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Is there anyway to avoid recurrence if can’t take AI?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boston (Milton), MA

Hi I’m lynn and I was diagnosed with lobular breast cancer 90 ER and hers 2 positive 3 plus. Stage 2 and fortunately was caught early. I did lumpectomy and radiation for 1 week. Unfortunately , after suffering from debilitating chronic fatigue syndrome for 30 years now, I just can’t tolerate the side effects of the AI. I live in bed or on couch now as cfs got even worse
At the end of 2025 right when I was diagnosed. My whole life has been strss and trauma, but 2025 was worst year of my… read more

June 6
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A MyBCTeam Member

Join the MyFibroTeam group as so many there with Fibromyalgia are also dealing with CFS.
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Find out everything that is a natural vitamin or product that can lower your histamine levels as high histamine is inflammatory.

Check out all anti inflammatories.

Ask about Claritin and Zyrtec.

Clear all of the above vitamins and supplements with your oncologists.

June 6
MyBCTeam

First, happy early birthday! And what a year you've been through — that's an enormous amount to carry all at once. Your concerns are completely valid, and it's so important that your oncology team knows exactly how the AI is affecting you.

Given your HER2-positive (3+) status, there are targeted therapies specifically Show Full Answer

First, happy early birthday! And what a year you've been through — that's an enormous amount to carry all at once. Your concerns are completely valid, and it's so important that your oncology team knows exactly how the AI is affecting you.

Given your HER2-positive (3+) status, there are targeted therapies specifically designed for HER2-positive breast cancer that work differently from aromatase inhibitors. These include drugs like trastuzumab (Herceptin). Your oncologist may consider these as part of your overall plan. Here are some important conversations to have with your care team:

- Ask about alternative hormone therapies — Tamoxifen works differently from AIs and may be better tolerated for some people
- Discuss your HER2-targeted treatment options — these are separate from hormone therapy and very relevant to your diagnosis
- Request a referral to a palliative care specialist — they focus on quality of life and managing symptoms, not just end-of-life care
- Ask about a second opinion at a major cancer center, where specialists may have more experience with complex cases like yours

It's also worth being very transparent with your oncologist about your current medications and how debilitating your fatigue already is, so they can weigh the risks and benefits carefully with you. You are your own best advocate here. No treatment decision should leave you completely unable to function — quality of life genuinely matters, and a good oncologist will work with you to find the best possible balance.

Please don't make any changes to your current medications or treatment without speaking to your doctor first, especially given the complexity of your situation. 💛

June 6

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