I think most of us have followed conventional tx options so its hard to evaluate the choices you are considering (no rads or no AI). My personal opinion is to “follow the science” because current standards of oncology care have been through rigorous and time tested studies and research. But it comes down to your own risk tolerance level. I figured it would be harder to cope with a recurrence if I didnt follow what my medical team recommended. It was frightening to undergo tx but in the end, it was worth it. I’m 6 years out and pray for continued health.

I took Arimidex for 5 years and only had a few side effects in the first month but I do know that when you have side effects that are too difficult, my oncologist at the time of my initial diagnosis said there are three aromatose inhibitors and you can always be changed to one of the others. This was in 2012, not sure if it still stands today.

@A MyBCTeam Member, I’m 5 years in with anastrozole. I’ve had luck with Curamin Extra Strength that I take religiously morning and night. It’s Curcumin and Boswellia, both antiinflammatories, I think originally marketed for headache relief. The only thing is that it can very modestly thin the blood, which would not be good if on afib medication, for example, and one should halt use surrounding surgeries. Always check with your physician. I like it also because there’s some evidence with curcumin use directly related to minimizing breast cancer recurrence risk- in that I like to throw at it what I can. At any rate, I rarely have pain, only the very occasional stiffness on rising. I order on line for the best price, but otherwise it can be found at many health markets.

((Hug))

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A MyBCTea...

Not everyone has side effects from anastrazole. I am 3 years in and I can say that I have absolutely no side effects. You hear a lot of scary things but you have to remember that as with everything, people mention the bad things and people without say nothing. Anytime you read drug info, they mention everything possible that they have done during the approval process and some things are very rare.

You sound like me! I hate Letrazol’s side effects but after researching peer-reviewed studies and articles (not Wikipedia 😂😂 ) and my oncologist’s recommendation I’m on Letrazol for 10 years. Three more to go. When the cancer was first discovered I was given the option of mastectomy (I opted for bilateral mastectomy) or lumpectomy and was glad I did double mastectomy as they found two other very small areas in different parts of my breast. We can have all the antidotal information around but it’s best to listen to your oncologist, do research and listen to your heart. ❤️