Joan, I believe there are two main side effects to stopping Arimidex: the eventual lessening of the side effects it may have given you, whatever they are (joint pain, loss of bone density, etc.); and the lessening of protection against cancer. It's a tough choice, I know; how large is your risk for a recurrence? How bad are Arimidex's side effects? Your doctor can answer the first question. But statistics are just that; YOU will have your own personal experience with cancer. Maybe you seem to have a great risk of recurrence, and you go off Arimidex, and you're fine. Maybe your recurrence risk is low, and you stay on Arimidex, and cancer comes back. There's just no telling... In the end, you make the decision best for YOU, and then move forward with confidence, and no recriminations, no doubts. Good luck to you - PJH