Thursday, October 15, 2009 Sally asks

Q: Arimidex: is it worth the risks?

Two months ago I had a lumpectomy, two small tumors, clean margins. No lymph involvement. I am in the middle of radiation therapy right now.

Oncotype DX showed 15% chance of recurrence without chemotherapy and 11% with, so I opted not to have chemo.

I am post-menopausal and prone to blood clots, so they recommend I take Arimidex as opposed to Tamoxifen. I am concerned about the side-effects, especially osteoporosis. I am 51 years old.

What would be the increase in odds of recurrence if I do not take Arimidex?

Answers (2)

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PJ Hamel

10/16/09 1:50pm

You'd need to ask your doctor about specific statistics, as only s/he has all the information about your particular diagnosis. Arimidex (or any AI) definitely helps prevent recurrence; it also definitely comes with some challenging side effects, such as aches/pains, and bone density loss.

After hearing your statistical chance of recurrence, you'll need to make the tough decision: do the risks outweigh the benefits, or vice versa? You could try splitting the difference and taking tamoxifen, which comes with serious (though very, very rare) side effects, and actually increases your bone strength. While not as effective as Arimidex, it was the gold standard of hormonal therapy for years, and it does lessen your chance of cancer coming back. Good luck with your decision - PJH

Sally

10/16/09 3:05pm

PJH

Thank you for your response.

I cannot take Tamoxifin because I have had two incidents of DVT in the past.

gillflower

10/24/09 5:21pm

my mom has just been put on Arimidex. She had a bone density scan last week to check the state of her bones. If results show that she has a problem she will be given calcium and vit D supplements to build bone density. She will then have regular bone scans to keep an eye on it. Perhaps you could ask your doctor about this before you make your decision. Hope this helps

Sally

10/25/09 8:34am

I have been told that I can and probably will receive an intravenous round of a variation of the drug boniva to fortify the bones.

Still, it bothers me that the drug may cause more problems. No one knows whether or not cancer will return. The prevention may be truly unneccesary, and it could possibly ruin my bones at an early age.

Yet....I obviously don't want to deal with a recurrence of breast cancer. It's just a terrible spot to be in when it comes to decision-making.

I was hoping to hear from someone who had chosen NOT to get tamoxifen or arimidex who had a happy ending with no recurrence. Anyone like that out there?

PJ Hamel

10/25/09 8:47am

Sure, Sally - there are women who take no hormone therapy and live happily ever after - lots of them. I don't know your particular risk here, but just for argument's sake if the risk of recurrence is 10% with Arimidex and 20% without, then 80% of those who DON'T take Arimidex don't have a recurrence - which is pretty good odds, in my book.

It's all about your tolerance for risk. It's all about balancing pain vs. gain. And it's all up to you - only YOU can make this decision. And once you do - don't look back. You made the decision your heart told you to make - the decision that's right for YOU. Go for it with everything you've got. Good luck - PJH

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