Hi,
I have been asking a lot of questions about when you are considered post-menopause too as that is when you usually switch from tamoxifen to one of the aromatase inhibitors. I am keen as they have a higher success rate. My Onc says you are not post menopausal until you have gone 24 months without a period. Although if you go through it because of surgery like ovaries removed, you seem to go straight on to an Ai. They can also tell through a blood test. I think it may be a slow process for some people as my friend has been exactly borderline for 6 months now.
I have completed 8 x chemo, 15 rads and currently on tamoxifen (nolvadex-d brand). I was 48 on dx with a grade 2 tumour, 2.3cm, no nodes, ER+, PR+, HER- Although I was scared when I started, I am glad I had chemo and had this strange sense of having done the best I could, when I finished it. We all react to things differently, some people say they are lucky not to have chemo. I felt glad that I was able to have it as I had heard too many stats on tiny primaries returning with avengeance. The recurrence rate is sadly still much too high but I hope that more people having chemo and new Ais will reduce that. I was told my age was the biggest thing I had going against me. In our area if you are under 50 you get chemo and if you have positive nodes too,you get a more aggressive chemo like TAC. We have a very high success rate in our area, the research team told me, not sure the onc would give people choices though, he is much too opinionated. Anyway, just my story and the main thing is to have faith in the person deciding your treatment or to change them to someone you do trust your life with.
Good luck to everyone
Lily x
Hi Lily
Just wanted to comment that my onc says that I have to be period free for 2 years before I can change from Tamoxifen to an AI.
I am 36, had 15 months of zoladex, and then ovaries removed in July. BUT I still have to wait the 2 years (6 months time) before changing.
Hi Lolly,
yes I have had so many debates with my onc as have been period free since Nov 2007, before I started chemo. He told me I could be having silent cycles especially as tamoxifen is a fertility drug too and very easy to get preggers even without a cycle he says. Eeeek!That was a scarey comment being 49 and now a Nanna and my 4 children all pretty much grown up.Some of my pals on here are young and on Ais after ovaries removed. Another difference in treatment. Although if you put on weight with every treatment I might be better sticking to this one for a while!Looks like we will change about the same time. keep in touch how you get on and we can compare notes:)
Lily x
I am also borderline for chemo. I have grade 1 lobular cancer but tumour was 60mm no further spread. They advised me to have Chemo based on my age 43 plus the size of the tumour meaning it has been growing for a long time. Chemo on its own increases my chances by 5% but with Tamoxifen as a combined therapy will increase my chances by 10%. I want to be here for my children so decided it will be worth it have first appointment for chemo check ups tommorrow, so will start this week or next on 6 x FEC75
I was dx in May 1.9cm invasive ductal with DCIS. WLE and SNB, no node involvement and only rads given. I am 52. It does bother me when I see people in a similar situation being offered chemo, though on the other hand I am very grateful not to have to go through it! It seems to vary from place to place.
alex
Alex
I am of similar diagnosis and the same opinion as you. My tumour was smaller, 11mm with 2mm DCIS round it and I am younger (43) so expected to get chemo but they all reiterate that it’s not necessary. I had no nodes involved but nobody told me anything about vascular involvement.
Like you I am glad not to have it, but wonder if things would be different if I lived elsewhere ???
Anna x
Hi LB1966,
I just wanted to wish you well with your chemo as your dx is so similar to mine, and I’m now a year on and doing really well.
I’m 44 now (so 43 at dx) with 2 children, had 60mm lobular invasive, no nodes, but due to the sheer size of it had mx followed by 6 x FEC75, 15 rads and am now on Tamoxifen.
The chemo is hard work, although everyone reacts differently. Whatever happens, you will get through it and your hair will grow back. Plan plenty of treats for when it’s all over so you have loads to look forward to.
All the best, Bella x
Thanks Bella,
They are still deciding if I need further surgery and what surgery after the Chemo. Did you have MRI scan as your cancer is Lobular? Nice to hear someone with a similar diagnosis and similar age. How are you getting on with the Tamoxifen?
Lorraine
Lorraine there is a thread called Tamoxifen buddies wanted - we have all recently started tamox, so you could see how everyone is faring. People have varying responses. I am just slowly turning into a sweaty flushing blob…
phew.