[caya]

I think everyone's case is different, as the docs always tell us.

I did not see anywhere in the studies where the stage at diagnosis, any nodes etc. and Her2 status had any bearing on the need to take an AI for 10 years+. In fact, in one study, Dr. Nick Turner, a BC specialist from the Institute of Cancer Research in London, specifically states "But this won't be for everyone, many will be low risk and can probably safely stop at five years (of aromatase inhibitors)."

I was stage 1, no nodes. My onc. told me at the beginning that no node involvement was a very significant (in a good way) prognostic factor. I did 2.5 years Tamox, as I was pre-menopausal when diagnosed, then 2.5 years of Femara. I went into osteoporosis from the Femara and did one infusion of Reclast to help with this. At my 5 year mark of anti-hormonals, which was July 2012, my onc. recommended I stop taking them. For me, she thought the risks of other issues would not be worth the possible very small benefit of preventing a recurrence. Of course the 10 year study figures were not out yet, and I have my annual check up with her in about 10 days and I will discuss it again with her.

But as Jacqueline points out, these are very hard drugs on your body, and if you don't really need to take them, if you are in the "low risk" group, I think this is an important consideration. Are there any figures/studies with triple+ stage 1 no nodes cases? I would be very interested in those specifics.

As many of us also say, it's a crap shoot. I'll be 10 years out this October, and I know I've done the best I can to avoid recurrence. I've lost weight (still working on losing more), I exercise more and eat better - way more veggies, lean protein, no gluten, low carb. No booze (a glass of wine maybe once a month, if that). No smoking of any kind.

Everyone needs to discuss this with their doctors, I can see the merits of staying on AIs for more than 5 years if your stats meet the criteria.

JMHO.

all the best
caya