PREMPRO A MUST FOR ME

Maybe this is a dumb and insensitive question:

StillVerticle, what is it about your menopausal symptoms that are so "debilitating"?  From what you are saying, it sounds like you are physiologically dependent on PremPro.  ("All oncologist and ob/gyn opinions in my case are that I cannot get off of Prempro. I become so dibilitated that they cannot and will not treatment with radiation or anything. Because I must be on Prempro, I cannot take Tamoxifin...".  I didn't know that was possible.

I understand how difficult it can be to deal with the symptoms of menopause. I've been fairly lucky -- my symptoms were mild when I went through natural menopause 6 years ago; and now that I'm experiencing them again on Arimidex, they are still mild.  But I've talked with a close relative of mine who had severe mood swings and other problems she attributed to menopause.  She felt much better on HRT, which she took for 10 years -- right up until the day she found out about my cancer diagnosis.  She weaned herself off HRT by gradually decreasing the dose, and is now off completely, from what I've been told.  I think her menopause symptoms have been easier for her to manage, now that she realizes the risk she was taking by staying on HRT.

You really need to get your situation evaluated by someone who can look at the big picture -- your hormone levels, your BC recurrence risk, and even your emotional state (if that's the main problem).  There are some terrific medical centers in NC.  Have you been to one of those?

otter 

StillVerticle ~ Obviously, none of us can grasp what you're going through, but for what they're worth, I wanted to add a couple of thoughts.  First, I'm wondering if BHRT (bioidentical hormones), which can be customized to your needs, wouldn't perhaps be a better option than synthetic HRT (Prempro).  And while many women take Tamoxifen, there are some very serious potential SEs that may not make it right for you anyway, especially in view of your pre-existing autoimmune condition.  And women certainly survived bc prior to Tamox, and many women who try it have to go off of it due to severe SEs anyway and do just fine. 

I'm also a bit confused as to why your docs are even recommending Tamox., as you seem to be post-menopausal or close to it, in which case an Aromotase Inhibitor is usually the recommendation.  Also, there are several natural aromatese inhibitors that you might be able to tolerate.  There are quite a few of us on a thread here called "Natural Girls" who are using alternatives like I3C, DIM and Myomin, in lieu of Tamox or A/I drug. 

Your condition sounds extremely baffling.  I truly hope you can find a team of doctors who can give you answers and hope, and I wouldn't rule out an integrative approach as possibly being able to offer you more solutions than traditional medicine alone.    Deanna

StillVerticle, just wanted to chime in with a little sympathy.  I have a relative who had extremely debilitating menopausal symptoms, plus strange allergic reactions to some of the HRT meds.  Arguing with insurance companies about why generics really won't work etc.  It can be lonely having an unusual problem.  It wasn't great, but she did better on evista when she eventually needed it (just a thought).  But, mostly wanted to say I'm sorry you're in this boat, after all you've been through,  you must feel very panicked and very scared about getting people to listen to you before trying things. Hugs to you.

Why is your Stage I, node-negative prognosis poor? Usually Stage I gals have an excellent prognosis.

 If finding a way to get off of prempro isn't possible then probably you should learn to live with the risk. 

Life is about choices. We're making them even when we don't think we are.