Arimidex after Tamoxifan When Unknown if I am Post-Menapausal

karinna
karinna Member Posts: 42
in Breast Cancer #1

Hello everyone. Haven't been here for a long time. As crazy as it sounds, it can't be determined if I am post-menapausal in my bloodwork (borderline results). I have experienced chemo induced menapause for 5 years now. Doctors aren't sure if I will get my cycle back when I end the tamoxifan in 6 months. I have been on it for 4 1/2 years. I am almost 54. Doctors seem unsure of what to do with me in 6 months. I am told Arimidex is only for post menapausal women. If they can't verify with certainty that I am post menapausal, they won't prescribe the Arimidex. Has anyone else out there dealt with this? 

Comments

  • McMarty
    McMarty Member Posts: 212 Member
    #2
    I did, sort of.  They tried

    I did, sort of.  They tried to shut down my ovaries chemically with Lupron injections and some other stuff.   Neither of those worked very well.  I finally just talked them into taking out my ovaries, I wasn't using them anyway!  They could tell for sure I was post menapausal after that! :)

  • karinna
    karinna Member Posts: 42
    #3
    McMarty said:

    I did, sort of.  They tried

    I did, sort of.  They tried to shut down my ovaries chemically with Lupron injections and some other stuff.   Neither of those worked very well.  I finally just talked them into taking out my ovaries, I wasn't using them anyway!  They could tell for sure I was post menapausal after that! :)

    Hmm. That is a definite solution. :) Did you start Arimidex after that? 

  • McMarty
    McMarty Member Posts: 212 Member
    #4
    karinna said:

    Hmm. That is a definite solution. :) Did you start Arimidex after that? 

    No, they were trying to shut

    No, they were trying to shut down all estrogen.  I was just maybe 2 years into Tamoxifen.  They were trying to stretch that out a little longer. 

    I went to Exemestane, then FAC (chemo)  I have a tendancy to flunk out of hormone therapy.  OOPS!

  • karinna
    karinna Member Posts: 42
    #5
    McMarty said:

    No, they were trying to shut

    No, they were trying to shut down all estrogen.  I was just maybe 2 years into Tamoxifen.  They were trying to stretch that out a little longer. 

    I went to Exemestane, then FAC (chemo)  I have a tendancy to flunk out of hormone therapy.  OOPS!

    Well thank you so much for

    Well thank you so much for posting your response. I will pray for you this evening. Blessings, karinna

  • McMarty
    McMarty Member Posts: 212 Member
    #6
    karinna said:

    Well thank you so much for

    Well thank you so much for posting your response. I will pray for you this evening. Blessings, karinna

    You are welcome!  Thank you

    You are welcome!  Thank you for your prayers!  I will return the favor!

    It was nice meeting you :)

     

  • sdukowitz
    sdukowitz Member Posts: 250
    #7
    tamoxifin

    I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 48, diagnoses with DCIS breast cancer in 2011, so definitely was post menopausal  . . .they put me on tamoxifin, not arimidex, last year . .  . I have been on tamoxifin for a year and one month . . .  main side effects for me are the hot flashes/night sweats, but I was kinda getting those after hysterectomy .   . a little joint pain, but yoga and exercise helps for me . . .good luck . . My cancer was also estrogen positive . . .  Sue D.

     

  • tko683
    tko683 Member Posts: 264 Member
    #8
    Yes I did

    I was in the same situation.  I was diagnosed when I was 44 and was on tamoxifen for several years and then switched to Arimidex.  Then after some on and off bleeding they put me on Lupron shots which I did like but did for about a year.  I am back on tamoxifen as the still feel I am not completely post memopausal( I am 53)  I will most likely move to Arimidex sometime this year.  I was told 10 years for hormonal therapy is now standard of care.  Wishing you the best.

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #9
    karinna said:

    Well thank you so much for

    Well thank you so much for posting your response. I will pray for you this evening. Blessings, karinna

    Karinna, I am not on Arimidex

    Karinna, I am not on Arimidex but wanted to just say hi and welcome to the site!

Discussion Boards