Gene Defect Lyden V

I have had surgery (lumpectomy with clean margins) followed by 32 radiation treatments for DCIS.  Before putting me on Tamoxifen my oncologists ran blood work that showed I have a gene defect called Lyden V which causes blood to clot improproperly.  He subsequently said no Tamoxifen.  I asked about other drugs used for estrogen positive tumors but he said they were untested and would not discuss further.  I feel as though I might be a candidate for a drug like Armidex.  Is this a reasonable alternative for somebody with Lyden V?

thank you.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear VtSpook, Arimidex has been approved for treatment of advanced breast cancer or metastatic breast cancer in post-menopausal women.  The data regarding it's use in other situations is not complete.  An uncommon side effect of Tamoxifen is the occurrence of blood clots, this is also an uncommon side effect of Arimidex.  Since your oncologist said no to Tamoxifen because of the Lyden V, this would likely be another reason to say no to Arimidex.

[flaaggie]

Dear VtSpook,

I am a two year Stage IIB survivor.  I had been on Tomoxifen for a year.  In November of this year I had my ovaries and uterus removed to get rid of the estrogen production.  I am 43 and was still having my montly cycles.  After the surgery I threw some clots into my lungs.  I do not have gene defect Lyden V.  My doctor took me off of Tomoxifen and put me on Arimidex.  She thought it more important to keep me on some hormone therapy.  She said my chances of throwing another clot was less with the Arimidex.  I am also on Couimadin to keep my blood from clotting again.  Good luck to you.