Can't take Tamoxifen or Evista now what?? Ovaries out???

Grammieshell

I've developed reactions to both tamoxifen and Evista, so I am unable to take either one. The doctors are saying removing my ovaries will be the next step.

I just turned 46, I had a hysterectomy 14 years ago, so having babies isn't an issue, but it seems awfully drastic to remove them especially since I had BMX and my risk of getting breast cancer again is so low.

Anyone gone this route??

Lula73

guessing your cancer was ER+? Or you tested positive for BRCA1 or 2? The estrogen is the food source for an ER+ cancer. Take away its food and it shrivels up & dies. If you can’t block the estrogen with tamoxifen or evista, that low rate of recurrence isn’t so low anymore...all it takes is 1 little cancer cell left behind to start a whole new mess. The other way to reduce the estrogen level is to take the ovaries out of the equation and try an aromatase inhibitor which stops your fat cells from turning your testosterone & progesterone to estrogen (have to be post-menopausal to take an AI). To take the ovaries out of the equation, you can shut them down with Lupron shots or remove them. Just had mine removed 11/2 and doing well so far. Not really a dramatic surgery-done laparoscopically. Hope this helps!

Grammieshell

ER+ & PR+

My oncologist suggested the lupron shots or removing ovaries. I'm just so tired of surgeries.

I know it's a simple one and the recovery time is pretty quick I just am so over being operated on, but after going through so much to make my risk as low as possible I don't want something like not being able to take a pill to start this whole mess all over again. It just seems like there's so many things they warn you against about having your ovaries removed. I guess I'm just going to have to look at the problems I'm having from taking the Evista And weigh those against having my ovaries removed and decide which one is more risky and make a decision.

Thanks for reaching out

Lula73

My doc said most of the studies that showed keeping the ovaries helped protect heart, etc have now been disproven. The only thing big thing they really worry about is loss of bone mass when stopping estrogen so early in life compared to average menopausal age. But we now have meds to help build the bone back if needed. Not sure how much difference in impact there is between blocking the estrogen with evista/tamoxifen and removing ovaries with/without using an AI. Seems like it would be similar. Granted docs often don’t take into account things like libido, mood swings, etc.I get what you’re saying about being tired of surgeries - I’ve had over 10 myself starting when I was 3 and this my 4th go round with cancer and im only 44. I just look at it as 1 more thing I have to do to keep moving forward. And forward is the only option for me - just the way I’m wired I guess.

Grammieshell

thanks for that info. I guess I just need to bite the bullet and have it done. I've had 6 surgeries in the last 8 months and I'm exhausted. But heck, what's one more. Lol

And, if it keeps me from having to go through this cancer crap again, then it'll be worth it.

This to shall pass!!