Stage IV-Tamoxifen, Lupron or Oophorectomy ?

pdlc436
pdlc436 Member Posts: 60
edited April 2018 in Stage IV/Metastatic Breast Cancer ONLY

Hello All,

I was just diagnosed with stage IV in October. Just finished 2 weeks on/1 week off taxol+HER+PERJETA. My PET is clean, so I am continuing with HER+PERJETA. At first oncologist said if you do oophorectomy you don't need to do hormone therapy. She prescribed tamoxifen for the time being, to give my body a break. I did very very poorly on tamoxifen back with first diagnosis. Oncologist says I can decide if to do oophorectomy later and then she would prescribe an AI.

Have any of you, with a ER+ and PR+ diagnosis only done the oophorectomy and no hormone therapy? I would love to hear about your experiences.

Thank you

P.

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  • Goodie16
    Goodie16 Member Posts: 446
    edited April 2018

    Hi,

    I also had a rough time on Tamoxifen, so my onc wanted to switch me to an AI. As I wasn't in menopause at that time, I opted to do Lupron shots to put me into menopause so that I could start an AI. I wanted to try Lupron before an ooph because I didn't want anymore surgeries. After 4 months on Lupron, my levels weren't dropping enough, so my onc wanted me to have an ooph. I reluctantly agreed. When my doctor went into to do the ooph, it was discovered I had severe endometriosis and as such wasn't able to just have an ooph. I ended up with a total hysterectomy. A month after the hyster, my levels were low enough and I was able to start an AI.

    I've been on Arimidex ever since (August 2016) with minimal SEs. I find it much more tolerable than Tamoxifen. My body has been NED since 2015 and my brain (only met site) may still be NED, but there was a small area of concern that my neuro onc wasn't able to rule out as new growth. So I'll get re-scanned in a few months to see it's new tumor growth or scar tissue from my craniotomy/Gamma Knife.

    The ooph only isn't effective as we produce estrogen in other areas of our bodies. That's why your doctor will want to prescribe an AI after the ooph.

    I hope that helps!

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  • pajim
    pajim Member Posts: 2,785
    edited April 2018

    pdlc436, if you don't want to do the surgery you can have either Lupron or Xoladex shots. They're equivalent to the ooph. Ten she can prescribe an AI. If you had trouble with tamoxifen the AI may or may not be better for you.

    BTW/FYI, the ooph is a very easy surgery. Day surgery than back to work in 2-3 days. At least for me. Your experience may vary. I also had Lupron shots (for 5 years!) I just got tired of going to the cancer center so eventually had the surgery.

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  • Kkrenz
    Kkrenz Member Posts: 100
    edited April 2018

    I am facing the same question right now.  My MO also told me that they can radiate the ovaries to shut them down permanently.  Just another option for you.   Right now I'm having the Lupron shots and am on Arimidex.  I guess I will wait and see how long I can tolerate the shot of Lupron.  So far, it has been no big deal.....and I really hate needles!

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  • jamiemarie
    jamiemarie Member Posts: 73
    edited April 2018

    Lots of different things to consider, but just from my experience, I started on Zoladex and had surgery 6 months later. It was easy recovery for me and it was a nice relief to not have to schedule/come in for the shots. Just one less thing I have to think about. But have to do what is right for you!!!

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  • terrij152
    terrij152 Member Posts: 530
    edited April 2018

    My oncologist said I could have my ovaries removed and sent me to a gynecological surgeon. The surgeon felt that since I've been on Lupron for a year with no major side effects, he said he didn't want to do the surgery. I'm 51 now and still getting Lupron every 4 months. Not sure how much longer we will be doing the injections but how will I know I'm in menopause?

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  • alwaysbepositive
    alwaysbepositive Member Posts: 39
    edited April 2018

    I was on Lupron from 10/17-3/18, Tamoxifen from 1/18-3/18,and just had a total hysterectomy on 4/3, now I'm on Arimidex.

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