Hormone therapy... were you given an option on which med?

Hi mnsotamom,

Yes, the MO discussed the medications with me at my first app't. although was not advised of all of the side effects. I do look up medication side effects on my own also. I choose Tamoxifen because I've already got severe osteoporosis. Had to go off Tamoxifen to have hysterectomy after it caused extreme uterine thickening. Starting back on it today, ugh. Anyways, in between times I got a second opinion from another MO who recommended the Al medication. However, I can't afford anymore bone loss by taking medication that attacks the bones so MO agreed to continue to prescribe Tamoxifen.

No doctor should force you to take one medication or another or take medication at all, it's ultimately your choice. Hopefully, your prescribing doctor will discuss medication options, etc., with you.

I was not given a choice, I was told tamoxifen. But I was ok with it because I am aware it's standard of care for my situation with no contraindications to tamoxifen. I knew that going in. I do think if I needed to switch my doctor would be willing to discuss.

Originally, my oncologist said, rather authoritatively, that I would be on Lupron and Anastrazole. Since I am very close to being post-menopausal (a subject of discussion), I pushed back and asked about options. I was surprised when my doctor was willing to discuss options with me. I opted for Tamoxifen for a year then trying AI when I was clearly post menopausal. For me, I was concerned about taking the Lupron for an indefinite period because I try to be as thoughtful as possible with my drug intake.

Hi everyone...let's just all remember that we always have a choice! It's our bodies and we should have the final say. Doctors should be giving us options, when available, and then discussing them with us. IMO if they are not open to that, its time to find a new doctor!

None of the antihormonals are totally free of side effects. However, while some people may have severe SEs others may have very tolerable ones on any given drug. We don't hear much from the latter.

Cannot emphasize enough that it is your choice. You can choose to go along with whatever is prescribed, to ask for information, investigate on your own ...

I was fortunate to have a BS who discussed the likely need for an antihormonal early in the whole treatment process and gave me a decision making guide to study. That guide led me to legitimate websites for more in-depth information (beware dr. Google and use selectively). I read and re-read and considered over many weeks until making a decision about what I wanted to do. So far that is working out and I am one of the lucky ones in relation to SEs.

Educate yourself and be comfortable with the part you play in making the decisions. That really is your choice even when it is all overwhelming!

Mnsotamom, please remember that people can push you only as far as you let them. Tell them to back off.

at stage 4 dx my MO suggested 3 options. Take this 1 or these 2 or these 3. Already familiar with the options so little discussion was necessary. He thought it best I do all 3. Faslodex and letrezole and Ibrance. Wanted me to start Xgeva too but figured I'd be resistant and overwhelmed so didnt push it. I was ready for that 2 months later to his surprise. I've been happy with him.

My first MO was nice. And caring but a little too laid back. Tamoxifen was a pretty standard treatment for early stage 10 yrs ago so i never questioned it and he didnt give me any grief when 9 months later i wanted off cause of leg cramps and depression. Never suggested something for bones while on letrezole. But i knew i needed it so askd my GP for something. My first MO retired. I wonder if he wasnt staying on top of things.

I'm post-menopausal so an aromatase inhibitor would be the medication of choice. For a number of reasons, severe arthritis being the foremost one but also because of the way tamoxifen works, I asked if we could first try tamoxifen. My oncologist said okay; the AI having a 2% better response which is within the margin of error. I had a complete hysterectomy with another unrelated cancer eleven years ago so there's no danger of endometrial cancer. Blessings.