I had breast cancer first in 1996 and was treated by lumpectomy, CMF (4 times) and radiation, followed by tamoxifen for five years. I was diagnosed as Stage 1 since my tumor was 1.3 cm (ER positive, PR positive, HER2 status unknown), and there was no cancer in my lymph nodes. In 2003 I had a new tumor appear in the same breast and had a bilateral mastectomy. This new tumor was HER-2 positive, ER positive, and PR negative, 1.3 cm, again stage 1. I was treated with AC 4 times followed by taxol 12 times, and 1.5 years later I took Herceptin for a year. I have taken Arimidex since Sept. 2003. My oncologist thinks I should take Arimidex for the rest of my life due to my recurrence and more aggressive tumor the second time. What do you think?
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Q: Is it ok to take Arimidex for the rest of your life?
Hi Jan - Impossible to answer, because no one knows. Those of us taking Arimidex are in the "guinea pig" class, since they don't know the long-term side effects. At this point, they know that 5 years' worth of Arimidex is effective at preventing recurrence. Will 10 years be effective? Will 15, or 20? They don't know; testing hasn't gotten that far yet. Take a look at our piece on aromatase inhibitors; it might help you. Bottom line, this is a "step off the cliff" decision; unfortunately, you're just going to have to decide to keep taking it, or not, without any information to back up your decision. Good luck - PJH
P.S. I'm going to keep taking it as long as I can afford it.
My oncologist says that I have to take Arimidex for five years. My tumor was 1.7, contained and I had a mastectomy. There was no lymph node involvement. I have an appointment today with my oncologist and will ask him.
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