Oophorectomy or lupron

History: 41yr, bil mast, inv ductal, er/pr positive, node negative, tumor 1.8 cm, no family history, one year post-surgery, 12 wks AC chemo finished in April 05, Hercep borderline positive.  I'm coming out of chemo induced menopause.  Now I'm stopping the arimidex.  Dr. said my choices are to have my ovaries removed, take lupron/zoladex shots or do nothing. Which is better for my body at this age?  Would I have to be on shots for 8-10 years?  Why can't I take tamoxifen?  Are there any other choices?  Thanks or any direction you can give me on this.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear spf:  In general, antiestrogen therapy is recommended for 5 years following treatment for ER + breast cancer.  Often postmenopausal women are offered aromatase inhibitors (such as arimidex) for which studies showed an advantage.  Aromatase inhibitors cannot be used in premenopausal woman.  Therefore, the options for a premenopausal woman could include tamoxifen, ovarian ablation (either by removal or chemically with lupron/zoladex), or even a combination of ovarian ablation and aromatase inhibitor.  You should discuss with your oncologist the option(s) that would be best for your situation.  If you are concerned, you could also get a second opinion.

[major0108]

I a 52 year old,  diagnosed in 2002, masectomy,taxotere, xeloda aridex for a approx. 12 months after the discovery that I was estrogen positive..  Stopped use due to re-occurence in lungs and liver. It appears that my ovaries are still fighting back.  I was on lupron.  It was mentioned that I should have ovaries taken out.  I don't know if she was serious.  I was on avastin along with Taxol for about two months. I developed a blood clot in my lungs. No symtoms (symptoms), just the follow-up Catscan caught it.  I'm starting to get concerned that there are no more alternatives out there.