Hi Sharyn, AI is Aromatase Inhibitor. We who'd cancer was tested as estrogen positive take AI to reduce, control or eliminate the "food" our cancer enjoyed - estrogen. The particular one I am currently taking is Exemestane. It is a steroidal aromatase inhibitor. There are others. Apparently the steroid AI prevents weight loss and may encourage weight gain in some folks. I am one of those women. Prior to my diagnosis, I had lost 74lbs on the keto diet and daily exercise. I have gained back @20lbs since treatment. For me, my weight is now a constant battle. I still exercise daily with walks and a Total Gym, but it only helps me maintain these days. And then along comes indulgent Christmas holidays and even exercise doesn't help with cookie pounds. 😏 Aromatase Inhibitors are usually prescribed for 5-10 years. At age 80, I will have completed 5 yrs.

Jennifer my heart hurts for all who deal with this beast. I am convinced that only some of my symptoms are a result of each type of treatment. It is the combination of all that has seemingly become a permanent reflection of my days, weeks and months. I suspect I will just plow through as best as can. Perhaps I will have a big decision to make soon, to continue another 2 years or end the AI at 5 years. Meantime I look for answers. Is the effect of this AI cumulative? Will my symptoms disappear after stopping AI? I may know the answer to that one, tho. Based on my experience with chemo and radiation, some nasty or other will live on to aggravate me, at least for now. Chemo brain from taxol, and tangleatasia from radiation. Exhaustion from everything. We will get through this Jennifer. I hurt for what you are dealing with every day. But we can persevere after all we are strong women. Merry Christmas and here's to a better New Year!

in the first 7 months I started getting leg stiffness, muscle and bone pain in my 5th month that worsened in 6th and 7th month, stopped taking it for a month, restarted and leg issues really never came back ( its been 5 months taking it again) in September I started losing hair but thats about the only side effect I have now but since a new bone lesion was found on CT a few days ago, its no longer working to kill circulating cancer cells so I will probably be on another AI in a few weeks.

Hi Kiki... I am better or maybe just dealing with it better. I have been using a vibrator roller on my feet and hands nightly and it does ease the neuropathy. When neuropathy is really bad, i use the vibrator roller and then before bed i rub on Topricin Foot Pain Relief. My issues seem compounded by the autoimmune I have and, indeed, it is difficult to determine which nasty is causing what. Onco has advised that AI will end June 2025... so will just have to wait to sort things out, i guess. Meantime movement helps. Daily walks and strength exercises at least make me feel I am doing something good to support this old body. Sending healing hugs your way. Hang in there and thank goodness we are strong women here to support each other.

Hi Jan, I take Triquetra Plant based 5000 IU D3 with 120 mcg K2. It is a non estrogen K2. I have my D3 checked periodically. Do not want toxic D levels of course. As my body absorbs D quite well, I take the D3-K2 every other day when I am walking daily and I take it daily in winter unless I have had a long walk on a sunny day. My oncologist has happily advised I continue taking this exactly this way. I have additionally requested a new PT consult to develop a new exercise plan to hopefully assist with peripheral neuropathy. I am almost as happy with my bone density test as my oncologist is. Good luck!