Hi
I was diagnosed feb 05 age 37, grade 3, 2 nodes positive, er + HER2 - had full range of treatment, and have been on tamoxifen for 2.5 years. During this time my periods have not stopped, on my last check up my onc said I should have my overies and tubes out and then switch to armindex, I wasnt expecting this and am not sure what I should do, has anyone else been in this situation? I have not had any major probs with tamoxifen apart from a few hot flushes.
Dear jojo
I think with this sort of issue it might be worth contacting our Ask the Nurse services where a nurse can either email or talk you through the particular details of your situation and hopefully help you make sense of what is going on.You can find the this service by gong to
breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=119
on this site.
Best wishes
Ann
Hi JoJo
I am 40, got bc last September, grade 2, 1 lymph node, 14mm tumour and ER+ and HER2+.
I also have had fibroids over the past few years and had an op to remove them three years ago. When I requested a routine scan they had grown back this year, this led me to do some research - I have come to the conclusion that I am very much estrogen dominant (not necessarily that I over produce estrogen, but that it’s not in balance with progesterone). As the ovaries produce the most estrogen in the body, I requested for them to be removed. My onc thought this was a good suggestion even though I was on arimidex and had gone through menopause with chemo. I wanted to cut down the estrogen as this is the factor which leads to bad cell reproduction… I didn’t think it was a coincidence that I had fibroids as well as breast cancer. I seemed to remember reading that if you’re still bleeding whilst on tamoxifen that estrogen is playing a big part in the equation still and you need to find ways to cut it down. What I’m now trying to find out is how to find a postiive estrogen replacer and a good form of progesterone. The hormone situation in relation to BC is very complex.
That is a long explanation I know but in relation to your situation, I just wanted to say that I have had ovaries and tubes removed (7 weeks ago) and am on arimidex. I am not having any really horrible side effects from either and feel relieved not to have to worry about oestrogen production as much. Arimidex also wasn’t half as scary as what I though after reading lots of experiences on here, I guess it’s all down to the individual. Also, my fertility wasn’t an issue for me, I didnt’ want children, so I guess that’s the big factor in deciding whether to have ovary removal.
Good luck, Carrie x
Thanks Carrie for responding, part of me feels like a ticking time bomb at times thinking bc will return and I should respond to that by doing everything possible to reduce the risk, but I also feel like I’v had enough ops to last me a life time over the last couple of years (had 5 ops on recon due to problems) and although I have had my family I hate the feeling that bc is yet controlling another part of my life by having to have more bits removed.
All the above may be irrelevant anyway as had an annual mri scan on tuesday, (I have instead of mamogram) and my onc rang me at home yesterday but I wasnt in, in the past I have just had a letter saying everything ok, am now waiting for a return phone call so am really worried.
Jo
Hi jo
i was dx last july 10.5cm tumour er+ pr - HER2+++ so was advised that i needed my overies out, its called an oopherectomy. ive been told its an easy op done by keyhole surgery and that the recovery time is quick. heres hoping and good luck.
maria
Hi Jo
Really hope the news you get back from your scan is good! keeping everything crossed for you.
Maria, and Jo, just want to reassure you that if you do go for ovary removal as I did, it is very quick with keyhole surgery, I stayed in just one night but I could have gone home same day. My recovery from it was also pretty swift, slight tenderness but nothing too bad at all. I was back working and driving after a week or so. I do feel glad they have gone because anything that’s a potential problem, I just think to heck with it and get rid! I know what you mean about all the ops, I feel the same but now I feel there’s nothing much more they can do! I am feeling great on it though and same on the arimidex!
Good luck to both of you, Carrie x
Hi Maria,
Thanks for replying and hope your op goes well.
Hi Carrie,
Am pleased to say that my MRI scan was clear and my onc wanted to tell me and also advise that I may want to have the BRCA1 & 2 test as my Nan is a from Holland of Jewish ancestry and there are three Ashkenazi Jewish mutations of BRCA 1 & 2 which if found positive would give a clearer case for having my ovary out. He said long term there just isnt the data available for pre men women with long term treatment to give a clear path to choose for the best although he feels I need some addtional protection at least if I choose 5 years on tamoxifen.
Given me lots to think about anyway.
Jo x