estrogen negative

boogirl
boogirl Member Posts: 6
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
My tumor was estrogen negative. Do I need to worry about anything? According to my doctors there is nothing for me to take. Thanks

Comments

  • billandpatty
    billandpatty Member Posts: 86
    My tumor was estrogen negative too(I was told that about 20% of breast cancer cases are estrogen negative). I have never seen much literature on the subject or how survival rates compare for us in this classification. I think I know how you're feeling -- that if it wasn't estrogen that made it grow, what did and that whatever made it grow, I must still have it? I haven't heard an answer so far to that question. And I have asked about further treatments or preventative treatments, I was told there wasn't anything available. After chemotherapy, I went into menopause and developed the beginnings of osteoporosis and I am taking Evista -- which they think may help with the prevention of breast cancer, but it can't be prescribed for that reason. Other than that, I haven't gotten much information.
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    Researchers know that something other than estrogen is driving the growth and spread of ER- cancer but haven't yet discovered what it is. The good news is that doctors from the famed Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center have joined with researchers from 2 other institutions to launch a 4-year study (beginning in 2003) that they hope will lead to designer drugs for ER- cancers. There's an excellent 5 page article posted on the Dana-Farber website if either of you would be interested. It describes the problem and their plan for this study. Here's the web address...
    www.dfci.harvard.edu/res/research/ernegative.asp
  • SusanAnne
    SusanAnne Member Posts: 245
    tlmac said:

    Researchers know that something other than estrogen is driving the growth and spread of ER- cancer but haven't yet discovered what it is. The good news is that doctors from the famed Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center have joined with researchers from 2 other institutions to launch a 4-year study (beginning in 2003) that they hope will lead to designer drugs for ER- cancers. There's an excellent 5 page article posted on the Dana-Farber website if either of you would be interested. It describes the problem and their plan for this study. Here's the web address...
    www.dfci.harvard.edu/res/research/ernegative.asp

    Hi. I am ER- as well, but PR+. After doing some reading and listening to drug reps. from the makers of Tamoxifen speak at my bc support group, I learned that if you are ER AND/OR PR+ you can take it. So I'm on it. Regardless of whether it will prevent my cancer from recurring, it does reduce the chances of a new cancer developing. I will certainly check out that website though, thanks.

    Susan
  • sunnyskye
    sunnyskye Member Posts: 31
    tlmac said:

    Researchers know that something other than estrogen is driving the growth and spread of ER- cancer but haven't yet discovered what it is. The good news is that doctors from the famed Dana-Farber/Harvard Cancer Center have joined with researchers from 2 other institutions to launch a 4-year study (beginning in 2003) that they hope will lead to designer drugs for ER- cancers. There's an excellent 5 page article posted on the Dana-Farber website if either of you would be interested. It describes the problem and their plan for this study. Here's the web address...
    www.dfci.harvard.edu/res/research/ernegative.asp

    I was told I could not take tamoxifen either because of the hormone receptors. It kinda leaves ya thinking oh well that's it for me. I wish there was something I could take that would stop me from worrying about it but the only thing I know best to do is to try to forget about it otherwise it affects my quality of life. After reading on this board tho I have lots of questions for my doctor when I see her the end of the month. One of which is related to the tamoxifen use.
  • epgnyc
    epgnyc Member Posts: 137
    Unfortunately I too am in the estrogen/progestrin negative camp and I can relate to your worry about not having any further treatments to rely upon to reduce the chances of recurrence. I think of it as flying without a net - Tamoxifen, Arimidex, etc. being the net. I was happy to read about the study started at Edna Farber. It's about time the medical community spent some time and money studying ER/PR negative breast cancer. 20-30% of all breast cancer (that's us) may be the minority, but it's sure a heck of a lot of women. Just try to put the worry out of your mind and take satisfaction in knowing you've done everything you can to fight bc. Good luck to you.
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    I found a product that I think everyone should take, and I take it too. It's called THE GREATEST VITAMIN IN THE WORLD. I have a website that you can go to to find out some very interesting stuff about cancer, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, indigestion, weight loss, and why it is proven to be the best in the world. It is made from whole foods, and is the most complete, highest grade, and most absorbable vitamins, minerals(amino acid chelated), enzymes, and probiotics known on the planet ALL IN ONE CHEAP BOTTLE!! It has everything you need to nutritionally support your entire body and it's all for $40 bucks. Some of the ingredients cost more than that for a single ingredient, not to mention that most of what you buy in the store can actually cause cancer, heart disease, and more. Just read the label, if it doesn't say words like carrots, wild yams, and other vegetable words that you know, then they are synthetic and they could be hurting you, and eveen if they're not they not doing you much good either. Please for you and everyone you know, share this website- it's www.dontforgettotakeyourvitamins.com/wiley15427
  • momof4girls
    momof4girls Member Posts: 2
    sunnyskye said:

    I was told I could not take tamoxifen either because of the hormone receptors. It kinda leaves ya thinking oh well that's it for me. I wish there was something I could take that would stop me from worrying about it but the only thing I know best to do is to try to forget about it otherwise it affects my quality of life. After reading on this board tho I have lots of questions for my doctor when I see her the end of the month. One of which is related to the tamoxifen use.

    I too have a tumor that is ER-. I feel like I am just walking around constantly wondering what next. I had a pretty positive attitude about this cancer until I found out that bit of information. I have almost completed my chemo and I will have a mastectomy. I am now in menopause ( I am 35) and I am just full of emotion. I have 4 daughters!! Best of luck to you.
  • ER44
    ER44 Member Posts: 2
    epgnyc said:

    Unfortunately I too am in the estrogen/progestrin negative camp and I can relate to your worry about not having any further treatments to rely upon to reduce the chances of recurrence. I think of it as flying without a net - Tamoxifen, Arimidex, etc. being the net. I was happy to read about the study started at Edna Farber. It's about time the medical community spent some time and money studying ER/PR negative breast cancer. 20-30% of all breast cancer (that's us) may be the minority, but it's sure a heck of a lot of women. Just try to put the worry out of your mind and take satisfaction in knowing you've done everything you can to fight bc. Good luck to you.

    I have estrogen negative breast cancer,too. I had a mastectomy, chemo for 6 months and 33 raditation treatments. 10 months later it reoccurred.(only 3 weeks ago) I work in a compounding pharmacy and have taken bio-identical hormones and lots of suppliments to keep my immune system strong. I survived the first treatment better than most, my doctor was very surprised at how well I did. I am convinced it is the hormones that are balanced with the bio-identical compounds, the additional suppliments and all the prayers people said for me. I am now on xeloda and so far so good. This is only my fourth day. I know most doctors do not even know about bio-identical hormones which is such a shame. They are the same as your body produces and are not well-known because pharmacutical companies can't make them. There are small studies but no big studies because of the major cost to do research. Most research is paid for by pharmacutical companies and aimed at selling their products. Progesterone, Not the synthetic progestins in regular hormone replacement, is the key to good health for many women. Please read the book What Your Doctor Won't Tell You About Breast Cancer by Dr. John Lee. You will be amazed at what you learn. It sounds a little far out and scary at first, but it is true. The environment plays a big part in our health as well as the way we eat. I have completely changed the way I eat and feel better than before my original diagnosis. I have every intention of beating this again and living a long and productive life. My prayers are with all of you. Do not give up and educate yourself - doctors can't know everything. They just don't have enough time and they are bombarded with information from pharmacutical companies about their products.
  • AuthorUnknown
    AuthorUnknown Member Posts: 1,537 Member
    I am also worried as I cannot take Tamoxifen because of my negative hormones. I recently completed 8 cycles of chemo and will start radiation soon. My doctor told me there is a vaccine which should be on the market in summer for people like me and you. She does not know how effective it would be but at least its a trial. Lets keep our hopes as GOd will help us!