How long should I be on hormone therapy?

I’m post menopausal and er/pr + at 98%, so I was told 10 years. But there’re is a test at the five year mark to see if it’s worth doing another five years. I get the impression it’s very individualized depending on all your factors.💕🙏🥰

Being told 10years on anastrezole. Still doing chemo so I’m almost dreading the AI’s more

I am 65, ER+, HER2- Stage1a DCIS. unilateral mastectomy in November. Doc suggested Anastrozole for 5 years "ideally," but said to stop if side effects were unbearable. He said "One year is better than nothing, two years is better than one, etc." I will give 5 years a try. No bad side effects yet..

Good day everyone. I am 62, dx at age 57. This past April was 4 years on anastrozole. My oncologist says 5 years. My oncogene score was 52. Pretty high, but my second opinion Dr feels “size matters”. My tumor was less than 1 cm and no node involvement. As for side effects, oh Yes… joint pain especially upon arising from bed or sitting to long. Exercise and walking definitely helps. If I didn’t walk or exercise at least 159mins/week, it would be unbearable. I don’t have hot flashes or night sweats!I’ve also gained about 20 lbs over the last 2 years. I’m looking forward to coming off this drug and getting my body back! God willing!

Patti G that is kind of how I will approach AIs. And a big reason why I got off the fence about doing chemo. My onco score was 33 so chemo was recommended but the benefit was still only minimal. After a second opinion, I decided to go through with chemo because I knew I could do that. I knew I could do the radiation, but I didn’t know how I would feel on AIs. My oncologist said if I get bad side effects he’ll switch me and he’ll keep switching me until you find something that works. Optimally 10 years is what they want for the less chance of it coming back but if my symptoms deter quality of life, then I will reassess. I don’t want cancer but I don’t wanna live in pain for 10 years either. I still consider myself pretty young at almost 55, but to me life is it about quality more than quantity

Jennifer G, I am 56 and my Oncologist told me 5 years even though I had bilateral mastectomy then afterwards metasized to my lungs now. I have the BRCA2 gene & the breast cancer history in my family is extremely high. My mom had breast cancer when she was 69 and had a bilateral mastectomy then came back to her ovaries when she was 81...even though she hadn't been tested for the BRCA2 my Oncologist strongly feels my mom carried the Gene as well. Next month I will be having a total hysterectomy to prevent anything else that ties to BRCA2. Blessings to you.

Who tests for the BRCA2 - general practitioner, oncologist or surgeon ? Is it a blood test? I am newly diagnosed and have family history. Thank you for your help.

10 years. The first three I was taking Exemestane and due to severe joint pain I switched to Anastrazole ( I am year and a half now). Five years to go. My oncologist recommended the minimum of 8. I was originally diagnosed with stage 3A HER 2 - with lymph nodes involvement.

Karla B. Your oncologist I would think. That's who ordered mine

I had a really bad night sweats last night. Thought I had an accident. That’s the first one since I had a few odd ones at the beginning. I’m on day #323. No other effects. I didn’t even know what it was the first time-never had them in menopause💕

My med oncologist is recommending 5 years on letrozole. My breast surgeon made the comment 1 year better than none, two better than one, etc. I start next week (dreading it). I wonder if there is a less harsh alternative (natural or not). Also is there anything I/we can do to minimize or prevent the side affects? Certain food items, supplements, exercise? I'm really concerned about osteoporosis as I already have osteopenia.

18 months on letrozole and exercise was the best for joint and bone pain. I started indoor swimming and unbelievable relief with only occasional need for Aleve or Advil. Antiinflammatory and mediterranean foods seemed to help me too.

BTW it gets better over time..... :)

Hi Melani. I had similar concerns about osteoporosis. My medical oncologist recommended a Zometa infusion every 6 mths for 3 yrs. There are always downsides with drugs but maybe ask your oncologist dir pros and cons so you can decide if it's right for you. Exercise and activity will reduce side affects of aromatase inhibitors such as Letrozole and help with osteoporosis. You got this!

@Cherie S and Susan V. Thank you! That is so helpful. I will do all of that. I'm looking into that infrared work out ( hotworx? or something similar).

And I like the Mediterranean diet food choices anyway 😁

I also take Calcium and Vit D to hopefully stave off osteopenia..

My med oncologist recommended 5 years on anastrozole for my ER+ no nodes involved. I have been on it going on 2 years now and the side effects of joint and muscle pain can be unbearable. Coupled with the fact that I also have rheumatoid and osteo athritis. The biologic drugs that worked effectively for my athritis before the cancer diagnosis no longer works. The only thing that helps with the pain for me is water aerobics and light swimming.

I just had this Tamoxifen discussion with a doctor. The guidelines have changed. They used to prescribe 20mg for 5 yrs and now it's 5mg for 3 years. They found the lower dose is just as effective and much better tolerated by women. With my family medical history, I was not considering taking hormone inhibitors. Now I understand, with the lower dose, side effects I worried most about are much less likely to develop.

Mine is 10 years. Was told that it is because I am both estrogen and progesterone +, HER2-.

I'm both ER and PR positive ( 100 percent) and HER 2 negative. I'm on letrozole for 5 years.

10 years on Anastrazole for me, and I’m into the 2nd year. Onca score of 32 and stage IIB was the justification. All I can recommend is exercise in whatever shape or form you’re able to do it. Makes a big difference for me and definitely relieves the achiness

Yes my Oncotype score was low, a 3 I believe so 5 years for me.

Was on anastrazole for 7 years. Finished end of Aug. 2023. Recurrence of cancer, same breast 3 months later.

I’m supposed to be on Anastrozole for five years. This is after bilateral lumpectomy & 25 radiation treatments. So far the only side affect is erratic sleep which melatonin is helping.