Five Years Cancer Free-No more Arimidex

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simplypoised
simplypoised Member Posts: 21
edited September 2019 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

My oncologist is retiring, and after five years, he said I am good. I do not need to see an oncologist anymore. He also said it is okay to stop taking Arimidex, so I did on Saturday. What a ride. I used to be so energetic. I look and feel like I am 80, but I am only 65. My general practitioner and I will be overlooking my care now. I am giving myself two weeks to see what happens with the pain and then I am back into the gym. I want to look and feel good. I also know that being positive is great, but being observant is important as well. Hang in there everyone!

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  • Cowgirl13
    Cowgirl13 Member Posts: 1,936
    edited April 2019

    Congratulations! I've been off of it for and year and a half and feel so much better. You will be amazed and just give yourself time.

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  • jbdayton
    jbdayton Member Posts: 700
    edited April 2019

    Congratulations. I was in your situation for about 3 weeks.

    My last prescription ended the 3rd of February. On February 18 I had my annual MO visit. Upon reviewing my records he thought I should consider having the Breast Cancer Index test run. He had my original tumor sent out for testing. About 1 to 3 out of 100 women will benefit by extending the AI for an additional 5 years. Well, I came back showing a substantial reduction in recurrence. So I am back on my AI for 5 more years. Luckily, I only had minor SEs. We of course will monitor my progress at 6 month intervals to make sure I do not do more damage than good. My last bone scan showed me to have great bones and my heart is in great shape and my blood work was perfect. I feel blessed.

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  • Ingerp
    Ingerp Member Posts: 2,624
    edited April 2019

    Congratulations simplypoised!! I'm just getting started on the AI journey (about 4 months in), and my MO has not specified how long I'll be on it. I figure we'll look at the current research at the five-year mark and see what's being recommended. A good friend who was diagnosed last summer was already told she'll be on it for seven years. I guess we'll see. . .

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  • simplypoised
    simplypoised Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2019

    I haven't been on the site for a minute. I am so sorry you have to continue Arimidex. I feel so much like my old self now. I have been working a little more and I am not as tired as before. You mentioned the Breast Cancer Index test and I am not familiar with or I have forgotten it.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2019

    The Breast Cancer Index test is offered by some oncologists when their patients have taken anti-hormonal therapy for five years, in an effort to determine which of them may benefit from extending this treatment. This is a genomic test performed on your original tumor material with a dual result - your level of recurrence risk, and the effectiveness of the medication. Here is a link:

    https://www.breastcancerindex.com/


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  • simplypoised
    simplypoised Member Posts: 21
    edited August 2019

    Thank you. My oncologist said nothing about it. I will see my family physician in December and share with her.

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  • mom2bunky
    mom2bunky Member Posts: 189
    edited August 2019

    That's marvelous! Congratulations!!

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  • windingshores
    windingshores Member Posts: 704
    edited August 2019

    I go to MGH in Boston, and saw my oncologist yesterday. I asked about the Breast Cancer Index and the Prosigna assay and got a blank look, then was told they use the Oncotype. In fact, they also stated they only use the Oncotype to decide on chemo or no chemo, not for hormonal drugs. "Everyone with positive hormone receptors gets hormone drugs." In other words they didn't even get my question.

    I tried to clarify that these tests can help decide on whether and how long to continue aromatase inhibitors AFTER 5 years. They said they don't use them.

    So, as I draw near to 5 years, I would like to have one of these tests. Can someone tell me (or PM me) on where they might be offered in Boston?

    Thanks!


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  • Totallytubular
    Totallytubular Member Posts: 62
    edited September 2019

    thanks and congratulations!

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