Before Hormone Therapy Thoughts

It is really impossible for anyone to intelligently answer your question when your diagnosis and stats aren't listed.

Many women have no or few side effects from Tamoxifen

My dear colleague just passed away from tamoxifen-induced uterine cancer. I would consider having a hysterectomy if going on Tamoxifen. I have heard that only 1% of those on Tamoxifen develop a gynecological cancer, but that risk seems high and you can prevent it by a laparoscopic surgery.

Hi all. I'm one who refused anti hormone treatment for various reasons. I would be happy to talk more about it. Please PM if interested. Good luck to all navigating this disease...

Hi Variable:

In another thread you noted you had an Oncotype Recurrence Score of 19, and choose to decline chemotherapy. It is important to remember that the recurrence risk information in the Oncotype test report (for invasive disease) is from studies in patients who all received endocrine therapy. I have posted on that before:

For information only and (as always) subject to confirmation with one's Medical Oncologist, the average Recurrence Risks shown in the node-negative (N0) and node-positive (1-3 N+) test reports and associated with particular "Recurrence Scores" are based on studies in groups of patients who all received tamoxifen (or tamoxifen plus chemotherapy). Thus, if a patient declines endocrine therapy, their risk of recurrence would be much higher than that shown in their Oncotype test report.

The test reports do not include an estimate of recurrence risk without any endocrine therapy. However, one's Medical Oncologist can provide such an estimate (e.g., an extrapolation based on the potential risk reduction benefit of tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor).

With that additional information in hand from their Medical Oncologist, some patients might still choose to decline endocrine therapy, after considering their personal risk / benefit profile in light of their personal risk tolerance. But it would be important to understand that the recurrence risk information provided by the OncotypeDX test for invasive disease "assumes" 5-years of endocrine therapy.

As far as the incidence of severe adverse events, the risk of endometrial cancers may differ by age per some studies, but please ask your MO to ensure accurate, current information about incidence. The incidence of potential severe adverse events should be weighed against the potential risk reduction benefit of treatment in light of your diagnosis and in light of any relevant medical history, as part of a personalized risk / benefit analysis.

BarredOwl

BarredOwl,

Thank you so much for posting that information. My oncologist didn't mention that, from what I recall. I had an oncotype score of 7, so I had my ovaries removed and started AI's - tried them all. They all make me sick. I guess I need to buck up and just stick with one.

Kathleen