Opening the her2/tamoxifen can again

Options
geewhiz
geewhiz Member Posts: 1,439
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

I have been reading everywhere about the diminished effect tamoxifen has sometimes with her2 gals.

 I asked my onc for a hormonal test, but she just told me that she waits for a year post chemo because she needs to make sure the results are not driven by the chemo. I am 43 years old...the odds of my period coming back are up in the air. I have seen the studies where the AI's are looking promising in the her2 cases (post menopausal). She also said that even if CYP26 test showed I was an intermediate metabolizer...she still felt the potential benefits of the tamoxifen out weighed any alternative.

It doesnt make much sense to me NOT to have the tamoxifen test...if I am a POOR metabolizer...wouldn't I need another alternative?

Anyone have any thoughts on this wait and see game?

· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Comments

  • TriciaK
    TriciaK Member Posts: 362
    edited August 2010

    Hi, 

     I think if this test shows you're a poor metabolizer it does'nt make sense to take it as it comes with it's own potential serious side effects so why take the chance if it's not giving tou enough protection?

    My onc also waitied a year post chemo to do an estradiol test for the same reasons, but in the meanwhile I decided to have an ooph and go straight to an A1.   I'm still taking it and I'm five years out now and hope to continue for as long as it works for me:)

    Tricia 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter
  • LouLou40
    LouLou40 Member Posts: 180
    edited August 2010

    I was 39 at dx and my period stopped after my 3 rd Chemo (AC TH).

    I went straight onto Arimidex as my Onc thought Tamoxifen was a bit hit and miss for Her2 BC, I've been taking it for 9 months now, with only minimal SE's. I had also done a bit of reading on the subject and felt an AI was the way to go, My Onc was the one to suggest it, I just agreed with him. He did say if my period does come back we would discuss Tamoxifen further.

    I have my bloods checked every 3 months and so far it shows that I am definitely post menopausal, my blood estrogen level is undetectable and my FSH is rising which indicates that I will stay in menopause. My Onc said if my period does come back the AI won't do any harm it just won't be effective, so if the hot flashes cease just to give him a call and he will check my bloods. I am thinking if my period does come back that I will go down the ooph path as I tolerate the Arimidex so well and it's very effective at blocking my estrogen.

    My DEXA scan post chemo pre AI indicated I had osteopenia, so I'm on Zometa to prevent further bone loss.

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Categories