femara benefits vs side effects

[puggins]

I have been diagnosed with HER 2 and estrogen positive breast cancer and been treated with chemotherapy and Herceptin.  My oncologist has recommended a five-year treatment of Femara; however, I have high blood pressure (norvasc), osteopena (sp) and high cholesteral (pravachol).  I really don't want to take fossamax or any more drugs than necessary, but also do not want a recurrence of breast cancer.  Is there a clinical study and shows femara vs placebo rather than femara vs tamoifen (novartis trial)?  What is the general recommendation?  Can you stop femara if side effects become a quality of life issue?  Thank you.

[katarina777]

Of course you can stop Femara if the side effects become too much to deal with. I have stopped Arimidex after three days, Femara after 28 days, and now Aromasin (?) after only three days as well. (And I did not take this lightly, believe me!) But you have to try something before you can make a decision the stop?

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear puggins, We cannot give specific advice about a treatment plan on this forum.  Decisions need to be made in context of a persons individual situation, the risks and benefits in your individual situation need to be discussed with your medical oncologist who has all of the particulars of your situation.