High Estrogen Levels

J92

Hi. My name is Jessica. Three years ago my mom was diagnosed with Triple Positive Stage 3 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma at 44 years old. After her second round of chemotherapy, her period went away and she has been in menopause ever since. For the first almost 3 years post treatment, she was on Tamoxifen however since her period did not return and her blood levels always showed very low estrogen levels, the oncologist switched her over to Exemestane (Aromasin) as of about 5 months ago. The doctor still tests her estrogen levels at every follow up appointment, and today for the first time her estrogen levels came back high. They're at 269 and the doctor said that she would like to see it below 90. The doctor is not worried however is referring her over to the gynaecologist this way she can get a pelvic ultrasound where they'll examine her ovaries and her uterine lining. My mom opted to have her ovaries removed (this is something she has wanted to do for a long time but it has not happened yet since she is also in the midst of reconstruction) but since her levels today came back high that is something she will be doing right away. I am extremely worried. Ever since she has had her cancer diagnosis I've suffered with tons of anxiety and after today's appointment I'm feeling extremely sad, down, and terrified. I am posting this because I was wondering if anyone on this site has had a similar experience and/or if this is something common. Again, her oncologist (who is excellent, thorough and whom we trust completely) is not worried but I am still feeling so scared and so down. If someone reading this has had an experience like this, or knows someone who has had a similar experience and wouldn't mind replying I would really appreciate it. Thanks so much.

Jessica

KBeee

My period disappeared with chemo (age 43) and never returned, but I had my ovaries removed because MO told me that at my age, my ovaries could still "wake up" and it could return a couple years later.

hamfam

Hi J92! You are such a sweet daughter. I don't know if this will help at all, but I had highly estrogen + BC. I wanted to wait to get my ovaries removed because I'm only 36, so we were monitoring by ultrasound and CA125 markers. I've been on Tamoxifen for 2 years. Last month my markers for ovarian cancer doubled. I was obviously terrified and agreed to have them out right away. Had it done a week and half ago, the pathology looks good and I feel better than I ever have. The doctor doesn't even know if I should take the meds anymore because I'm very physically active. Your Mom is doing all the right things. There is very little that is within our control, so you have to find a way to concentrate on what IS, and not what COULD be (I know it's easier said than done). You will drive yourself insane thinking about the what-ifs. Stay active, visit your doctor regularly and keep supporting your Mama just like you have been. There's a better chance that she'll be completely fine than the chances that something has gone wrong. Hang in there.

J92

Kbeee, thank you! I hope they get my mom in for surgery very soon given her history.

Hmamfam, wow! Sounds like you've been through lot this past month! I'm glad they got you in for surgery quickly. Im even more glad that everything came back okay! One less thing to worry about. Im sorry you're going through all this crap at such a young age. Thanks for your advice. You're right, there's not much in our control unfortunately. My mom tells me that all the time when we talk about this stuff. How she's doing everything she can to stay healthy but that's the best she can do. And she is absolutely right. It's just hard watching a loved one go through this because I wish more than anything there was physically something I could do to not let this happen again. Lol I already do drive myself insane thinking about the what-ifs. Trying to work on that I just love my mom more than anything and can't imagine my life with out her. I know this sounds crazy but I would rather get breast cancer, or any cancer for that matter rather than having to see her suffer again. I would take that any day. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and for your advice.