What are my options, if any?

[pde]

Had a simple mastectomy with sentinol node biospy on 7/1/08.  I am a 61 year old woman.Two lumps removed, 1 centimeter and 2 centimeter. Onca dx results 8%. Has anyone decided to opt for no additional HRT. Chemo, I was told would probably not be necessary. Have read horror stories concerning HRT. Have an appointment with oncologist 8/22.  Since my reoccurence rate is only 8%, and read that it would be cut by 50% making that 4%, I am not willing to go thru with all the problems that a good percentage of the patients go thru while on HRT.  I am already going thru problems with my body rejecting the tissue expander since I am a small breasted woman weighing only 105 and a moderate smoker (less than 7 cigarettes a day). Wound vac had been ordered and therapy will begin on Friday of this week. Are there any  drug free alternatives? I have decided that the quality of life is worth more than the quanity. I am bi polar and have had a blood clot years ago due to taking birth control pills.

[japdip]

I certainly see your point ... there are side effects from any of the Estrogen blockers. I chose NOT to take Tamoxifen but it's a strictly personal decision. I wouldn't recommend anyone else to take or not take anything. We each have to weigh the pros and cons and decide for ourselves. Best of Luck whatever you decide.  

[pde]

Thank you for everything!  I believe it was estrogen. I have had so much trouble with the reconstuction part, I am not so sure I want to do any type of drugs for fear of what else may go wrong, Thanks for taking the time to try to answer my questions.

[japdip]

I agree with the previous poster ... I'm sure you didn't mean HRT as this would be avoided post breast cancer. Your Oncologist will discuss all the options available to you .... each case is different and he/she has all the information pertaining to yours. Whatever treatment will be tailored to those results. Any type of medication should be discussed with the Oncologist ... especially any "over the counter" preparations before you take them.

[dblwhammy]

HRT usually means hormone replacement therapy. Was your tumor estrogen or progesterone positive?  After a breast cancer diagnosis female hormones are generally avoided. If you don't have chemo (oncotype dx recurrence score of 8% is low) the usual recommendation is an AI (aromatase inhibitor) 'estrogen blocker' such as Aromatase or Arimidex.