I am a 46 year old with invasive ductal, dcis, elc postitive, no lymp nodes involved, 2 cm tumor which made me early stage. Tested positive for estrogen and progesterone recepotors. her2 negative. I underwent chemo (cyclophosphamide,doxorubicin and on 3rd treatment of paclitaxel). They are talking 3 weeks of radiation but not confirmed as of yet. I had Oncotyp dx and tested in the intermediate risk group. They did not offer me braca testing.
My main problem has been hot flushes, and loss of libido. They tell me I will go on tamoxifen once complete. I am looking for some input on removal of ovaries versus taking tamoxifen. To be honest I am worried about weight gain and loss of libido. I am experiencing hot flushes now and loss of sex drive. They tell me tamoxifen you gain weight with…if removing ovaries it will put me into menopause but does that mean I will gain weight as well? With the hot flushes and no cycle Id say Im already into it. Does this mean once chemo is completed my period will return. Scary stuff but I want all the input I can get so I can make an decision before starting taxoxifen.
I am on a tablet called chlonidine for the flushes since september and things have been much better since and since sorting out the flushes that has sorted out my sleep patterns a bit better which has helped me generally feel better about myself which helps with the libido issue.
HI GIJH
I am a similar age to you and after chemo I was thought to be postmenopausal after having a blood test. However you are not ‘classed’ as being post or even menopausal unless you haven’t had a period for 2 years so, most likely you would go on to Tamoxifen. If you have your ovaries removed, or stopped chemically by Zoladex injections, you can go onto one of the Aromatase Inhibitors. These don’t seem to cause so many hot flushes but all have their own side effects - as does every tablet! Even if you stop your ovaries working by either method above you will still have hormones in your body and you would need to assess how you would feel about that if you chose not to take any further hormone treatment.
Nicky
Hi there
I am in a similar position to you. I’m 45 and have been having terrible headaches which they put down to menopausal symptoms.
As far as I understand it, even if have gone through the menopause there is still oestrogen circulating so there is a need for something like tamoxifen. I think the weight gain is like a lot of things some people do and some don’t whether it’s tamoxifen or the menopuase. To me though, reducing the risk of recurrance outweighs things like weight gain etc.
It does like it might be good for you to talk to someone about this - your breast care nurse or the consultant so you can be clear in your own mind about the risks of both etc.
It’s not easy all this is it? Hope you can get some clarity on all this.
Elinda x
DeR GIJane, I Have had similar DX as you but am 53 and not menopausal.
Have had 15 sessions of radiotherapy and not offered chemo.
Decided not to go on tamoxifen as have an enlarged uterus and lots of fibroids, that have given me no trouble. If I go onto tax there is a good chance that I will need a hysterectomy and oopherectomy.
Not prepared for more mutilation, so am taking my chance and looking at dietary changes and go to a homoeopath to regulate hormones.
We all have to make our own decisions and live with them.
Do your own research and then make an informed choice
Good luck… Leadie
PS you can pm me if you want more info
Hi, I had a similar diagnosis 3 years ago when I was 47- DCIS, 2 grade 2 tumours (smallest was 1 1/2 cms) total area affected was 6 cms. No lymph nodes involved. ER+ and PR+. Surgery, chemo and rads followed by tamoxifen which I’ve been taking for just over 2 years. I get a lot more tired a lot more quickly than I used to but other than that no significant side effects. No weight gain- not everyone gets this and I’m still a size 8-10. My BC nurse stated that it is mainly people who have always struggled with thier weight who have issues with this. I was offered an oophorectomy but decided against it, favouring tamoxifen instead as the thought of having my ovaries removed smacked of being “neutered”. I had had no menopausal symptoms prior to my diagnosis (still have n’t had any despite periods stopping in 2006 after my 4th chemo). I’ve had issues in the past with fibroids,- had an endometrial ablation the year before my diagnosis- but no problems in this respite either although it is something that is monitored. Not everyone gets all or even any of the side effects associated with tamoxifen. It’s worth checking out as much info as you can beofre making your choice.
Geraldine
I have read this thread with interest as I had no idea removal of the ovaries could be an alternative to Tamoxifen. I had a WLE and SNB on April 7 2009 (2cm, Grade 1, invasive ductal, ER+, nodes clear)and today had the 11th of 15 rads. I have been taking Tamoxifen for 2 weeks. I have frequent debilitating hot flushes day and night but this has been the case ever since I came off HRT in March (when I was diagnosed with breast cancer). I was on HRT as I had had a hysterectomy, which included the removal of my ovaries, in Dec 03. I had that op in the same hospital as my lumpectomy, so I assumed my medical history was known to all concerned with my breast cancer. However, at no time was it suggested to me that, as I had had my ovaries removed, I didn’t need to take Tamoxifen. I would now like to look further into this but I’m not sure who to ask. I don’t really have an oncologist (I saw him once when I signed the radiotherapy consent form). So I would have to contact my BCN or my GP. Not sure who would be the best.
Hi Dimsie
Removal of ovaries is not an alternative to tamoxifen. It is an alternative to zoladex which switches the ovaries off.
After ovary removal you still need something if hormone positive. I am having ovaries removed next month but with be staying on tamoxifen for the 2 years until they can then change me to arimidex.
Hi Dimsie
You may find this leaflet about ovarian supression and ablation helpful to read:
breastcancercare.org.uk/upload/pdf/ovarian_ablation_june_2007_0.pdf
If you have any further queries please call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 which is open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2.
Best wishes
Lucy