hysterectomy vs. tamoxifen

[javmo3]

I was diagnosed with pleomorphic invasive lobular carcinoma  4 node pos.ER and PR pos.stage IIIA July '08. I have since had a bilateral mastectomy with immediate tram reconstruction followed by 4A/C, 4 taxotere and 33 radiation therapy treatments. I am now on tamoxifen and have been experiencing depression, extreme fatigue( weakness) with any physical exertion other than just walking. Is a hysterectomy a better alternative to taking tamoxifen or would I still need to take it?

[japdip]

Having a hysterectomy would have nothing to do with your taking Tamoxifen or not. The ovaries are the Estrogen producers so unless they were removed the hormone would still be produced.  Regards .....

[javmo3]

having a complete hysterectomy including ovaries would eliminate estrogen producers therefore would tamoxifen be needed?

[japdip]

It would no doubt be another medication rather than Tamoxifen but that would be at the discretion of your Oncologist and his/her routine for post menopausal women.   There are other sources of Estrogen in our bodies (even in what we eat) than the bodies normal prodution.   Regards ....

[Sunny59]

HI - this was a long time ago but I just got back to this site - I had a complete hysterectomy last Sept and they still make me take Femara - I was on Aromasin - hated it - and then back on tamoxifen but it interferes with my anti-depressant so now I'm on Femara - If your Dr,'s are anything like mine- you will be on something for a long time - and they aren't fun but better than the alternative - stay positive, Ellie