Arimidex and blood estrogen level

[dblwhammy]

I am age 60, post bilateral mastectomy after stage 1 IDC, ERpos/PRneg, post 4 cycles CT chemo, and have been on 1 mg. Arimidex daily for about 3 months. I had a blood estradiol level done which was 22 pg/ml (lab norms were Postmenopausal Untreated: <31 pg/mL, Postmenopausal Treated: <93 pg/mL). This doesn't seem very low if normal is less than 31 pg/mL. My oncologist says estrogen will never be zero, but was not particularly concerned about 22. I'm about 50 lbs over weight and trying to reduce as I know estrogen is held in fatty tissue. Is there a possibility that I might benefit from a higher dose of Arimidex, 1.5 mg for example? Is the Arimidex doing as much for me as it should? Is 3 months too soon to expect optimal benefit? I am also considering an oophorectomy, but doubt that will decrease my estrogen much after menopause.

[sia100]

I also had a bilateral mastectomy after stage 1 IDC.  I am ER postiive and PR negative.  I also had 4 cycles of CT chemo.  My doctor put me on tamoxifen with the plan of after two years switching to Arimidex. I am very concerned that tamoxifen is not as effective as Arimidex for distant metastasis.  When I see my oncologist, I am going to ask to have my blood estradiol tested and have the same question as to where one's blood level should be for estrogen.  Did you get an answer on this?  If so, will you let me know?  Thanks!