Hormonal therapy

[merang]

51 years old-premenopausal (regular as clockwork!) Dx with IDC, stage I: Lymphs clear. Will start radiation soon. Post radiation, surgeon is recommending Arimidex. From my research,looks like Tamoxifen is right for me until menopause, and then would go on Arimidex. Any reason why he would choose to start me on Arimidex? Will be seeing him this week, would like to have some solid questions to ask.Also, do general surgeons ( mine is a breast specialist) usually mangage the hormonal therapy or should an oncologist be consulted even though no chemo is warranted?

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear merang,  Arimidex is approved for locally advanced, metastatic and now as adjuvant treatment of early ER-positive breast cancer in post-menopausal women.   Based on the above information we couldn't say why your surgeon would recommend Arimidex, this should be discussed in the upcoming consultation.  A second opinion by a medical oncologist is  another option for you, even if "chemotherapy" does not look to be in the treatment plan, they can evaluate and make recommendations specific to your individual situation.  

[merang]

Thanks so much for the response. I saw the surgeon today and he explained that I was only 18%ER (+) and progesterone (-) and studies have shown good results with Arimidex. But since I am not in menopause yet, he decided that Tamoxifen was the drug to start me on. He also felt comfortable with getting an opinion from an oncologist,so I will follow up there. Thanks again!