Tamox/Ooph.... or something else..

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comingtoterms
comingtoterms Member Posts: 421
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I have been off of Tamox since last April due to multiple gynecological issues. Since then, my periods have been coming closer together and are longer in duration. I had A/C/T chemo (at age 48) and due to my current age (51,) fully expected my menses would not return. I just saw my GYN who said he is not happy that I am continuing to menstruate ( my BC was mulit-focal and highly ER/PR positive) and he wants me to do something pronto. My ONC has not been happy with my decision to stop Tamox, and has told me so. I just am at a loss about how to handle this. I wonder if there are any other 50-something women out there who are menstruating and not taking Tamox. I don't want to be selfish by refusing medication that will help me, but.... I am still not convinced it was doing anything other than increasing my uterine lining, causing cysts and fibroids and hemorrage-like periods. I have never had a night-sweat or hot flash.  Thank you so much for your help.  Tammy

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited February 2012

    There are several posts here on this topic that you may find helpful.  I'm wondering why your Onc did not give you Lupron shots to shut down your ovaries when you were on Tamox.  I had a similar IDC pathology to you with 100%+ ER and PR, Her2 neg --- can you say lots of hormones!!  I was also dx just after I turned age 49 and was still regular menustrating - - even had 2 periods on A/C/T.  Also, felt like my periods were tryin to turn ON again during my radiation treatments.  

    Tamox is the standard treatment for premenopause women, however, I had personal gyno issues plus strong family hx of uterine fibroids and strokes. I tried Tamox for 4 months and could not tolerate it, so I pursued laproscopic ooph to switch to an AI.  It was a risk I was willing to take to try a different treatment protocol for my strong hormone IDC.  You will also find posts about many women who had issues while on Tamoxifen and resolved with hysterectomy.  Issues with AIs too where I developed Osteopenia but I still feel comfortable with my choice.

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  • comingtoterms
    comingtoterms Member Posts: 421
    edited February 2012

    Thank you, cp418. Did your ONC ever tell you whether the fact that you regained menstrual function put you at an increased risk of recurrence? I keep going back to that - I feel like it must be a red flag of sorts - and I do know I have to do something. I had an ultrasound last month because I had ovarian pain and there was a pretty little follicle waiting to burst! I guess I should talk to my ONC about Lupron. I must admit that after losing a breast, the thought of losing another part of what makes me a woman is very disconcerting. That is probably why I have been avoiding doing something permanent for so long. Might you give me an idea of where those threads are? Thanks so much!  Tammy

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  • ALittleBitBritish
    ALittleBitBritish Member Posts: 627
    edited February 2012
    I have had no gyn issues until now, been on tamox since last May then had my 6 monthly US and my PCN referred me to a Gyn.  This week I go to see a Gyn for 2 cysts on my ovary, endometrial thickening and a polyp. I am rather concerned, my MO never mentioned having periods was an issue for concern. Yell
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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited February 2012

    Check the "Hormone Therapy" forum is where you will find NUMEROUS topics and posts regarding Tamox, AIs, side effects, ooph, and more.  Also, go back to previous pages as that is a very active forum and topics are always getting resorted and listed. 

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited February 2012

    http://www.ascopost.com/articles/november-2010/at-10-years,-anastrozole%27s-superiority-over-tamoxifen-increases/

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited February 2012

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Knt_dppu8IQ

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNbIfbMIM94&feature=related

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  • cp418
    cp418 Member Posts: 7,079
    edited February 2012

    Breast cancer mortality risk increases with age

    http://news.nurse.com/article/20120211/NATIONAL02/102130046/-1/frontpage

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