To Stop Anti Hormonals or Not?

Lexica

Curious how many of us ER/PR+ folks were told to stop taking the antihormonal meds before and after surgery. Originally, they told me to stop, but just had my pre-op appointment and the BS told me my onc called him to say not to stop the meds. Part of that makes me freak out thinking 'is he really that worried about me stopping the AI or is it not that big of a deal...'

ruthbru

I had several surgeries while on Arimidex and was never told to stop (I asked).

SpecialK

I believe this is more of an issue with Tamoxifen due to the clot risk, those on aromatase inhibitors don't seem to get this recommendation.

Lexica

Thanks ladies. I had a PE when i was diagnosed, so this was on my mind!

Meow13

I was told to stop from my plastic surgeon's office but my oncologist didn't think I should so I got right back on them about a week after surgery. I had stopped 2 weeks before surgery.

I didn't ask my oncologist until I made an appointment. He got on the phone with me to talk he sounded like it was not right for my plastic surgeon's nurse to tell me to stop.

edwards750

I agree with your oncologist Meow. It's his responsibility not your plastic surgeon’s nurse. I know my BS was making assumptions that weren't his to make. My oncologist made the final decision as to treatment as she should have.

Diane

CBK

SpecialK is correct on this. It’s only Tamoxifen that is a potential problem. I too have had surgeries on Arimidex!

PS should know what medications cause clotting problems .... and should be making recommendations on what medications and supplements to halt and when before and after surgery!

SimoneRC

Again agreeing with SpeciaK! Three surgeries on Arimidex. They only ask patients on Tamoxifen to stop the meds, not AI’s

Tmh0921

I’ve had several surgeries on Tamoxifen and have never been asked to stop taking it. I’m having BMX with reconstruction soon and MO told me to keep taking it. I am changing to ovarian suppression + AI after surgery but she wants me on Tamoxifen until then

pupmom

I have been asked to stop Tamoxifen during the two surgeries I had after starting it.

Peregrinelady

As someone who had a DVT/PE after revision surgery, I would make sure whether you should be continuing Tamoxifen right up until surgery and when you should continue afterwards. I quit at least a week before and started again 4 days after per plastic surgeon, but probably should have waited a few more days.

Meow13

Even my general practitioner doctor admits to me that I probably have a better understanding of these hormone drugs than she does. AI drugs are very different than tamoxifen I always consult my oncologist on SE issues and potential problems. I have had some lesser known SE that were never discussed before I actually experienced them. I like to know what I am getting into before making a decision. I jumped in with both feet because frankly I was so afraid of the cancer coming back. Taking a step back I would have proceeded differently. When I first saw my oncologist he assumed the worst case scenario without really looking at my case. I was told by others ILC do the bmx you are playing russian roulette if you don't. My oncologist was the one that said wait a minute no good indication you need to be that aggressive. But he pressed really hard on chemo due to oncodx score of 34. Then I started looking at the data and said wait I'm grade 1 and 2 with mitotic scores of 1 er 95% positive pr negative what about the studies that suggest AI drugs are 2x as effective. Well he started back down off chemo. Said you are going to be treated under high surveillance and will see what happens. Eight years later things are good oncologist doesn't want to go back to where not doing chemo was the right choice. I guess we will never know but I for one would like to push for big data snd collect statistics for all cases. Get a better image of the treatment success rate.

Lexica

that's interesting meow. Are you saying there are studies out there that show that AI drugs are two times as effective as chemo for ER+ patients? Do you know which studies those are? Just curious...

I think my plastic surgeon didn't know. I walked into my pre-op appointment and he said your oncologist called and said "no stopping (the AI)." I know he deals with a lot of breast cancer patients but I'm in a military treatment facility, so I know he also does a lot of Wounded Warrior reconstructions. He might just not be familiar? It does make me a little uncomfortable that he wasn't sure but as long as he knows what he's doing in the operating room I'll feel better!

Meow13

I have posted it many times, there is one dated 2014 the 2x is for er+ pr - negative cancers.

https://www.cancernetwork.com/articles/anastrozole...

If you are really interested, but I notice you are er+ pr+.