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Question:
#1711
04/27/2003
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I have DCIS, 1 cm, Sentinel Node biopsy was clean. I had surgery and I'm now receiving radiation. I am perimenopausal (47 y.o.), and I'm having hot flushes and night sweats. My periods are irregular also. I have read godd things about progestorone cream for relief of these symptoms. I will be starting my Tam. treatment following radiation and would like to know if there are any known problems with taking progestorone cream while on Tam. Also, what's your opinion on progestorone in general. |
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Your doctor will decide if progesterone cream is okay or not based partly on how progesterone positive was your tumor. so ask about that. you must have been estrogen receptor positive for them to recommend tamoxifen but do ask about your other hormone receptor results too. Usually doctors will wait and recommend hormonal cream of some sort if other methods fail. progesterone cream helps with vaginal dryness but not much with hot flashes. Effexor is rather popular for control of hot flashes and over the counter lubricants like astroglide have helped many women for vaginal dryness issues. so talk with your doctor more about these alternatives or ask what he usually prescribes to control these symptoms. Avoid spicey foods and wear cotton clothing that breathes. |
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Question:
#1712
04/27/2003
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I just began taking Arimidex....naturally I'm nervous about taking any medication. What is your honest opinion about this drug? |
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This is one of several hormonal therapy medications that shows great promise in preventing and controlling breast cancer. Ask your doctor for literature about it including clinical trial results to give you peace of mind. |
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Question:
#1713
04/27/2003
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I am 56 years old and was diagnosed with invasive lobular Estrogen positive breast cancer 2-1/2 years ago. I had radiation on the affected breast and a year later had the breast removed due to a questionable mamagram. I have since had my other breast removed. I have been on Tamoxifan for 2-1/2 years. I have developed glaucoma in my right eye and am wondering if the Tamoxifan would have anything to do with that. I have also had a bone density test done and am at medium risk for austioporosis. I have a large frame and there is no history of austio in my family. Could the Tamoxifan have an affect on my bone density? |
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Tamoxifen actually helps build bone density so the osteoporosis is probably not related. Cataracts occur in a small number of women taking this drug but i'm not aware of any reports of glaucoma. Talk with your doctor about steps to take to help keep your bones stronger and stay on top of your eye health.. |
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Question:
#1714
04/25/2003
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Hi:
I have ER/Pr postive breast cancer, negative for Her2neu. I am halfway through chemo. I am 49 years old and was considered perimenopausal before starting chemo, now I have not had any periods. My doctor told me we would have to dicuss whether I go on Tamoxifen for 5 years, or Arimidex with Zoladex,possiby get an FSH blood test. I don't really like the idea of getting a shot every month with the Arimidex, but I have heard that Arimidex provides a better long term survival prognosis. Is this true? Why not just have the ovaries and uterus removed? Also, my doctor told me hormone therapy would start after chemo, sometime before the onset of radiation. It was my understanding that hormone therapy started AFTER radiation. Is this something new? Thank you so much for your answers. Your site has been a godsend.
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Usually doctors prefer to do treatment in segments-- surgery, then chemo, then radiation, then hormonal therapy-- and not cross over one with another. Research hasn't proved that one type of hormonal therapy is superior to another... additionally, regarding removal of ovaries-- sometimes this is done but keep in mind that your body stores estrogen in your fat (hips, thighs-- we've got it everywhere for some women...) so eliminating the ovaries and uterus isn't the way to block estrogen in your body 100%. Talk with your doctor more about what to expect... |
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Question:
#1715
04/24/2003
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I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 27 and had a mastectomy and then had chemo treatments, now they want me to take tomaxifen. I want to know if I take this drug will I still be able to have children and how long after the 5 year treatment do I have to wait? |
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Be sure to talk with your medical oncologist about your desire to have a family and ask what impact this treatment may have one your life choice to do so. Most women resume periods 2-3 months after taking tam. At a minimum, women are usually advised to wait at least 2 years after completing breast cancer treatment to pursue having children and even then to do so with the guidance of your medical oncologist and gyn oncologist. No harm in getting a second opinion too regarding this issue. |
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Question:
#1716
04/24/2003
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Is it known if the hormone receptor status of breast cancer can change as a result of chemotheraphy thereby lessening the effectiveness of tamoxifen? Is it believed that taxomifen is strictly a cytostatic drug or is it thought to also have some cytotoxic benefits since reduction in reoccurrences persist after the drug is nolonger taken? |
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Not that I'm aware of. Hormone receptors don't change but there can be multiple tumors in the breast and curiously enough the tumors can each be different for the degree (or lack there of) of hormone receptivity each has.Tamoxifen is a SERM-- selective estrogen receptor modulator to block the ability of estrogen to reach a breast cancer cell thus preventing it from being fed. hope that makes sense. |
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Question:
#1717
04/21/2003
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I am a breast cancer survivor for 8 years. I took tomixifin for 4 years. I have hot flashes on a good night 2 to 3 times an hour, on a bad night 6-8 times an hour, every hour and every night for the past 6 years. I've been put on various vitamins and sleeping pills, which I am no longer taking. Are there any different or new treatments for hot flashes in tomixifin patients? Thank you |
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Talk with your medical oncologist about helping you deal with these hot flashes. some patients are placed on medications like effexor and have had great relief from them after taking the drug daily for just 3 weeks. Wearing loose fitting breathable clothing also helps, avoid spicey food and hot baths that also can trigger them to come on. So tell her the severity of your symptoms and see about having her help you get some relief. |
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Question:
#1718
04/21/2003
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I have been taking Tamoxifen for 6 mos. and have developed a systemic itchy, weeping skin rash. Suggestions? |
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Gee, sounds like it's time to see a dermatologist. It could be many different things.... so check it out. |
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Question:
#1719
04/17/2003
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Recently had a lumpectomy, 5mm invasive ductal carcinoma, tubular type. Estrogen receptors, and progesterone receptors strong positive. Her-2 neu protein negative. Vimentin control positive. Tubule formation =1, mitotic
rate 1 Bloom-Richardson grade 1/3. No lymph node involvement. This was at 1:00 in my right breast. I am 55 and in menopause. My oncologist suggested I begin tamoxifin. How much will this reduce my chances of this returning? If the cancer does return will it be more aggressive? |
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I hope you asked your medical oncologist that question because that is exactly what needs to be discussed at the time of your appointment with him or her! Tamoxifen has been very effective in preventing recurrence of disease for the breast that produced the cancer as well as helping to keep the other breast healthy. The % of hormone receptor positivity plays a factor as to how helpful it can be so ask the oncologist that question. he/she will be able to tell from your pathology report the degree of receptivity as well as tell you for your situation how beneficial it may be for you to take hormonal therapy. |
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Question:
#1720
04/15/2003
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Had a lumpectomy last Sept. 1cm lump and 1 lymph node involved. Have had chemo and am in second week of Radiation. Now the Doc. wants me to take Tamoxifen or Arimidex (am 62 years old, hysterectomy). Frankly, I am concerned about the side effects of both drugs and am considering opting out. Is it really going to help that much?
Thanks,
BarbH |
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The decision to recommend hormonal therapy is based on the hormone receptor status of the tumor. When a tumor tests positive for being hormone receptor positive, it tells us that hormone stimulate the growth of this particular breast cancer. By taking a drug thta blocks the ability of estrogen to reach a lingering or potential future breast cancer cell, it helps to suppress its growth or even prevent breast cancer from recurring. So ask your doctor to what degree was your tumor hormone receptor positive and how important does she feel it is to your treatment. Though no drug is side effect free, hormonal therapy has proven to be an effective way to prevent this disease from returning or continuing to grow so it is worth a healthy discussion about it. |
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Question:
#1721
04/13/2003
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I have heard of an M.D. with breast cancer who chose to have her ovaries removed rather than take tamoxifen. Is this a treatment that I can benefit from choosing? What considerations are involved? |
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there's a lot to be considered... your age, how hormone receptor positive you are, your family history of breast cancer, whether you may have the breast cancer gene, other information about your cancer treatment. So discuss it with your medical oncologist as to whether it is an option. Usually tamoxifen is recommended than surgery, remembering that oopherectomy is permanent and tamoxifen is for a 5 year period. Whether you plan to have a family, menopausal management and other issues all need to be part of the discussion. |
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Question:
#1722
04/09/2003
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I AM 31 YEARS OLD. HAD A LUMPECTOMY IN AUGUST OF 2002. FOLLOWED BY 4 ROUNDS OF CHEMO, 6 WEEKS OF RADIATION AND AM CURRENTLY HAVING LUPRON SHOTS FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS. MY DOCTOR SUGGESTED TAMOXIFIN FOR (2) YEARS. IF I DECIDE TO TAKE THE TAMOXIFIN, WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF EVER HAVING CHILDREN? I WOULD APPROECIATE ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE ME. |
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See a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer to learn about your specific situation. part of it depends on how your ovaries responded or didn't respond post chemo too. how regular were your periods before, etc. most women who are young do usually resume their periods after tamoxifen, however there are additional things to consider including your doctor's advice and thoughts about conception for you as it relates to breast cancer. |
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Question:
#1723
04/09/2003
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I have had a lumpectomy and currently on my 6th course of chemo therapy. I am node positive and hormone receptor negative. My doctor is recommending radiation after chemo. Is there drug available that works to prevent the return of cancer like tamoxifin does for hormone receptor positive paitients?
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There isn't a drug for hormone receptor negative tumors at this time. no. But consider the rest of your treatment as you machanism for preventing recurrence--- the chemotherapy systemically treats you head to toe. the radiation is designed to prevent your breast from creating breast cancer again. you are taking action against this disease in an appropriate way. Glad your chemo is nearly done-- you've got the hard stuff out of the way... onto radiation soon then long term survivorship... |
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Question:
#1724
04/07/2003
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I am 72 y/o from the Philippines; I had MRM on my left breast last April 2,2003. Incisional biopsy done prior to MRM was invasive ductal carcinoma. The specimen sconsists of an ovoid, yellowish, soft to firm mass 2.5x2.0x 1.1cm mass. I am positive for metastasis in two out of thirteen axillary lymph nodes; negative for tumor at the nipple and basal resection plane. estrogen and progesterone positive in 70 to 80%. My questions is : Do I use tamoxipen or femara? thank you very much. |
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The majority of doctors are still prescribing tamoxifen as it has been thoroughly studied and we know how it works and its benefits to reduce risk of recurrence as well as its effects for treatment. Talk with your doctor about it more but that is probably what will be subscribed. |
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Question:
#1725
04/03/2003
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Diagnosed with invasive breast cancer on left side in '98. Had mastectomy, with two nodes involved, followed with CMF 6 month chemo, 7 weeks radiation, tamoxifen, preventative hysterectomy (total). All was well until a tiny nodule on a chest x-ray showed up this Sept. followed up by extensive CT on lungs, pelvic, abdomen. Now in April no change of tiny 5mm. spots on lung, liver. Granulomas? Normal blood work and physical, no symptoms. CA 27-29 raising but within normal (ever since I have been on the patient track again.) Very stressful. Switched now to Arimidex. Doctors baffled. HELP!!! Bone scan good, too. Should I worry about CA 27/29? My oncologist says assay method etc makes the marker non-diagnostic and says I should discontinue taking this test because of my stress level. Original diagnosis of cancer showed a lower tumor marker--go figure! |
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Tumor markers can rise and fall for reasons we sometimes never decipher and it isn't cancer related. You are being followed closely and are receiving active treatment which is good. Sometimes doctors do recommend kind of taking a holiday from doing these blood tests as it only adds anxiety and not information. How you feel is an important measure of how you are doing... |
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Question:
#1726
04/02/2003
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I HAD A LUMPECTOMY IN AUGUST, 4 ROUNDS OF CHEMO AND AM ON MY FOURTH OF SIX WEEKS OF RADIATION. I AM ALSO GETTING LUPRON SHOTS ONCE A MONTH FOR THE NEXT TWO YEARS. I=ONCOLOGIST SAID I WILL HAVE TO START TAMOXIFIN WHEN FINISHED WITH RADIATION FOR 5 YEARS. I NEED TO KNOW IF AFTER THE FIVE YEARS, WHAT ARE MY CHANCES OF BECOMING PREGNANT? I WOULD APPRECIATE ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE ME ON THIS, I AM SCARED TO DEATH OF NOT BEING ABLE TO HAVE ANY CHILDREN. THANK YOU |
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Part of the answer depends on your age now, how close to menopause/perimenopause are you and will you be when you finish your hormonal therapy. Sometimes women in their 40s find that their periods don't return after treatment; others do... You may also want to talk with a gyn oncologist as well as your medical oncologist about their opinions about the safety of pursuing pregnancy after all your treatment is done. Some doctors are comfortable with it and some are not... looking at hormone receptor status and such. This is a good time to talk with your doctors though and make your desires known that you are interested in pursuing having a family. They may recommend some changes in your treatment perhaps, which is why it is best to bring this up now. |
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Question:
#1727
04/02/2003
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I am a 37 year old woman who had a bi-lateral mastectomy last month. I did the most pro-active surgery for what I was diagnosed with. I had invasive ductal carcinoma... 7mm. Nodes negative and weakly hormonal positive. I was told that due to the fact that it was so small...I would not have to have chemo but they did recommend hormonal treatment. The first oncologist I saw tried to put me on Femara and I was very concerned because everything I have read says it is for POST menopausal woman which I am NOT. The second oncologist told me I should be on tamoxifen. My question is should a premenopausal woman be given Femara and for the type of cancer I had..does the risk outweigh the benefit by taking any type of hormone therapy versus none. I was told that it would be something like 95% without hormonal and 98% WITH. Is it worth the 3% to risk all the potential side effects of these drugs? |
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femara is usually given to post menopausal patients so get another formal opinion from a medical oncologist who specializes in breast cancer. tamoxifen remains the most common hormonal therapy prescribed at this time. |
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Question:
#1728
03/14/2003
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My 45 year old wife had a mastectomy to remove a 1.5 cm. tumor. One node tested positive. She has done the CMF course of treatment. Now the doctor wants to put her on tamoxifin. Would a cancer preventative diet work as well? How does one determine if the risks of the side effects are worth the decrease risk of recurrance in the other breast? How many women with a low-end stage two estrogen and progestron receptor positive tumor have a recurrance in the other breast if there was a mastectomy and cmf? |
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Ask your doctor about recurrence rates for your specific situation. There is no diet that can ensure that cancer won't return. Tamoxifen however does have a track record for demonstrating effectiveness in prevention of recurrence. Your medical oncologist should review with you your specific risks and benefits based on how much additional survival gain he anticipates you achieving by taking tamoxifen. Tamoxifen has a tendency to get a bad rap for side effects. The incidence of serious side effects is quite low compared to the benefit that usually can be achieved in taking it. so talk with him more about it. |
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Question:
#1729
03/13/2003
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On my path report it says I am ER positive 60% and PR positive 50%. My oncologist says positive means positive no matter what the numbers, but I am wondering what the percentages mean - will half the cells respond to hormone therapy and half not? I am also reading that it's better to be receptor positive than not, but is that only because positive receptors can be treated with Tamoxifen or is there any other benefit? |
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tumors that are hormone receptor positive seem to "behave better" than those that are negative. The degree of receptivity you describe is actually correct and that is how the percentage was determined. Thus is someone were 10% positive tamoxifen may not be as effective for them as someone who was 90% receptor positive. |
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Question:
#1730
03/04/2003
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I heard that soy and soy products are bad for you and that cause thyroid problems. Can you abound on this? |
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hhmm. this site is specific to breast health and breast cancer so you may want to look elsewhere regarding thyroid issues. Soy remains a controversial topic in the breast cancer world. some feel it works like a SERM, like tamoxifen and is beneficial in prevention of breast cancer through the effects of phytoestrogens and other worry that because it contains estrogen it might contribute to its growth. more research is underway to decipher that question. |
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Question:
#1731
03/04/2003
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At the age of 37, I had extensive DCIS which was 5 years ago. My mother died of premenepause breast cancer so I had both breast removed. There was a recurrance 4 years ago on the effected breast with a small invasive element. I am ER positive and HER-2 neu positive. I did 6 rounds of chemo and 2 months of radiation. All is clear and has been for the last 4 years. However, my onocolgist didn't feel that tamoxifen would do me much good so I hadn't taken it for the since my orginal dignosis. Recently, I saw his partner who felt I should definitely be on the . I have been on it for a month and I am miserable. I have no libo, I can't climax when I do, I am beyond dry, I am very bitchy and I am depressed. I want to do all that I can to help keep this disease out of my life but my quality of life has become terrible. How important is it that I take the if I am miserable? |
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Quality of life must be weighed and balanced with treatment. Talk with your doctor about your side effects and see what can be perscribes to minimize them. The doctor can also review with you the pros and cons of taking this drug for prevention of recurrence which will help you evaluate if you think it is worth it. also consider a second opinion. |
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Question:
#1732
03/03/2003
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I had a mastectomey in 1997 followed by three doses of chemo. (( Week period) I finished Tamoxifen on June 1st 2002. I just started to to take Evista and one aspirin every day for osteoporosis. What are your feelings on this?
I am gathering data before I make a final decision to stay on it. |
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there isn't stats on its benefit for women who have already been on tamoxifen so it will be hard to get opinions from folks on this point. Continue to see your oncologist regularly to discuss this issue as you continue your journey now as a long term survivor. |
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Question:
#1733
02/28/2003
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I had a lumpectomy for a ,5cm tumor,started on Tamoxifin and have now completed radiation. I get frequent hot flashes. They are so strong that the muscles in my face spasm just before a flash occurs.My face turns bright red and I sweat enough to have it run down my face from my eyes. I work and it is very obvious that I am having a problem. Is this just to be expected and tolerated or is this an extreme reaction.Also, the night sweats are frequent and very strong. |
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usually symptoms like this are pronounced for the first 4 weeks then improve. talk with your oncologist about them if they persist to see her recommendation for helping them to subside. |
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Question:
#1734
02/28/2003
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I am 53 postmeneposal was diagnosed with State 2A breast cancer in July, 2002. ER-,PR+,NEU2-,P53-, MIB-1-,Aneuploid tumor with DNA index 1.1, mixed infiltrating ductual and infiltrating lobular with extensive intraductial carcinoma componet, size 1.8 x 1.5 x 2.8, poorly differentiated, Had 12 nodes removed, all negative. I have completed 4 AC treatments and 33 radiation treatments. Started taking Tamoxifen, bad side effects. Now they have prescribed Arimidex, but will this help with a pr positive, er negative tumor? Also what are survival stats for my cancer? I had a sister die from this 8 years ago, she was stage 4 and only 38 when diagnosed. Thank you. |
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you need to go back to your doctor and ask these precise questions... your doctor can give you information that is specific for you regarding your prognosis and the pros and cons of switching from one therapy to another. you can also get some informaiton on this by going to www.cancerfacts.com |
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Question:
#1735
02/28/2003
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I am currently taking tamoxifen for DCIS. I was wondering if it is worth the risk of side effects considering I had a TAH 7 years ago. |
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tamoxifen has proven beneficial for women who have been diagnosed with DCIS. Having had a TAH in the past benefits you since you don't have to worry about the most serious side effect, though it is rare, which is uterine cancer. |
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Question:
#1736
02/28/2003
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I had a tumor 1cm removed last week. I am ER positive, pre-menopausal and 43yrs of age.I was told there are two very good alternatives for treatment in my case. I am looking for info regarding Chemo (CMF) + radiation vs. oophorectomy with 5 yrs on arimidex. I would like more info on recurrence percentages with these treatments as I need to make a decision quickly on my treatment. I am more interested in the oophorectomy but I am concerned that the recurrence w/oophorectomy + arimidex is not as low as the chemo + radiation. Please help. |
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hhmm. you need a formal medical oncology consultatin I believe. you may be able to get some stats from www.cancerfacts.com on this subject or by calling the cancer information service at 1-800-4-CANCER. each patient is different though and what is best for you needs to be determined based on meeting wth you and learning a lot more about your situation. |
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Question:
#1737
02/28/2003
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I am not sure if I'm putting my questions under the correct category, but I assume it would be addressed by a breast specialist and oncologist. I am a breast cancer patient who has just completed taking tamoxifin for five years. I know that this drug is helpful in preventing cancer but I am concerned about any cancer cells that may not have been destroyed. I am concerned that one day I might have a reoccurrence of cancer and I want to make sure that my doctors and I are taking every precaution possible to preventing the disease again. Is taking a aromatase inhibitor,like arimidex or aromasin, effective in preventing a reoccurrence? If so, which would be better and more effective arimidix or aromasin? Thank you. Your time is greatly appreciated. |
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it is not uncommon for patients to feel anxious when completing hormonal therapy treatment. for 5 years you have been taking action daily against this disease and now may worry that you aren't. Tamoxifen works for a period of time beyond the 5 years though. There aren't adquate studies to verify that it is wise to take an aromatase inhibitor immediately upon completion of tam particularly for women who don't present with symptoms of recurrence or mets (active disease elsewhere). Talk with your doctor about your concern but remember that this is the most common worry of survivors-- fear of recurrence. Work out a plan with him for monitoring you so that you can feel more confident that you will remain disease free. you are well past the danger window when more recurrences happpen which is already good news. celebrate your completion of treatment too. |
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Question:
#1738
02/21/2003
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I think I read that it is possible for Tamoxifin to change the structure of breast cancer cells from Her-2 negative to Her-2 positive. This would make the cells sensitive to Herceptin. Can you verify if this is correct. Thanks |
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this isn't correct to my knowledge. |
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Question:
#1739
02/13/2003
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what are the side effects of tamoxifen relating to the eye I.E cataracts, tumers.My wife was diagnosed with dcis stage 0 8mm, surgery was done with clean margins,radiation,now trying to decide on tamoxifen.my wife is 48yrs old and lost an eye as a child to retinal blastoma so we are understandably concerned about any eye problems associated with tamoxifen.THANKS |
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it is rare but there is a risk of cataract development as a side effect tamoxifen. In some cases it can be hard to determine though if the medication caused it since some portion of women develop cataracts at various ages unrelated to taking hormonal therapy. Your medical oncologist may recommend more frequent eye exams while she is taking her hormonal therapy. |
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Question:
#1740
02/12/2003
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Hi my mom was diagnosed with DCIS about 5 months ago, she is 44 yrs old, premanopause, had a full mastectomy and radiation therapy. she is going to get flap done later. Her tumor was less than 1 inch and all lymphnodes taken out were clear. she is taking Tamoxifen now, whats the chance of her developing DCIS in the other breast? Thanks |
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A: |
The risk and occurence of developing breast cancer in the other breast is about 10-15% for women not taking hormonal therapy. Tamoxifen is designed to reduce the risk by 47% so that would make it around 5-7% risk for her now-- quite low. She will be closely monitored, no doubt, by her oncologist as well as get annual mammograms. You mentioned that she had DCIS though--- to have had a mastectomy and axillary node dissection and radiation would imply that she had more than DCIS--probably invasive disease somewhere in that breast to warrant lymph node removal and radiation after a mastectommy. When she is ready to pursue reconstruction feel free to contact us again if we can help her with that surgical procedure. |
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