no ovaries and anti-estrogen pills

Adri54

Hi !

My name is Adriana and I am post-menopausal, now age 67, had a hysterectomy with ovaries removal age 62, breast cancer diagnosis at 66. Had Surgery to remove the tumor (estrogen receptive, HER2 neg) with reconstruction/reduction on both about 14 days ago. No cancer found in lymph nodes.

They say, I will have radiation about 4-6 weeks after surgery. After that anti-estrogen pills for 5 years.

Anti-estrogen pills make me think, since I have no more ovaries, and I will take some form of anti-estrogen: what is the experience with side effects?

Does anybody have or had a similar situation?

Anybody: Let me know if you know this situation, Thanks! Adriana

edj3

Adri54 welcome, sorry you've joined us.

If you look over this site, you will find all kinds of fact-based information about estrogen and the drugs usually recommended for those of us with ER/PR positive breast cancer.

Start here, and then follow the links to articles you find applicable to your situation:

https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal

SeeQ

Adri54, I had ovaries removed in 2016, diagnosed bc in 2020. Your body still makes estrogen (fat cells and... something else I can't remember). I'm on anastrozole (genetic Arimidex); there are some others. Biggest side effect is joint pain, which makes me feel older than I am. When you know which one you'll be taking, you'll be able to find a thread with discussion about it.

Edited to add the link for the Arimidex discussion:

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78/topics...