Not choosing to take the anti-estrogen therapy

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  • Salamandra
    Salamandra Member Posts: 1,444
    edited December 2018

    Michelle_in_cornland,

    That's super helpful - I had no idea how that worked. Thank you.

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  • MDRR
    MDRR Member Posts: 133
    edited December 2018

    Michelle - thanks again. I checked the 2 pills (diff manufacturers) and discovered the one that seems less intrusive has A10 and the one that seems to affect a little more has A7 so they are different. I'll definitely speak to the pharmacist and also talk with her about Mayne. The flashes are still not bad, but noticeable as compared to never noticeable, so will see what they can do.

    appreciate the info!

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2018

    BeachMom2018, I fought my oncologist tooth and nail, and insisted I wasn't taking any medicines. About the third visit, she asked me to at least give it a try for a month. So, reluctantly I did and, to my stubborn surprise, I've had few if any side effects.

    I've been taking an aromatase inhibitor (anastrozole) for a little over two months, since Oct 5. During this time, I've had only one brief night sweat and, maybe once a week, I get flush in the face for about 10 minutes. At age 74, I'm slowing down so I can't blame it of the medicine but overall, I feel pretty good all things considered.

    I do understand that women who take an aromatase inhibitors for more than five years continue to have side effects from the drug, including a higher number of bone fractures and a higher rate of osteoporosis; there are also risks of heart problems. But my doctor is monitoring them so I'll be doing what needs to be done to counter them.

    Before my diagnosis, I'd been taking prescriptions of high cholesterol and high blood pressure for years, so hopefully they will continue to help in this area and help counter some of the long term effects of anastrozole.

    I figure, if I get a couple more years spending time with my daughter and two grandchildren, other family and friends, I'll take the risk. It's a very personal decision so take your time deciding.

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  • Meow13
    Meow13 Member Posts: 4,859
    edited December 2018

    My only regret is not being informed that side effects may be permanent. I am happy to have the protection from breast cancer but wish doctor was up front about the reality of hormone therapy. I see some people had no bad effects but I sure did.

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  • BeachMom2018
    BeachMom2018 Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2018

    Hi dtad, since you declined the AIs due to QOL issues, may I ask what you are doing instead? And this goes out to all who have chosen NOT to take any aromatase inhibitors. Thanks!

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  • BeachMom2018
    BeachMom2018 Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2018

    As I understand it, AI's only block the conversion of androgens to estrogens. If this is so, what about estrogens produced naturally or phytoestrogens that are consumed, or xenoestrogens that enter us due to plastics, pesticides, etc.? Am I to assume that none of these sources would be covered by the aromatase inhibitors? And how much androgen do we really make after menopause to make it worth damaging our bones and memory along with the other potential side effects? I feel that doctors ONLY look at studies, but drug trials are narrowly constructed and so the answers we are given are solely based off of these narrowly designed trials.

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  • Cherryi3
    Cherryi3 Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2018

    That's exactly what I want to know, Beachmom. Shouldn't our hormone levels be checked throughout the process? Are we really producing/ blocking that much less than we would naturally? All Iwas told was my recurrence rate is 5% with AI and 10% without. I still haven’t decided. I already grow my own organic produce, maintain a healthy BMI and exercise. I have started reducing my red meat consumption. Bought some cancer fighting cookbooks as well. Involves a lot of grains and veggies, very little meat. Lots of beans and fiber

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  • L-O-R-I
    L-O-R-I Member Posts: 114
    edited December 2018

    I have chosen to lower my estrogen naturally as opposed to taking Tamoxifen, which my Doctor prescribed.

    It is your liver that filters out estrogen. There is lots of info. on the internet about how to detoxify your liver so it functions at its best. I don’t use any unnatural creams, lotions, or makeup anymore. No nonorganic soaps or shampoos either. I’m eating all organic to avoid all chemicals and gmo’s. I jump on my rebounder daily for around 20 minuets as well. I googled herbs that help lower estrogen as well and take some of them. I’ve also dropped 35 lbs. by doing these things!

    I have been doing this since last May and for the first time ever, I have been getting hot flashes. I stopped menstruating 5 years ago at 52 years old but never had the symptoms. I am happy to be experiencing hot flashes now because it is a sign that my estrogen has been lowered.

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited December 2018

    Beachmom2018...hi there. I take DIM, melatonin, baby aspirin, mushroom extract and berberine. I lost 30 pounds and try to exercise daily. Both of these has been shown to lower recurrence rates by 40 percent, which is almost the same as anti hormone therapy. I recently read a post on this forum which stated that a conventional doc told her that exercise is chemotherapy for breast cancer. I would like to say that we all have different circumstances and we all have to make our own informed decisions. I support and respect all treatment decisions made. Good luck to all navigating this complicated disease.

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  • BeachMom2018
    BeachMom2018 Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2018

    To Dtad, LORI and others. Thank you for mentioning your protocol. I, too, have been taking all the things that have been mentioned minus the baby aspirin. Many herbs have qualities of "purifying" the blood (as we herbalists say) without the negatives aspect of baby aspirin. I also take garlic extract, grape seed extract, black currant seed and primrose oils, B vitamins, cod liver oil, vitamin D and calcium d glucarate (and about 5 more things). I always add flax and hemp seed to my organic yogurt or salad and always cook with turmeric, paprika and celery seed. I take vitamin C IV drips along with glutathione and ozone IV drips. I am already thin (I lost 40 lbs 3 years ago) and work out daily. I think that has helped me get through this 'journey', although sadly the extremely clean life I have led for the past 10 years (I am 59) did not prevent me from getting breast cancer. That said, I have had a lot of stress in my life and I think that was a huge contributor to its expression.

    To Cherryi3's point, every cancer doctor I speak with cites the same number 5% better with AIs--it's like a mantra.

    Finally, here is some interesting information on DIM

    https://examine.com/supplements/diindolylmethane/


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  • L-O-R-I
    L-O-R-I Member Posts: 114
    edited December 2018

    imageThis is my breakfast. 100% organic, of course. I switch it up with different veggies and try to add a half lemon too. Not always tasty but it’s worth it!image

    I make most of my own capsules because it’s so much cheaper. The spice rack makes it convenient and easy!

    Thanks for all the sharing! It’s nice to know everyone doesn’t think we are off-the-wall!

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  • BeachMom2018
    BeachMom2018 Member Posts: 15
    edited December 2018

    Hey L-O-R-I, I love your "spice" rack and yes, making your own capsules is so much cheaper! Not sure if I could eat that for breakfast but kudos to you for doing so!

    Just by way of alternative therapies, I also see an acupuncturist and do a lot of releasing work along with nightly prayer/meditation. The mind/body/spirit is definitely connected and we have to nourish (and cleanse) all of them to be really healthy --and cancer free.

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  • L-O-R-I
    L-O-R-I Member Posts: 114
    edited December 2018

    I forgot to say that I juiced those veggies for breakfast! Lol I agree with the connection, BeachMom, of body, mind, and spirit. I take my time in the mornings to listen to my style of relaxing music (hymns), while soaking in some infrared heat and doing a coffee enema. Who would have thought that that is how I would be spending an hour every morning and be vitalized by it!! Lol Life is good!! Merry Christmas to all :)


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  • Cherryi3
    Cherryi3 Member Posts: 68
    edited December 2018

    Lori, What you’re doing is very impressive. I have a tendency to go on kicks and fall off the wagon. Very difficult to make it a lasting habit. If I trusted myself to be consistent I would not take the AI. For this reason I will most likely give it a try. Like some of you, bc found me in spite of the healthy habits I had. Last year was a 10 for stress so I need to work on that too. Best wishes and respect you all

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