anti-cancer medications, hysterectomies, and hormones, oh my!

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Heatherbelle
Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
in Breast Cancer #1
Evening everyone :) My question is about medications (post cancer, like tamoxifen, arimidex, etc.) . Here's my situation, Her2-, so no herceptin for me. ER - so no tamoxifen. I'm only slightly (1-5%) positive for PR. I'm 35, so I'm still pre-menopausal. But, I'm having a complete hysterectomy in early September. So my ovaries will be removed, and I'll have no hormones going on.
Do they do any kind of hormone replacement for women with a breast cancer history? That you know of? Or, do you know if there are any anti-cancer follow up drugs that I may be put on? Of course I'll speak to my oncologist about this, I see her 3 weeks after my surgery, but I was just wondering if any of you had any experience or knowledge similar to my experience :)
Thank you ladies!
I know i haven't been on as much, this "getting back to normal" business is hard work...and my kids are keeping me busy (aka driving me freaking NUTS)
*hugs*
Heather

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  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #2
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    hormone replacement
    As far as hormone replacement, like to ease the menopause symptoms, my sister was taken off hers when I was diagnosed. She does not have BC but she has 2 sisters that have/had BC so they don't want to take any chances.
    As far as estrogen, ovaries aren't the only things that produce estrogen. I had mine out and now I am taking arimidex to get rid of the estrogen from other sources.
    I don't know about what they might put you on for a preventative. Others probably have more info on that. I am ER and PR +, Her2 - so I get anything to get rid of estrogen!

    Cindy
  • disneyfan2008
    disneyfan2008 Member Posts: 6,583 Member
    #3
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    3 yrs this month I have been on Tamoixifen
    I just had hysterectomy (TOLD HIM to take everything) aoubt 10 wks ago due to Thickening of uterus (couldnt' take out vaginally)and bleeding post meno...ALL IS good now...please be very cautious of the pain killers! I was in the worst pain in my life ...due to constipated/total impactedment! 2 ER visits not good...so drink lots of water, eat easy to digest foods etc.

    I just want back on Tamoxifen 2mths ago (was off to see if bleeding got better to avoid surgery)

    Denise
  • skipper54
    skipper54 Member Posts: 936 Member
    #4
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    disneyfan2008 said:

    3 yrs this month I have been on Tamoixifen
    I just had hysterectomy (TOLD HIM to take everything) aoubt 10 wks ago due to Thickening of uterus (couldnt' take out vaginally)and bleeding post meno...ALL IS good now...please be very cautious of the pain killers! I was in the worst pain in my life ...due to constipated/total impactedment! 2 ER visits not good...so drink lots of water, eat easy to digest foods etc.

    I just want back on Tamoxifen 2mths ago (was off to see if bleeding got better to avoid surgery)

    Denise

    Good question for your doctor
    I was E+ so am on Femara even though menopausal because everything pretty much makes estrogen. Since you're not E+ they may not supress your estrogen but they may not want to take a chance on replacemnt. Let us know what you all decide.
  • Boppy_of_6
    Boppy_of_6 Member Posts: 1,138
    #5
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    skipper54 said:

    Good question for your doctor
    I was E+ so am on Femara even though menopausal because everything pretty much makes estrogen. Since you're not E+ they may not supress your estrogen but they may not want to take a chance on replacemnt. Let us know what you all decide.

    Hey Heather
    My BC was ER/PR + I took tamoxifen for 10 months. I saw my Onc in June, good report but he did suggest having my ovaries removed. I had an oophorectomy on July 6th and started Aromasin on July 21st. He told me recent studies show better results with this course of treatment for post menopausal women. I am 50 and was still in chemo pause. I have had some hot flashes that were worse than before and a little joint pain but all very tolerable. It is so hot in Texas, and a whole lot of places right now till I think we are all having hot flashes! I have done really well since surgery. Keep us posted on how you are. God Bless
    (((hugs))) Janice

    My Onc. or Gyn. neither have mentioned any type of HRT
  • survivorbc09
    survivorbc09 Member Posts: 4,374 Member
    #6
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    mamolady said:

    hormone replacement
    As far as hormone replacement, like to ease the menopause symptoms, my sister was taken off hers when I was diagnosed. She does not have BC but she has 2 sisters that have/had BC so they don't want to take any chances.
    As far as estrogen, ovaries aren't the only things that produce estrogen. I had mine out and now I am taking arimidex to get rid of the estrogen from other sources.
    I don't know about what they might put you on for a preventative. Others probably have more info on that. I am ER and PR +, Her2 - so I get anything to get rid of estrogen!

    Cindy

    I don't think they give any
    I don't think they give any bc patient hormone replacement drugs, whether you are ER & PR+ or not. I don't know what your doctors might give you, but, I doubt they would want to add any estrogen to your system. Let us know what you find out and good luck.


    Jan
  • Lighthouse_7
    Lighthouse_7 Member Posts: 1,566 Member
    #7
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    Boppy_of_6 said:

    Hey Heather
    My BC was ER/PR + I took tamoxifen for 10 months. I saw my Onc in June, good report but he did suggest having my ovaries removed. I had an oophorectomy on July 6th and started Aromasin on July 21st. He told me recent studies show better results with this course of treatment for post menopausal women. I am 50 and was still in chemo pause. I have had some hot flashes that were worse than before and a little joint pain but all very tolerable. It is so hot in Texas, and a whole lot of places right now till I think we are all having hot flashes! I have done really well since surgery. Keep us posted on how you are. God Bless
    (((hugs))) Janice

    My Onc. or Gyn. neither have mentioned any type of HRT

    Sorry no help on this
    Sorry no help on this subject because I was post menopausal when I was DX'd, but just wanted to say HI ! It always brings a smile to my face when I see you posted.
    HUGS,
    Wanda

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