Q. I've been on tamoxifen for a couple of years, and now my doctor is switching me to an aromatase inhibitor. I understand how tamoxifen works, but this AI is a whole new thing... ...
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Selecting Healthy Children: At What Cost?-
Well, but there are other things to talk about here...
Sue A
Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 11:35 AMre: Well, but there are other things to talk about here...
PJ Hamel
Thursday, July 17, 2008 at 02:21 PMHi Sue - You're right, AIs are still a work in progress. And they'll work for some better than others. Everyone has to approach their own cancer on an individual basis—and do what's right in your own case. Good luck - PJH
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Need help finding a good breast cancer hospital in Miami
Posted 02/18 Comments (1)
Hi I am Julieta, one of my aunts (youngest 43) was...
I had a very low grade, small, breast cancer. I also have osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and high cholesterol - and I'm not even 60.
So the list of side effects for AIs looked like my worst nightmare.
I talked to my oncologist about this - the absolute difference for me of taking an AI rather than tamoxifen is about 3% for recurrence. There is no difference in terms of life expectancy.
And AIs are expensive - over $400 per month, if you do not have health insurance.
If you have side effects, the bisphosphonate infusions are $1000s.
Plus, there is no long term information about side effects - I have heard concerns voiced about the possibility of dementia, as estrogen may play a role in brain function.
I would really be interested in hearing more about these issues.
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