Exemestane is an aromatase inhibitor, it's a hormone suppressant and will be prescribed to stop oestrogen. I'm having Letrozole which is similar. You usually have to take it everyday for 5 years.
It's not a steroid.
It's given to women who are HR/PR positive or if you're HER2.
Hi Jacala, I have an oncology appointment later this month so can check but from what I have read AI’s fall into a non-steroid group (Anastrozole & Letrozole) and steroid group (Exemestane). I guess it has a steroid ingredient maybe? I was on Anastrozole for a few months but as it had no effect on my left breast lump it is thought I have a resistance to it. Assuming they have chosen Exemestane as Letrozole is similar to Anastrozole. Interesting that it is prescribed for HER2 also. Xx
I do wonder how they choose the AI drugs to give patients. There is a few out there isn't there?
I thought hormone suppressants are given to Er and Pr positives. And herceptin for Her2? I may be wrong, but was told this by Onco. I am worried about food encouraging oestrogen...
Hey! I too found EC number 3 really took it out of me. I was petrified of the Docetaxel, I had read so many bad reviews. In all honesty, it has been easier to cope with, no EC hangover or sucky feeling. Just horrible taste in mouth, weird flicky shabby pains for a few days. I went dairy free for the duration as heard that it can help with the bowel upset tummy. I haven’t had any diarrhoea so fingers crossed it will stay that way. I did have a short stay in hospital with sepsis but my bloods were the lowest they have ever been so think coincidental. I had number 5 yesterday with dose reduced by 10% in view of the sepsis. Feeling tired (thanks steroids!) but ok this morning. Good luck! Xx
you are correct that the AI’s are prescribed for ER positive. I’ve now read that sometimes that Exemestane is the Ai used for ER+/ HER2+ - so for the ER+ part with probably Herceptin for HER2. The AI’s suppress the estrogen but I’m not fully versed on the science of it all sorry. The hormone suppression medication can also shrink an ER+ tumour although in my case it didn’t. Interestingly I originally had a borderline HER2 but after they sent it on for further testing it came back as positive - these guys are the experts but I do wonder about my HER2 result.
re Food - I’ve introduced lots of nutrition since my dx and from some of your posts try to encourage gut health but then as an emotional eater I also eat the not so nutritious food :-(
Just responding to your comments about exemestane. I was switched to it from Letrozole before Christmas, as I was getting arthric type pain and swelling in knuckles which made me think that I should not drive. I was told it would take about 8weeks for the letrozole to wash out.
Now doing good on the exemestane and fingers are much improved. Re weight gain: I have put on about two pounds since before Christmas, but in all honesty I cannot blame the exemestane, as I did have many overindulgences over Christmas. I am keeping an eye on this tho and will post more in time when I see how this plays out.
