6 years NED--now a change :(

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Iwillwinthisbattle
Iwillwinthisbattle Member Posts: 1,076
edited July 2017 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

My last scans did not turn out as planned. My tumor markers are up to 35 (although they have never been reliable--28 when I was stage 4), I have new lymph node which is concerning 1.4 cm and there may be some activity in the area of my lower back. A bit of background, I have been on Arimidex for 6 years with basically NED results. Now this. My doc wants to switch me to Exemestane. Trying to keep it all in perspective, but obviously worried with the changes. Thoughts? Anyone taking Exemestane? Experiences? Thanks for your input

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  • Kandy
    Kandy Member Posts: 1,461
    edited July 2017

    The brand name for Exemestane is Aromasin. Im not sure who is taking that by itself but there is a thread on Afinitor/Aromasin. I was on that combination for a few months but then progression happened. I do hope you have good results with your new treatment. You had a good long run on Arimidex, hopefully this will give you another long run. Best wishes to you. Enjoy the moment.

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  • ABeautifulSunset
    ABeautifulSunset Member Posts: 990
    edited July 2017

    I took exemestane for four years combined with faslodex. It was a very easy combo for me.

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  • DivineMrsM
    DivineMrsM Member Posts: 9,620
    edited July 2017

    IWillWin, sorry to hear of the progression. Hopefully, a new treatment plan will keep you stable for years like the Arimidex. I have heard that it bodes well to have a long stability with one drug becase it means the bc responds to treatment and will respond to the next one. I cannot say how much merit that has, but would like to think its true. Best wishes to you.


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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited July 2017

    I'm so sorry about the progression. Such a shock. But I agree with the DivineMrsM that the next treatment may last as long as the first.

    You've been taking an aromatase inhibitor. Exemestane is also an aromatase inhibitor, but it's a "steroidal aromatase inhibitor". So it has a slightly different whammy. I'd expect the side-effects to be about the same.

    I've taken it, but not by itself so can't comment on my statement above from personal experience.

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  • Heidihill
    Heidihill Member Posts: 5,476
    edited July 2017

    Yes, yes, to what Divine said. This is just a small bump in the road. I have not been on exemestane but have tried Femara and Arimidex and am currently on Tamoxifen. I switched due to side effects and every new drug has been more tolerable than the last. I hope the same for you.

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  • Iwillwinthisbattle
    Iwillwinthisbattle Member Posts: 1,076
    edited July 2017

    Thanks for the support and votes of confidence! I knew this was the place to come! I'll start the new meds today and am looking forward to a good, long haul on this one!!

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