I was strongly triple positive - ER+, Pr+ and Her2+, so I had both Arimidex & Herceptin, in addition to surgery, chemo & radiation. I had essentially no side effects form either Herceptin or Arimidex (am still on Arimidex).

In fact, it has been almost 10 (TEN) years since my diagnosis of aggressive Stage III cancer, with no recurrence or mets! I feel like I owe it all to the combination of medical interventions & my wonderful treatment team.

Arimidex prevents the recurrence and mets of the estrogen positive cancer cells. Herceptin prevents the recurrence and mets of the HER-NEU 2 positive cancer cells. Each drug affects a different type of cancer. If you have triple positive, both will be recommended. However; you should discuss your ABSOLUTE risk if recurrence and the effect if the meds in that. For example; my absolute risk is 15% and Arimidex reduces it to about 7%. I don't take it because I had nasty side effects. I did take Herceptin because HER 2 can be a wickedly aggressive cancer.

Forgot to answer the first part of your question. I was 57, earlier had a total hysterectomy & ovary removal at 51 (due to problems from fibroids & ovarian cysts).

Arimidex & similar medications (Femara, Aromasin) are usually recommended for women who are post-menopausal. Tamoxifen for pre-menopausal. However, sometimes women have their ovaries chemically "shut down" temporarily in order to take Arimidex. Talk to your oncologist about this. IMO, the most significant side effects of Tamoxifen are the possibility of uterine cancer & stroke (or other blood clots). On Arimidex, osteoporosis is the most significant side effect - but there are treatments for that, too.

May I ask how old you were when you were diagnosed. My dr is discussing tamoxifen with me instead of arimidex. I'm wondering what the difference is. I will be 53 in March 2016 and had pretty regular periods tilL my first three rounds do ADR.