Can not take Tamoxifen

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Does anyone know of an alternative to tamoxifin for HER-2 neu cancer?  I have a blood clotting issue and the only alternative I was given was to remove my ovaries, I am only 45 yrs old.

Comments

  • Houndmommy
    Houndmommy Member Posts: 377
    edited September 2010

    How about suppressing your overies and doing one of the other antihormonals.  Some people do that.  I am 47 and it is an option the onc discussed with me if "T" isn't tolerated.  Then you'd stop the suppression when done with that part of treatment (usually 5 years  for most).

    Good luck!

  • kmf6562
    kmf6562 Member Posts: 5
    edited September 2010

    I am new to this as I  just had the lumpectomy a week ago so I hope this is not a dumb question,

    If they supress the ovaries would that put me in menopause?

    Thanks

  • vespersparrow
    vespersparrow Member Posts: 62
    edited September 2010

    Yes, your periods will stop after a month or so and you'll be in menopause so long as you are getting a shot (Lupron or Zoladex, an LHRH agonist).  If you stop getting the shot your periods should resume, but there's a chance they won't, especially the closer you are to what would have been your natural menopause age.

  • Member_of_the_Club
    Member_of_the_Club Member Posts: 3,646
    edited September 2010

    My first reaction was the same, why not just temporarily shut down your ovaries with zoladex and lupron.  That would put you into chemical menopause for as long as you did it, but it wouldn't be permanent.  I'm doing this.  I am shocked by how frequently doctors recommend having ovaries removed.  This surgery has permanent longterm negative effects that are not entirely understood.  Why don't you go to a different oncologist for a second opinion?

  • aidansmom
    aidansmom Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2010
    Hi. 
    Just found this site. I finished radiation in December of last year and went on Tamoxifen in January 2010. I had terrible side effects, the worse being intense abdominal pain. I have been on other discussion boards and no one else seems to have this side effect. I tried going on again in June and the abdominal pain returned. Am very confused as to alternatives. I am pre menopausal (44 years old) and don't want to take the risk of doing nothing Thoughts? 
  • davisfamily70
    davisfamily70 Member Posts: 146
    edited September 2010

    I have abdominal pain from the tamoxofin-somtimes it is awful. I have had some success with taking the pills at night and I use miralex about every other day.

    One time on this web site someone suggested that if you excercised your way into 10% body fat you would naturally have less estrogen in your system. That is a substantial amount of weight for me to lose but I am considering doing something drastic,

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