Bilateral mastectomy & Arimidex

[Nancy61]

Are there studies available regarding the effectiveness of Arimidex for a person with no breast tissue?  I have had two mastectomies with no node involvement and the second breast had a stage 1 lesion with the other findings being DISC.  I am trying to weigh the benefit of taking Arimidex against the side effects for someone with low risk and no breast tissue.  HELP?  Nancy

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Nancy:  Arimidex is an aromatase inhibitor.  It works by blocking the enzyme aromatase (found in the body’s muscle, skin, breast and fat) which is used to convert androgens (hormones produced by the adrenal glands) into estrogen.  By eliminating estrogen, cancer cells that have positive estrogen receptors cannot grow.  Arimidex is used as adjuvant therapy (therapy after primary surgery) when there is no evidence of cancer for breast cancer that is estrogen receptor positive.  It is only used in post menopausal women.  If you had estrogen positive breast cancer and are post menopausal, you may benefit from a discussion with your oncologist regarding whether an aromatase inhibitor is appropriate for you.

[Twocapes]

I have been taking Arimidex for three years (two more to go) and wanted to give myself every chance possible for nonrecurrence or new cancer.  I have aches and pains which are definitely from the Arimidex as the doctor had me stop it for one week and at the end of the week, it was amazing the difference.  I had to decide between aches and pains (Advil helps a bit) or better chance for keeping this disease away so I resumed the Arimidex.

[Happy4825]

I am on Arimidex, because even with a Mastectomy I feel better taking this pill.  We do have a choice to take it or not.  My doctor left it up to me.

Wishing  you the best.
Annie