Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
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Hormonal Therapy Questions about Hormonal Therapy. |
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| 5/3/2012 | Hello. Age 54. I had Stage 1 IDC, really small lump, no lode involvement, ER+ HER2neg and Oncotype Score of 6. I discovered I am BRCA2 after my diagnosis so had a bilateral mastectomy and my ovaries removed. I started arimidex two months ago and feel in a constant fog and want to stop. I can't see 5 years of fatigue. I have Lieden Factor V and was managing my high cholestrol and high blood pressure with medications prior to all of this. My family has a history of heart disease and strokes. I am going to ask my oncologist next week if I can stop the arimidex. The risks to me, plus the side effects of constant fatigue seem to outweigh the benefits of arimidex. I am of normal weight, eat well and do manage to exercise daily. It seems like a choice between a slightly reduced chance of breast cancer recurrance vs. increased chance of heart disease, osteoporis, liver disease and impact on quality of life. Is this a reasonable analysis for discussion with my oncologist? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 5/3/2012 | good news on early stage diagnosis and favorable prognostic factors including low oncotypeDX score. Sounds like you were smart to do genetic testing too and learn more about your risk for breast and ovarian cancer, etc. Makes sense to sit down with your medical oncologist and have a healthy discussion about risks and benefits. Quality of life is important and we hope you have a very long life and happy one ahead of you. | ||
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