Evista to prevent recurrence of IDC?

[D-321]

I am 4 months after bilateral mastectomy for invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC). Have had 25 radiation treatments. Now considering Letrozole vs Tamoxifen vs Evista. Don't like the side effects of Letrozole or Tamoxifen. I favor Evista due to recent diagnosis of osteopenia. Has anyone else had experience with Evista?

[Hidden]

Sorry I don’t personally take Evista.

I was on tamoxifen for 5 years following initial diagnosis stand then had a break for a couple of years. The only real impact was that it thought about menopause

I am now on letrozole with palbociclib (more often referred to as Ibrance on here) and I am tolerating that well.

Hope that helps a little to help you make the right decision for you. Sorry not sure what side effects you are concerned about in particular. My main effects comes from the palbociclib not the letrozole.

[Saralu in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I don't know about Evista. I was on Letrozole for a year, but wrist and thumb joints were so badly affected that I switched to Tamoxifen in consultation with oncologist. I have been on it for about 3 years now, and I don't think I have any side effects. I know everyone is different, and some people really suffer, but I am sticking with it for now.

[D-321 in reply to Saralu]

Thanks Saralu for your response. I am hoping my oncologist approves Evista or, if not, Tamoxifen. I don't want to take Letrozole PLUS bisphosfonates and still end up with worse DEXA scores. Thank you for your comments on Tamoxifen.

[Cockerpoomum]

I had a dexa scan and was told I too have osteopenia.That was over two years ago and I have been on leterozole all that time, plus evacal - calcium and vit D.. The follow up dexa scan noted an improved score in some joints and a degradation in others, so nothing definitive or dreadful!

I struggled with the joint pains initially with leterozole but that has worn off. I was offered a switch to Tamoxifen but was also led to understand it is not as effective so have stayed with leterozole.

You have obviously done your research but do be guided by your clinician. The initial joint pain did recede, and as was explained to me, if I did some time on leterozole and then switched, that would be better statistically than never taking it.

Wishing you all the best x

[Vgrady76]

Hi, I myself dont know about Evista, I took Tamoxifen for approx 16months, it did not agree with me, I grew polyps in my womb, on three occasions, resulting in me having too have three polypectomies, so I was put on Zoladex injections once a month, to put my overies to sleep, and Examestane, due to me being pre- menopausal, everyone is different who have been on this journey. X

[D-321 in reply to Vgrady76]

Vgrady76 - Thanks for your response. I am sorry for your bumps in the road. Polyps in the womb are a problem. Hopefully you are on a better course now. I am postmenopausal. As you say, each of us is different in this journey. Good luck on your new meds.