How Did You Decide Which Hormone Blocker to Try?

macdebbie

Hi there. I met with my MO today, and we will meet again in mid-Dec to discuss a hormone blocker. I was leaning toward NOT taking anything because my tumor was 3mm with no lymph node involvement. I ran Predict and Lifemath, and they both showed hormone treatment would extend my life potentially by less than 1 year.

I'm nervous about SE because I'm VERY med sensitive and have landed in the ER multiple time because of meds with heart issues (tachycardia and really high blood pressure - 286/186). I also have a lot of chronic health conditions that complicates matters - chronic kidney disease, diabetes (which I control without meds and have gotten my blood sugar into the normal range now), cataracts, high blood pressure, low blood pressure, bradycardia, tachycardia, cysts on my liver and pancreas, multiple nodules on my thyroid, the list goes on.

So trying to figure out what would have the least chance of serious problems is a struggle.

I am 64, and figured if I could get 10-15 GOOD years (meaning good quality of life, not sick all the time), I'd be fine with that. One thing I really don't want is to be miserable and feel like I'm just existing, not living.

But after talking to him, it seemed it is worth trying, He said he is willing to work with me on dosing.

How did you all decide what to take?

Veeder14

Hi Macdebbie,

My MO recommended I take Tamoxifen because I have osteoporosis, and the AL hormone blockers are hard on the bones. I can see how it’s tempting not to take anything since your tumor was dinky. I’m BRAC 2 so I decided I’d rather do the meds and hopefully not get the cancer back again. What about your specialists for your other medical issues consulting with your MO about which med to take

macdebbie

Hi Veeder 14. Thx for the idea. I decided to be proactive when I went to my my last MO and he refused to discuss advantages of AI vs Tamoxifen for my situation, and refused to discuss side effects, just wanted to prescribe something and whisk me out the door.

I have an appt. Mon with my cardiologist, and an appt, the following week with my Gyn. I will also do a visual visit with my Endocrinologist. I am leaning toward Tamoxifen (despite the serious side effects) because I really don't want to take a Bisphosphonate with the AI as it's just one more drug with more side effects to add to the pile, and I've had GI issues since I was a teenager.