

I've been on Femara for 6 years now..................I asked if I could continue until 10 years after seeing the research...............

At first my onc was a little reluctant, but after I showed her the research, she agreed................I feel that it's my 'comfort blanket'...........so many like me, have been dx with secondaries, and I just have great faith in these little tablets..............

Happy.. I understand about the little white pill being a security blanket.. I feel.the same

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Hi , I am seriously thinking of finally stopping adjuvant hormonal therapy.  I was diagnosed in 2006 and have been through surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.  I have taken tamoxifen for 5 yrs, letrozol and then arimidex  for a couple of years and finally tamoxifen again for the past year ( could not tolerate the fatigue and joint pain from the AI's). My oncologist would like me to stay on tamoxifen  to complete 10 yrs of hormone therapy, but....I have had enough !  I am just tired of being tired all the time and in a bad mood.  I guess what I am looking for is support with the decision to stop everything..  My question is, will my mood get better when I stop everything? Will I feel physically better? Or are all these feelings just a result of menopause and quitting tamoxifen won't make a difference in my emotions and wellbeing. I would appreciate any input.  Cheers

I was done at 5 years. I felt good on it, but even better once I was off....nothing earthshattering, it was kind of subtle; but I felt a lighter mood, better sleep, less achy etc. I'm not making a recommendation to quit though. That has to be each lady & her doctor evaluating her own personal risk/benefit ratio and how the choices and potential consequences (either way) fit into her philosophy of life. Best of luck with your decision!