Aromatase Inhibitors & diet questions

I was diagnosed with Stage I c ovarian cancer in March 2007.  I had four rounds of carboplatin and taxol and the final two rounds were the carbo and taxatere.  I had neuropathy issues with the taxol.  I finished my treatment on Aug 2.  I did really well during the treatment. My oncologist put me on Femara in September.  I was on it for 2-3 weeks and the side effects were horrible.  I could barely move due to joint and bone pain especially in my lower back. She then switched me to Arimidex.  It is somewhat better but I still feel like I'm 90 years old and I'm only 51.  She also prescribed Celebrex for the pain.  I'm a little nervous about taking that because of heart issues.  I'm not sure if that is working or not.  I don't feel as bad.  I started taking it last week 10/23 and did not exercise until Monday.  Now I'm a little more achey (achy). Even just lying in bed makes me ache. My doctor told me that I didn't need to stay on the drug but I feel I should be doing something to fight the cancer.  What is the latest thinking about aromatase inhibitors and ovarian cancer?  I see my doctor on Tuesday and would like to have an intelligent conversation about this.  Is there anything I can do about the side effects, i.e. physical therapy, supplements?

Another question is diet. Should I be eating anything specific or taking any supplements to ward off a return of the cancer? Two weeks ago I read that Vitamin D is wonderful.  Last night on the news I heard it didn't really do anything for cancer. I just don't know what to believe anymore.  I would like to be pro-active to ward off a return.

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Hi There,
I would recommend that you stop the femara. There really is not evidence that giving it prevents recurrence of ovarian cancer. That data applies to breast cancer only. The data on femara and ovarian cancer has to do with a small study that looked that using the drug  for women with a known recurrence of their ovarian cancer.

At the present time, we do not have good information about any agent that adds benefit over the chemotherapy that you have already received in terms of preventing recurrence.

the only big study looked at one year on taxol every 3 weeks after completing 6 cycles of taxol and carbo. this was in women with advanced disease.

As far as diet, women who have a lower body weight have less risk for cancers than women who are overweight.

The most proactive life style would be a healthy heart diet and daily exercise. Calcium and vitamin D are important for bone health and prevention of osteoporosis.

best wishes