nicotine patches

My wife has breast cancer,her2 positive and is on hercepton every 3 weeks,shes also taking arimidex for hormone therapy. She wants to quit smoking,is it ok for her to use a patch ?  thank you

[japdip]

This question is best answered by your wife's Oncologist. Before using any drug during BC treatment it should be discussed with the Oncologist. This is VERY important !!

[katarina777]

I am sure it's Ok!  (I mean I cannot imagine why it wouldn't)

[BJSaws]

I agree with the comment by japdip that you need to check with your oncologist.  I read a study one time that said the efficacy of chemotherapy was reduced for lung cancer patients who continued to smoke during their treatment.  I don't know if it was the nicotine or some other aspect of smoking, or if it would only affect lung cancer patients, but it certainly is something that needs to be discussed with a medical oncologist.

[backagain11]

Thnx all,,I"ll talk to the dr

[katarina777]

Sometimes, you just need to make a decision all for yourself. The doctor will most likely say your wife should quit without nicotine replacement. or, that is would be best if she had never smoked to begin with. I think effexor, an antidepressant often given to women for the side effects of hormone treatments, also really helps, and is used, to aid in quitting smoking.

My point is, that it's hard to quit, and your wife just  has to do
the best she can, and that may not be what the doctor recommends.

[backagain11]

gotcha,,thnx

[healingwell62]

Hi,

I want to emphasize that your wife should consult with her dr. before she adds or subtracts any over-the-counter or prescription medicine, including the nicotine patch.  Her dr. can refer her to several resources for stopping smoking, medical and non-medical.  The important thing is that while she is on such a specific protocol for cancer treatment, any substance added or removed from her day to day intake, including nicotine, could have an impact on the outcome of her treatment.

Please encourage her to coordinate with her physician, ok?

Warmly,

Chris
Healingwell62
Breast Cancer 1 & 2 Community Leader