Hormone Therapy

I was diagnosed at age 49 in May, 2007 with Stage II, 3 nodes positive.  I had 4 rounds of A/C and 4 rounds of Taxol followed by 33 rounds of radiation.  My doctor now wants to put me on hormone therapy.  I am premenopausal but haven't gotten my period since July due to chemo.  She won't put me on Tamoxifin (tamoxifen) because of a past history of TIA several years ago.  She said I would be at too high a risk for stroke on it.  Suggested aromatase inhibitors instead, but said data on AI's and premenopausal women was not yet complete.  Wants to put me into menopause with either Lupron or an oopherectomy and take AI's.  What do you think?

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

Your doctor is right about the tamoxifen.

You should also in turn discuss the side effects of aromatase inhibitors in your case.

Your doctor might have suggested the best under the given circumstances in your individual case.

It would still be advisable to talk and discuss all the doubts that you have with your doctor.

Your cancer was hormone positive? How are you doing post surgery and post radiation therapy?

Do let us know about the progress.

Hope this helps.

Good luck.

[Nancy57]

Thanks for your response. Yes my tumor was hormone positive.  I am doing well post surgery and post radiation.  My skin is healing nicely and I feel good.  My doctor asked me to think about my decision and I will meet with her again in a month to discuss it further.  

[BhumikaMD]

Hi,

I am glad the post was of help to you.

I suggest you should go ahead with the hormone therapy. it has proven to be effective - it decreases the disease free interval, the survival rate and decreases the chances of recurrence and spread of cancer.

Do keep us posted on how you are doing.

Good luck and best wishes.