Comments on: Side Effects Revealed: Women Share Their Experiences with Breast Cancer Drugs

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 14:01:51 +0000

Hi Jane. How are you doing? I was diagnosed with stage 1, grade 1, T1b N0 M0 invasive ductal carcinoma in June 2007. I do not want to take tamoxifen or an AI. I underwent a lumpectomy with clean margins, negative sentinel node, and 6 weeks of radiation therapy. I fear the side effects of both tamoxifen and AI. I have a cousin who had breast cancer following which she took tamoxifen and had a stroke. I have degenerative joint disease in my spine and I really do not want to exacerbate that with the use of an AI. I am feeling like my numbers are reasonably good to forego the use of these drugs. At any rate, can you refer me to the sites where you looked at the numbers your refer to in making your decision. Thank you. I appreciate. I wish you best.

By: Pamela

Pamela — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:45:59 +0000

I thought I had to take an estrogen receptor or the cancer would come back. I am currently taking arimidex and I do not like the side effects at all. Does it normally make a person nauseas?

By: jane

jane — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 22:13:05 +0000

I was IIIa, and menopausal coming out of chemo at almost 51, with a double mastectomy (second one elective) and immediate reconstruction both sides. (Beautiful work at Mercy Hospital in Baltimore.)
I declined AI and tamoxifen.
I didn’t want that stuff in my body. Chemo was stupid enough.
A woman’s body without estrogen? What a crazy experiment. Tamoxifen conceptually made more sense.
But when I looked at the numbers, I didn’t see where the after-care drugs made enough difference compared to my quality of life.
I set to work repairing my immune system.

By: Crystal McBride

Crystal McBride — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 00:30:47 +0000

I remember when my mother was battling breast cancer; it was one of the hardest times of her life! Its hard enough to fight this terrible disease let alone have to take drugs that can cause serious health maladies. I’m blessed to have a mother who survived; harmful drugs didn’t keep her down!

By: Nicole

Nicole — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 09:35:55 +0000

Pauli rocks, and so does BCA! Thank you for all the work you do on behalf of all (us) survivors. ~ Nicole from YSC