I am due to have the discussion soon with my oncologist regarding hormone therapy.
I have read lots of horror stories about this treatment and just wondering for some thoughts about which is the best one to have, with least side effects.
may also be having bishopnates.
I am post menopausal (started at the age of 41) and I believe this has a impact on which I can have.
I had a invasive DCI, Grade 3, HER2 +, ER + 8/8, PR + 7/8
I have had a rough ride so far with my treatment, so I am currently having weekly chemo had 3 of 9, was set to have herceptin and projeta but can now as they had to change my chemo, so just the Herceptin now. Currently have multiple blood clots on my lung so on blood thinners, I have a Portacath that they are now keen to take out as soon as I finish chemo, then radiotherapy!!
Any advice is most welcome 
Hi
Congratulations on getting this far. I too had a rough ride with chemo but you’re counting down now to those blissful times when you don’t have to be surrounded by those bloody bleeping drips! If you’re post-menopausal, you may not be offered a choice of AI. Sometimes oncologists are pretty sure what the best one (according to the data) is.
Remember that people who aren’t struggling with hormone therapy rarely post on here so, yes, there are horror stories but, as I eventually learned, it’s sometimes unfair to blame the AI. You get warned of all potential side effects and, when you get them, you assume it’s the tablet. I had two periods off anastrozole (4w and 6w) and it didn’t make a jot of difference to my joint and muscle pain. After being seen by Rheumatology, it was concluded that chemo had done the damage.
There are all sorts of side effects that you may get, whatever the AI you choose, but equally you may get none or few of them. Once I got the right brand of anastrozole, most of my side effects like hot flushes just vanished. There’s strong anecdotal evidence on here that brand can make a huge difference if someone is suffering (my pharmacist says it’s nonsense but she does try to get me Accord).
The fact is, the AI is there to deprive us of the hormones that drove our cancer. It’s not great losing those feminine hormones but there’s not much option. I’d say go with whatever your oncologist is recommending, try it for a few months and try different brands - you’ll be monitored so keep a note of any side effects and, if it’s intolerable, ask for a break to see what happens. If you then demonstrate clearly that the AI is causing horrid side effects, they’ll move you to another kind of AI. It has to be trial and error.
Bophosphonates is a simple, quick treatment delayed only by needing blood results so, if they offer you the zometa infusion (zoledronate, whatever) make sure you’ve had a proper blood test or you’ll be there hours instead of maybe 40 minutes. I experienced no side effects on treatment day but you may (or may not) experience fatigue for a few days or a mild kind of flu. They have to tell you of potential side effects and they sound really scary but I checked it out with a specialist dentist who was able to clarify when, if at all, the risk might arise. I’ve had my 5th of 6 and I’ve been untroubled apart from some joint pain.
Btw, I found radiotherapy a doddle after chemo. Others will say the reverse. You will only know how it is for you once you’re doing it (and the weeks after as it carries on working). I wish you all the best for the rest of your treatment,
Jan x
@Pop0101 - I have just seen your post from last week, and just wanted to offer you any information on Tamoxifen. It is true that generally people who are post menopausal are given an aromatase inhibitor (AI) but some are given Tamoxifen. I was pre menopausal when I started Tamoxifen and am now post menopausal. I was getting on ok with Tamoxifen so my oncologist kept me on them, though he is planning to review again this autumn. If I can help with any questions you might have please do ask.
I’m sorry you are having a tough time with chemo, and hope things improve and you get out the other side very soon. I also had a port which did make chemo much easier but I was glad when it was gone. Big hugs and best wishes to you, Evie xx