[Becky]

Hey Girl - nice to see that you are doing so well. I feel your pain about AIs. Like you, I also had an ooph and I am approaching being on Arimidex for 9 years. At this point, I'm going for the full 10. I have had no joint issues but I am having libido issues and vaginal dryness issues which are also (psychologically) big issues.

There have been some studies that say if you are Her2+ but also ER/PR positive that the 10 years may not be as helpful than it is for those who are only hormone positive. However, what does that mean if you are strongly hormone positive? Secondly, it is also felt that estrogen is the biggest culprit for the beginning stages of any breast cancer, even if when you are ultimately diagnosed the bc is hormone negative. It is felt estrogen is the big party starter. These studies revolve around women who are BRCA 1+ and those cancers tend to be triple negative. Hence why it is recommended BRCA women at least get an ooph first and then go back and get the breasts removed. Stop that estrogen.

I am only 50% ER+ and PR negative but I want to stay on (at this point) to try to prevent a second new BC. I am hopeful that I am out of the woods for the first one from recurring but you never know. If more Arimidex will allow for not getting a new BC, I'm all for it. However, it is a very personal decision.

Again, its nice to "see you" again and know you are well.