Less than reassuring experience with treatment plan appointment (long sorry)

Hello all,

 

Today I went for my treatment plan appointment (original dx 2009, 19mm, mixed ductal/lobular, no nodes,

no VI - mastectomy/zoladex/arimidex - new dx Dec. 2013 new primary in other breast - Jan 2014 mets to spine) to deal with my new diagnosis.

 

Onc said that he was going to put me on Tamoxifen.  At original diagnosis (2009) I was considered unsuitable for Tamoxifen due to polyps and other gynecological issues so I asked him if this had changed.  He said there were no contraindications but went to check with a senior consultant and came back saying that he was going to put me on exemestane instead.

 

As I was reading the leaflet that the bc nurse had given me I noticed that it said for post-menopausal women only.  The nurse asked me if my periods had come back after my two years of zoladex and I said yes. She then nipped out to see him and has asked me to have a blood test to check my hormone levels.

 

Now I know I probably look older than I am (50) but why is everyone assuming I’m post-menopausal?

 

Part of me thinks if they hadn’t originally just given me one check-up and then told me just to turn up for my yearly mammogram they would have known this.

 

Arimidex isn’t suitable for pre-menopausal women but I was told to take it for five years so I don’t know what it was supposed to do for the other three pre-menopausal years.

 

Onc still wants me to take the exemestane until my next appointment (six weeks), but I’m not sure it’s doing any good.

 

Has anyone any experience of anything like this?

 

Tink

Hi Tinkerbelle

It sounds like you’ve had a pretty difficult time today, I’m sure some of the other users will be along soon to offer you their support and experiences.  In the meantime you might find it helpful to talk things through with a member of staff on the BCC helpline.  Here you can share your feelings and concerns with someone who will offer you a listening ear as well as emotional support and practical information.  The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open weekdays 9 to 5pm and Saturdays 10 to 2pm.

Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator