[Debbie L.]

Europa, it's like almost everything else about cancer treatment -- each person reacts differently. For you, if you have side effects, it will be tricky to sort out which ones are are caused by the AI, because of the oopherectomy.

I hear you about wondering if there's enough benefit for ER low positive cancer. They know it's less benefit, but pinning down exactly how much less is harder. But in a way, it gives you more options. Why not try the AI and see how you do, knowing that if you do decide it's intolerable, it's probably less important to be on it than if the cancer was 100% ER+?

As for managing side effects, it seems the most common complaint (by far) is the achiness. For most it's more just stiffness/pain after rest, while for others it's a lot of pain all the time. Things that have helped with that include stretching exercise (like yoga), regular exercise in general, making sure Vitamin D levels are adequate, taking NSAIDs (Celebrex, ibuprofen), and perhaps accupuncture. The other side effects that worry you (hair loss, weight gain) are much less common. You'll also want a baseline bone density test, and ongoing monitoring for that.

Then there are the hot flashes, which for you will be a double whammy (ooph and AI). Meds that were initially developed for nerve pain and/or seizure control (like Lyrica/pregabalin) seem to help with those, although for some, there's an adjustment period where some sedation happens (most women report it decreases after a few weeks as their body adjusts).

Good luck with your decisions. A second opinion might also help you gather all the information you need to feel comfortable with what you choose.

Debbie Laxague