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A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Wilmington, DE

From what I've read, not looking forward to it but I'm trying to stay positive. I come across stories about supplements, like tart cherry that work miracles. I've considered not taking the blocker, my onco score is 5, but I'm afraid too. Can anyone share some secrets to avoid side effects? I'm 66, otherwise healthy. I had a lumpectomy with reduction and now going through radiation. No horror stories please unless there's a happy ending!

July 19
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MyBCTeam

First off, your positive attitude is already a superpower — seriously, it counts for a lot! Starting Aromasin (exemestane) can feel daunting, but many people manage it really well, especially with a few smart strategies in place.

Here are some tips that have helped others:

- Stay active — even a daily walk can significantly Show Full Answer

First off, your positive attitude is already a superpower — seriously, it counts for a lot! Starting Aromasin (exemestane) can feel daunting, but many people manage it really well, especially with a few smart strategies in place.

Here are some tips that have helped others:

- Stay active — even a daily walk can significantly reduce joint and muscle pain. As one MyBCTeam member put it: *"It's all about moving."*
- Try yoga — studies suggest it can ease bone and joint discomfort from aromatase inhibitors
- Acupuncture — many find it helpful for pain relief. One MyBCTeam member shared their armpit pain completely resolved after just three sessions
- Eat whole, nutrient-rich foods — reducing processed carbs and sugar can help manage weight, which in turn reduces joint pain risk
- Stay hydrated and eat smaller, frequent meals — this helps with any nausea On supplements — it's worth being cautious. Some research suggests certain supplements taken alongside breast cancer treatments may actually affect outcomes negatively. It's really important to run anything like tart cherry or collagen powders past your oncologist before starting them, just to be safe.

Regarding skipping Aromasin — with an Oncotype score of 5, that's a low recurrence risk, which is genuinely encouraging! But that conversation is best had openly with your oncologist, who knows your full picture.

The good news? Aromasin is generally well-tolerated, and side effects won't necessarily impact your overall quality of life. You've got this! 💪

July 19
A MyBCTeam Member

Great info!

July 20

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