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Long term AI use/ Which AI? ? Estradiol levels ?
There recently has been some discussion on this board about AI's, how long to take them, etc. I saw my onc today for my 4 month check (I just recently "graduated" from 3 month checks; my choice, not my oncs. I had a hard time cutting the apron strings to my visits.)
I have been taking an AI for 8 1/2 years. We talked today about how much longer I would continue with the AI. He said 10-15 years or maybe longer; some oncs have a gut feeling that the estrogen needs to be shut down indefinately, so why not continue with the AI.
About a year ago he switced me over to the generic AI (Anastrozole) , instead of Arimidex. I asked him if that was as good. He said he often gets that question.
He now quite frequently checks the Estradiol levels to see where they are at. If they are higher than he'd like them to be, he needs to know if the patient is taking the meds, or if the medication is not working for them.
My Estradiol level today was 25. The last one I had quite a few years ago was 13, and I was taking Arimidex at that time. I'm curious as to the Estradiol levels of others and what medication you are taking. My onc wants that level to be 25 or less, so he was satisfied with my number.
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Blessings and Peace,
Barbara
DX Oct 02 @ age 52 Stage 2B Grade 3 Mastectomy
"at least" 4.5 cm IDC 1+node ER+61% /PR-
Assiciated Intraductual component with Comedo Necrosis
Her2+ FISH8.6 IHC 2+
5 1/2 CEF Arimidex
Celebrex 400mg daily for 13 months
Prophylactic mastectomy
Estradiol #: 13
PTEN positive, "late" Herceptin (26 months after chemo)
Oct 05: Actonel for osteopenia from Arimidex.
May 08: Replaced Actonel with Zometa . Taking every 6
months.
Accepting the gift of life, I give thanks for it and live it in fullness.
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