Hormone therapy

Re: Hormone Therapy Options - DCIS

Good Afternoon Ceucha24,

Understandably, you're looking for the best hormonal therapy option after experiencing side effects from Anastrozole and Letrozole.

Here are some suggestions and things to consider:

• Discuss your concerns with your oncologist:
  • Clearly explain the side effects you experienced with Anastrozole and Letrozole.
  • Discuss your concerns about potential side effects of Tamoxifen.
  • Explore all available options with your doctor, including potential side effect management strategies.
• Consider a lower dose of Tamoxifen: You might start with a lower dose of Tamoxifen and gradually increase it if tolerated.
• Discuss side effect management strategies:
  • Hot flashes: Over-the-counter medications, such as low-dose antihistamines or herbal remedies (consult your doctor first), may help alleviate hot flashes.
  • Vaginal dryness: Water-based lubricants and vaginal moisturizers can help.
  • Bone health: Discuss bone health supplements such as calcium and vitamin D with your doctor.
• Lifestyle modifications:
  • Regular exercise: Moderate exercise can help improve mood, reduce hot flashes, and maintain bone health.
  • Healthy diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and calcium can support overall health.
  • Stress management techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help manage stress and anxiety.

Remember:

• This is a personal decision. You have the right to make an informed choice about your treatment plan based on your circumstances, values, and risk tolerance.
• Your oncologist team is your best resource. They can provide you with personalized guidance and address any specific concerns you may have.

I hope this information is helpful.

I wish you all the best in your journey.

Sorry that you are going through this. For DCIS stage 0 that sounds like a very aggressive treatment regiment. Did you have a high KI-67 or something like that on your path report?

KI-67 speaks to the cancer cell division rate, in other words how fast it will grow as a tumor. Should be on your pathology report from lumpectomy. Probably not on biopsy.

Should be referenced as something like “Ki-67 Percentage of Positive Nuclei”. My wife’s is 40%, which is fairly agressive and cause for concern. Anything above 30% is high risk. Ranges are from 1 to 90… with around 20 being average.

hello,

I’m wondering exactly what this number is you’re taking about and does it apply to a double mastectomy as well. I had a DM, lymph nodes clear, taking estrogen blocker right now. Please let me know more information on the ki-67! Thanks in advance.

I also have a history in my family but BRCA cane back negative. I could if fine lumpectomy but I opted for a DM. Mine was stage 2. I did one Lupron shot. I’m supposed to take 3 more and eventually start Anastrazole. I’m a little leery still and just not sure if I should or shouldn’t. My onco score is 26. Cancer free right now so this is all for preventative measures. Can you tell me why you felt this way about the estrogen blocker you were taking and how long you were on it. These decisions are very hard to make.

Sure. It’s possible that when they did your double mastectomy that did a pathology report on the initial tumor and if there were any others that they came across. They would have profiled the tumor as ER Positive, for example. Along with this they would have visually inspected Ted a cross section of your tumor to see how many cells out of each hundred were currently in the state of dividing … or cloning themselves. This is called the KI-67. If they only saw 10 out of every 100 actively dividing that would be a much more favorable number than 50 out of 100… (or 50%). Your oncologist will be able to tell you how to discover this number on your path report. Hope that helps.

I’ve tried looking at my pathology reports but cannot seem to find anything. Is there a certain spot I should be looking? I can ask my oncologist as well. Thank you for all the information no really appreciate it.