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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
arimidex vs chemotherapy
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
arimidex vs chemotherapy
by souvla, Jan 06, 2004 12:00AM
I am 40 years old in pre- menopousal status and i have been operated for cancer one month ago,in my right breast, i had a full mastectomy.There were two tumors in the same breast estrogen(score 9) and progesterone(score 6) positives,Cerb 2 ongogene protein = mild positive (score 2+),Ki67 = 30% Sizes 3x2cm and 2.5x 2 cm.Histological examination of the 2 sentinal lymph nodes reveals no tumor metastasis. I am receiving chemotherapy every 21 days for six cicles. The treatment is:Endoxan 200mg,Farmorubicin 50mg(2),5-Fu 250mg,farmorubicin powder 10 mg for injection. I still have my period after the first cicle.
My questions are:a) Is it right to take arimidex with the chemotherapy or after? b)Is it nesessary to go through radiotherapy? If i have to, i will do it after the chemotherapy? c)If my period doesnt stop with the chemotherapy what shall i do to stop it-is it nesessary to be stoped?
My questions are:a) Is it right to take arimidex with the chemotherapy or after? b)Is it nesessary to go through radiotherapy? If i have to, i will do it after the chemotherapy? c)If my period doesnt stop with the chemotherapy what shall i do to stop it-is it nesessary to be stoped?
Doctor's Answer
by CCF-RN,MSN-rf, Jan 06, 2004 12:00AM
Dear souvla: Your period may or may not stop with chemotherapy or it may stop temporarily. Generally, the closer the woman to her natural menopause, the more likely that chemotherapy will induce menopause. Whether or not you should have radiation will depend on how close the margins are and the specifics of your situation - your doctor should advise you on this matter. Regarding arimidex. In the U.S. Arimidex is approved for use in post menopausal women only. That is, a woman's periods should have stopped for a year. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) would be recommended in premenopausal women to commence following chemotherapy.
Thank you very much for your attention.