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Hormonal Therapy
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5/30/2006In Oct 2005 I was diagnosed with IDC 1.2 mm, had lumpectomy, SNB, radiation. Before I started on tamoxifen (pre-menopausal), a uterine biopsy was done because of frequent bleeding. It came back with a diagnosis of complex atypical hyperplasia, and I was told to have a hysterectomy. I asked for a blood test to confirm pre-menopausal status, and it came back as full menopausal, which is strange because I was still having periods, or at least lots of regular and irregular bleeding. So, they did a D&C instead, and that pathology report came back with no atypical hyperplasia, only "proliferative cells", which I am not sure what that means. But, my gynecologist said it meant I did NOT have complex atypical hyperplasia, do not need another biopsy in 3 months, etc. And, I am now on Femara, as I am post-menopausal. But, how can I be post-menopausal when I had a period until late February? Originally, the idea was that I was still bleeding (despite FSH post-menopausal status) because of the uterine condition, but now, since I don't have the uterine condition, I don't understand why I was having regular periods so recently -- wouldn't it mean I was still pre-menopausal in Feb? Can menopause happen so suddenly (i.e., I have not had a period in March or April)? Mostly, though, I am wondering about my breast cancer -- if I am somehow NOT post-menopausal, am I putting myself at risk for being on an AI? Sorry for this complicated story, but it has been a confusing road. Thanks a lot, and if you have any idea what it means to have "proliferative" cells in the uterus, that would also be helpful. Thanks again.
RepliedJHU's Breast Center Reply
5/30/2006sounds like you'd benefit from a second opinion consultation with another gynecologist expert in taking care of breast cancer patients. if you want to come our way we have several.

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