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Friday, January 28, 2011 psychstudent asks

Q: I have been given Arimidex and Femara following a recurrence of breast cancer. My blood pressure rose to 166/97 on the Arimidex. On the Femara, the BP is now 181/97. My brother died of strokes. help!

I am currently in a doctoral program for clinical psychology and am aware of the dangers and consequences of TBI. My oncologist seems unconcerned about the dangers of these AIs and now wants to switch me to Aromasin. My cancer was a rare low-grade type with a recurrence number of six. Do I need to undergo such drastic treatment with these drugs? I did fine on the tamoxifen with no notable side effects and was cancer free for eleven years. I really need an answer because I think cancer is more acceptable than brain damage. I wonder if my oncologist takes into consideration the best option for my total overall health.

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PJ Hamel, Health Guide
1/28/11 7:56pm

Hi - I'd ask your oncologist to prescribe you tamoxifen, since your blood pressure doesn't seem affected by it. While the aromatase inhibitors are more effective than tamoxifen at preventing recurrence, tamoxifen still works. One caveat is that in some women, tamoxifen loses its effectiveness over time... you might be in that category, though there's no way of telling. Still, with such severe blood pressure problems, I'd think it would be a chance you'd consider taking. Good luck - PJH 

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By psychstudent— Last Modified: 01/28/11, First Published: 01/28/11