AI comparison question

ohilly
ohilly Member Posts: 441
in Breast Cancer #1

Hi, group!  I am BRCA 1, Stage I in 2008, had bilteral mastectomies (1 preventive because of the BRCA).  I took Femara for 5 years and recently discussed with my onc if I should continue taking it.  I want to continue taking something to keep my body estrogen free, and my onc agreed; however he suggested I switch to Aromasin or possibly even Tamoxifen if I continue taking something because I have side effects with depression and hair loss.  My hair thinned on Femara and I am on Lexapro, which mostly, but not completely, controlled my depression which I am convinced is from the lack of estrogen since I never had this problem before Femara.

 

so my question to you is:  what experience do you have with the side effects of taking Aromasin and Tamoxifen compared to Femara?  I am afraid of Aromasin even though this was the one suggested by my doctor because I've read it can cause hair loss.  At the same time, I feel like after 5 years, I would like to try another drug besides Femara because I am hoping there would be less depression.

 

Thanks in advance for your advice!

 

 

 

 

Ohilly

Comments

  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #2
    I am interested in the

    I am interested in the responses you get.  I will be at five years in October.  xoxoxo Lynn

  • coco2008
    coco2008 Member Posts: 418
    #3
    lynn1950 said:

    I am interested in the

    I am interested in the responses you get.  I will be at five years in October.  xoxoxo Lynn

    Good questions.  Would love

    Good questions.  Would love to read the results since this will be my future.

  • Josie21
    Josie21 Member Posts: 382 Member
    #4
    Hi

    Hi Ohilly,

    In 6 months I will be 5 years in and will have to chose whether to stay on anything or not.  I took tamoxifen for 2 and a half years and did great on that.  I had hot flashes, but that was abouit it.  Then after my hysterectomy they put me on Aromasin.  I did not experience any hair loss, but I do have pain and stiffness in my joints.  When I first started taking it, I did not think I could put up with the pain for 2 and a half years, but I am almost there.  I did notice the more I exercised and kept my body moving, the better I felt.  I would have no problem going back on tamoxifen if my doctor suggests that I do after my five years.  The side effects for me were nothing compared to Aromasin.

    Hope this helps.

    Ginny

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