Help, struggling with hormone therapy.

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I am struggling with the prospect of hormone therapy.
I was diagnosed with grade 3 , 30mm multifocal lobular cancer, ER➕ So far I have had successful therapeutic mammoplasty and am halfway through chemo. I know I have radiotherapy to come.
Until this all kicked off I was quite fit and very active. I am 61 and decided to take early retirement when I was made redundant. I loved kayaking, played racquet ball 3/4 times a week, did a couple of yoga, Pilates classes, rode my bike every where and worked on my very large garden. I attended a couple of craft classes and volunteered at a care farm every week. So busy and active.
My big problem with hormone therapy is the likely side effects, specifically the effect on my bones , joints and my general mobility. I already have a vitamin D deficiency and bone deterioration. My greatest concern is that I take hormones for 5 years and can’t do what I really want. Then find after 5 years I have osteoporosis and joint problems. How do I make a decision about quality of life now against the chance of cancer returning.
If I start taking hormones and have problem side effects will they be permanent? What happens if I only take them for 2 years, why 5yrs? I know I need to talk to my oncologist but I have found the advice and experiences shared on this site invaluable. I will talk to the Dr but I want to be as prepared as I can be beforehand.
Thanks
Jan

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Hi Jan,best plan is to give it a go and see how you get on pretty sure most side effects (apart from osteoporosis) are not permanent and a lot of people don’t have have side effects that majorly impact on their quality of life.You can take Tamoxifen post menopause too so if you find the AIs don’t agree with you ask about trying Tamoxifen it is kinder on the bones and joints .

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Thanks Jill I didn’t realise tamoxifen was an option for post menopausal. I knew you ladies would help. I now have something else to throw into the Dr questioning.
Does anyone know if you can request a bone scan. I really want to know the extent of the deterioration that has already been detected before I start .
Thanks
Jan

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Yes ,pretty sure you can ask for dexa scan if you have bone issues already ,lady I speak to had one .The AI s are slightly more effective for post menopausal women but Tamoxifen is a definite option.Couple of ladies I speak to have been changed to it after issues with Letrozole etc

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Thanks.
I really want to get as much info as possible so that I know the questions I need to ask and any scans etc
Jan

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They will take into consideration any existing health issues you have.Try not to worry too much ,most people have very manageable side effects.

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Hi Jan. I’m 55 and was given the choice as post menopausal. My Onc said to me "you have two choices Tamoxifen and weight gain, Or Anastrozole and joint/bone pain. As I’m vain, I decided to go with Anastrozole and was given a DEXA scan which showed I had thinning bones so was prescribed Adcal too. I have had no SEs from Anastrozole apart from feeling tired in afternoons. I walk two miles every morning so maybe that alleviates any joint aches. My friend is on same drug and she can’t walk down stairs without feeling terrible! It’s strange how it all affects us differently.I have another friend who’s come off Tamox because of weight gain…but another one who’s 3 years on it with no problems. Try them. Recurrences are more likely in the first two years with ER+ cancer so taking them for that long would probably be beneficial.

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I’m fascinated about how we all react so differently to Anastrozole.  I’m 58 and have been on it since last June.  My biggest problem is the hot flushes and occasional muddled brain! I’ve had no joint pain but I do Pilates and my bone scan showed me only at medium risk of osteoporosis so just making sure I continue with plenty of milk, yoghurts and cheese. What time of day do other people take their Anastrozole? I take mine last thing at night and wonder whether this has any bearing on s/e?

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Hi all
Thanks for all the information and advice ladies. I will keep following the hormone threads. I feel better informed and have more questions to ask. Not sure I am any near to being able to make a decision. I already take prescribed medication for vitamin d deficiency so am really worried about bone issues. I was not aware of the iv treatment so that might be the deciding factor.
Thanks again for all the input.
Jan