Arimidex and Pap Smears

I am approaching my 5 year cancerversary (8/19/15), but since I am TNBC survivor I do not take any meds like Arimidex. I am almost 63. At my last pap (I go to my PCP), he found a growth and sent me to a gyno. Before the exam, the new doctor asked me if I had an "advanced directive" which I have to say, totally freaked me out. I just looked at her and said something like "are you telling me that the cysts could be fatal?" She laughed and said, oh no, just asking if you have all your paperwork for end of life done. What??? I mean I know that this is something I have to do, however, I have just gotten to the point that I am not terrified of dying from BC on a daily basis. She went ahead and removed the vaginal cyst and warned me about spotting. It was not cancer, so all was good, but I have to say that I walked out really shaken.

I think that doctors need to have some training in how to talk to cancer survivors and the aging population.

Hugs,

JoAnn

CindySch said:

That would freak me out, too!

I agree with you.  We need more gynecologists who understand the changes women go through who have had cancer.

 

OMG, I can identify, too!  I'm 66 and get a lecture each year about vaginal dryness at my GYN appt.  I take Tamoxifen, so how could I not have dryness?  Not only that issue, but I'm continually questioned about a sex life, etc.  Very embarrassing to say the least.  No matter how honestly I answer the questions, she throws more at me.  Also, when I see my primary every six months, he asks when my next mammogram is due.  He seems clueless, too.  I have to explain over and over and over that I had diep flap reconstruction, so my new breasts are my old stomach tissue with no ducts!!  Therefore, no mammograms.  He just looks puzzled and says, "Oh."  Frustrating in every sense.  Linda 

tufi000 said:

its about the money

I love all my docs but I think they have to ask certain questions in order to get paid by the insurance.  If you are okay and just having routine check i don't think that qualifies for payment.

have all been good with what I consider professional, compassionate physicians and staff.  That being said, I HATE pelvic exams for all of the reasons mentioned above.  However, we all realize how important it is to have them if we still have our reproductive organs, because, breast cancer or not, they like to grow cancer and other noncancer diseases and, if you lump all below the belt cancers together, it's pretty common as we age.  So, I had regular (sort of) exams and lo and behold, at age 62, with absolutely NO symptoms of either, I was diagnosed with both breast and endometrial cancers.  I am a huge advocate for preventive medicine as here I am, 5 years later, healthy.  BOTH cancers were found as part of routine screenings (mammogram for the bc and endometrial cells on my Pap smear - which is rare). 

I've had more pelvic exams in the past 5 years than you can imagine, but never ever any pain or bleeding.  I'm now 68 and all the effects of normal ageing, hysterectomy, and Tamoxfen have taken their toll on my tissues.  In April, I was dismissed from my gynecologic oncologist who did his job in telling me that standard of care is now for yearly gyn exams and I told him that I would have one if I ever noticed any symptoms, but otherwise I was done!  His advice for yearly exams was based on my history of endometrial cancer.  Since I have no cervix, uterus, fallopian tubes, ovaries, and am minus a number of lymph nodes, and was early stage, low grade, I feel confident that I have passed the point of worrying about a recurrence and I have decided to not have any more pelvic exams (unless I have a symptom of something).  HOWEVER, for those of you who still have your reproductive organs and whether or not you're on  Tamoxifen or Arimidex, it is not unusual for a woman to have both breast and endometrial or ovarian cancers over the course of your lifetime - and both Tamoxifen and Arimidex can cause endomtrial cancers. 

I feel it's important to have routine pelvic exams, even though they are uncomfortable.  I don't think they have to be uncomfortable (mine weren't), but the embarassing, humiliating parts are unavoidable. I have had exams frequently over the past 5 years, at first every 3 months, and then every 6 months.  Hated every minute of them, but they were short lived and over.  Recenty, I've been to the urogynecologist.  That is the most invasive exam I think I've ever had, but I did not have bleeding and I have been estrogen deprived for ten years now.  Hope you can find someone who you can be comfortable with because the exams are important. 

Suzanne

Hi CindySch  

I am a cancer survivor, DCIS stage 1A with no lymphs affected.  I have been on Letrozole (Femura) aromatase inhibitors for 2 years now.  I know how you feel about the side affects.  My suggestion to you would be to contact your oncologist and ask if he/she knows a gyn to refer you too that has patients who have had breast cancer and are on hormone treatment.  Also, my joints ache too, my hair has got so thin.  I'm like you, the benefits outweigh the side effects and I intend to stay the course (another 3 years.)  I hope this helps and know that you are not alone in your feelings.  God Bless!

CindySch said:

Arimidex and Pap Smears

Hello everyone!  I'm back!  Got the call today that my Pap Smear was abnormal due to blood which messed up the results.  Seems the good doctor poked me good!  I got on the telephone and contacted my oncologist today.  I told the nurse what a horrible experience I had had and how I dreaded going back to my gyncologist.  The oncologist put me on Estrace cream just for a month to get me through the Pap Smear re-take.  He said this cream has less absorption.  After that and if everything is better the second time around I am going to go shopping for a new gynecologist--one who knows how to work with cancer patients.  Wish me luck!  Pray for me! 

You did the right thing to tell them about your experience and find a new doctor. Good luck with your testing!! Anna