Hysterectomy surgery to take Arimidex>>>>

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beachgirl61
beachgirl61 Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in Life After Breast Cancer

Not sure I am doing this correctly as this is my first time posting...here goes...

I am 49 years old - still perimenopausal - came off of Tamox. because of endometrial complications in March, 2010.  Was on Tamox. for a little over 2 years.

 I have had several rounds of wacky blood work....1)enough estrogen for 5 women...2)normal...3)POSt menopausal...4)perimenopausal

 I was diagnosed with early stage, hormone postive bc at 46 years old.

 BRAC was negative....

 Current recommendation may be to have a hysterectomy to be menopausal and then start Arimidex.  

HAS ANYONE HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THIS...I WOULD VALUE ANY OPINIONS...I'M SCARED OF THE ARIMIDE...I HAD A TERRIBLE TIME WITH THE TAMOX.

 HOWEVER, IF IT WILL HELP SAVE MY LIFE - OF COURSE I'LL TAKE IT.  

 I'VE BEEN OFF THE TAMOX. SINCE MARCH 2010 AND CANNOT BELIEVE HOW MUCH BETTER I FEEL.

 THANK YOU FOR ANY AND ALL INPUT.

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  • historyteach
    historyteach Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2010

    Hi.  My first post as well.  I am also horm+, early stage, and diagnosed at 46.  I'm now 48.  I suggest you seek a 2nd opinion.  You don't need a hyst to "be menopausal."  I couldn't take Tamoxifen due to severe endometriosis.  I took Lupron to put me into a menopausal state and then was able to take Armidex.  This is commonly done in such situations.  Given our age we're near menopause anyway - why the surgery?  Especially since you are BRAC neg. The benefit of taking Lupron or other similar drugs is that they can be stopped at any time.  I'm not a fan of the drugs either, but most studies suggest @5 yrs for hormone+.

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  • Deb0
    Deb0 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2010

    Hi, I was DX with BC Oct 2005 and had breast removed and both ovaries removed so first of 2006 I went through chemo they told me I was done with treatments and was put on Arimedix for 5 years.  All the drug treatments scared me worse than all the surgeries I have had since.  Well I am almost at the 5 year mark so in July the druggist filled my perscriptions only to find out now I have to take the gerenic version of Armidex///talk about scared all over again, I was finally getting settled and not being so fearful of my medicine.  Who knows what kind of ctual difference there is in the generic even though there may not be any real difference over-all it is just having to ajust all over again.  Seems like it never stops...something to always be leary of.  My Onc appointment isn't until November and trying to call for info isn't doable with these receptionist.  I have a good Onc---who by the way retired this summer so when I go in Nov I wil meet my new Oncologist, which I also feel a loss of wisdom and relationship with my doc.  I actually now don't know whether I should stay on this drug for another 5 years or if I have to change to a different drug or if they will totally stop a cancer treatment. 

    On the positive side my cancer has not reoccured in this almost 5 year period.  I had my ovaries out cause I was told BC is hormone fed, I had already stopped my cycling maybe a year earlier than my cancer onset. 

    I am 54yr old now been told that hydro therapy can cause reoccurance of cancer...is this true?  I had been involved in a gym doing water aerobics with my severe rheumotiod arthritis as this is the only exercise I can do.  NOW I don't know what to do. 

    If anyone can answer my fears I welcome that. Best to you and others facing cancer.  I hope someone can answer your med and surgery question I am curious too.

    Deb0

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  • pip57
    pip57 Member Posts: 12,401
    edited August 2010

    I think you are referring to a oophorectomy rather than just a hysterectomy.  A hysterectomy would leave the ovaries and they are what produce the estrogen.  

    I was on tamoxifen for one  year.  My onc suggested that I was a good candidate for the ooph/hyst so that I could go on arimidex.  This was due to a lot of adverse symptoms from the tamoxifen and also because she thought an AI would be more helpful in my case.

    I had the surgery two years ago.  I have been on arimidex for those two years.  I do not regret the decision at all.  The symptoms from the arimidex are much more managable.  And, so far, it appears to be doing its job.

     DebO...that sounds weird, the thing about the hydro therapy and recurrence.  I have never heard that one before!  The only thing I can think of is if it is chlorinated water, but that is just a thought.

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  • redsoxfan
    redsoxfan Member Posts: 162
    edited August 2010
    beachgirl61:  I agree with history teach.  A second opinion is called for here and the Lupron option seems like a reasonable approach.
     
    Deb0:  Congratulations on being so close to the big 5 year mark.  I'm sure you'll get feedback about the arimidex from those who are well-informed here.
     
    I was moved to post here because I'm shocked that anyone would tell you that hydrotherapy could cause cancer recurrence.  Here's the address of one of many sites praising hydrotherapy as a fine endeavor for both mind and body healing and is great exercise.  http://cancer.ucsd.edu/outreach/PublicEducation/CAMs/hydrotherapy.asp
     
    Good luck to you both.  God bless us all.
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