Stage 1 did you take hormone therapy?

Anonymous

In January 2008  was diagnosed with stage 1- Invasive Lobular Carcinoma ( ILC), grade 2,  no lymph node involvement.  I had a  lumpectomy with 7 weeks of radiation.  My Oncotype score was 12.   I was on tamoxifen for almost 2 years, but went off as I just had a total hysterectomy with ovary removal.  One option is to go on an AI and the other is no hormone therapy.  My medical oncologist said removal of the ovaries is what some women do in lieu of hormone therapy.  I would like to know what other stage 1 ladies have done.  Thank you in advance for your input.

Suse64

Hi, not finished yet with radiation, two weeks left to go....I was dx stage one IDC and have decided for myself not to do the AIs or tam.  I had a couple of superficial blood clots in my leg a few years ago, and don't want the risk of a stroke added to the bc dx.  I am 64 years old, and being as my tumor was only .23 mm not even as big as a BB, I think I will risk my chances without any further treatment.

Bren-2007

I'm Stage I, and after six weeks, I quit HT.  My tumor was also small .7 cm, and I had .6 cm margins all round after a lumpectomy.  I also had 38 radiation treatments.  I also had a total hysterectomy prior to my cancer diagnosis.  I was 51 at the time of dx.  If I had been under 50, I may have chosen to find a way to deal with the SE's and stay on HT.  I tried Tamoxifen and Arimidex.

I'm 54 now, and this was my personal choice after much research and soul searching.

As always, I don't recommend my choice to anyone .. this is a very personal decision.

Best wishes on your decision.

hugs,

Bren

prayrv

Nancy,

I had extensive DCIS in my breast with 8mm of IDC.  Had Mast and then 26 rads then 9 boosts.  Oncotypdx score also 12I started on tamoxifen after rads and have been on it since November 2007.  I did have the typical se's from tamox in regards to my uterus and ovaries.  Had TAH-BSO in December.  As I am now post menopausal, I will see my onc and she'll probably want me on an AI. Not sure if I want to switch considering the se's that I've heard of.  I don't mind staying on tamox since my risk of uterine issues are now gone.  Will do what I can to keep the beast away.

Hugs,

T.

Susie123

Hi Nancy,

I'm stage 1 grade 1, with no ovaries and do take Arimidex every day. Even without ovaries you still have estrogen stored in your tissues, and you adrenal gland produces it. If you are ER+ then you need to take the hormone therapy. It gives us a better chance of beating this for good. ER+ cancers feed on estrogen, that's how they grow. We have to cut off that food supply. The hormone therapy does just that. I would definately do the Arimidex.

Susie

swimangel72

Hi - my tumor was also Stage 1, Grade 1 - I opted for a mastecomy, then I had 4 months of chemo (Navelbine) and a full year of Herceptin, twice-a-week. Once I finished the Navelbine, my onc started me on Arimidex........I was already post-menopausal, and my tumor was highly ER positive. I was told that our bodies continue to produce estrogen, especially if we are even slightly overweight..........so I'm not taking any risk, especially not after all I already went through to try to beat the Beast. GOod luck with all your decisions - may God's angels quide you and protect you!

carolehalston

I was IDC Stage 1, Grade 3, no node involvement, 1.2 cm tumor.  After recovery from my BMX/immed. recon, I started taking Arimidex in Sept. 09.  I'm 67 and had warded off aging symptoms with HRT.  Now I have more stiffness in the joints than before.  Mild hot flashes.  Bouts of forgetfulness.  I take 75 mg Effexor which helps with menopausal symptoms and also prevents mood swings.

Our bodies can make estrogen from fat.  And as Susie stated, the adrenal gland (glands?) can produce estrogen.  I'm going along with my BC dr. who believes I'm better off taking Arimidex.  So far the SEs aren't that bad.  I believe mine are mainly from stopping HRT and from aging.

It's important to stay active and not dwell on bc.  Accept the new normal and live a full life.

otter

Nancy, if removing the ovaries was all it took to ward off another bout of estrogen-sensitive BC, there's not a single postmenopausal woman in the world who would be taking an estrogen-blocking drug.

The problem is, taking out the ovaries or suppressing their function isn't enough.  As others have said, once the ovaries are gone or are no longer functioning because of menopause, fat cells and the adrenal glands become the main source of estrogen (estradiol).  And, those tissues apparently produce plenty of estrogen, considering that most cases of breast cancer occur in women who are older than 50.  Oh, and clinical studies have shown that aromatase inhibitors or tamoxifen (taken alone or sequentially) reduce the recurrence risk significantly in postmenopausal women who've had BC.

So, I am another one of the women with Stage I cancer who is taking an estrogen-blocking drug.  I've been on Arimidex for almost 2 years now, and my SE's are very tolerable.

otter

Anonymous

Thank you all for your input.  I will speak with my oncologist and then decide on Armidex, Femera or staying on Tamoxifen.