Neo adjuvant hormone therapy ( tamoxifen before surgery )

Hello I have just notice you haven't had any responses to your question so by me posting it will pop it back up to the top.

I can't help with your question as i had chemo to reduce the size of my lump before surgery but i am sure there will be someone around who will be able to help.

Whatever you decide be sure its what you want to do. If you feel you are ready for the op then ask if you can have it. Don't feel pressured into doing something else because they have given you another option. I hated deciding for myself even told my consultant i didn't like it when he gave me choices and prefered it when he made the decisions. He still made me chose. 

Or ring you're breast care nurse and speak to her, when i was given the choice between a lumpectomy and a mastectomy she didn't make the decision for me but she did ask me questions about things i hadn't thought of which helped me make a decision.

Hopefully someone will be along soon with some advice.

Hello - Welcome to the Group that none of us wanted to join.

I was put on Letrozole 'before' my lumpectomy, this was whilst treatment was being arranged, I was put on it for 'peace of mind' for myself.  I was worried about 'it' growing whilst I looked into treatment.  I think it was for around 3 maybe 4 weeks and it did shrink it a little whilst arranging treatment.  

But, being honest totally honest, I would rather 'get it out' earlier - than to wait for it to shrink with tablets for a smaller incision site.  After all the operation would be the same, if you are having a 'lumpectomy' - you would still be having lumpectomy.  

I personally think, if you can have the surgery sooner - the sooner the better mentally for you.  If they have other reasons, like they 'need' you to have tablets to shrink then this puts a different light on it, if it is 'to shrink' for smaller removal - well sooner the better is my view for you both mentally and to get on with recovery.

Sending love and hugs xxxx

Thanks both . I hate making decisions too and in this case it’s so hard to quantify the benefits of not having the op ( the only positive is it leaves the school holidays clear ! ) . Sometimes I think doctors need to think “what would I advise my sister in this situation “? I will try and talk to the nurse if I can’t get hold of my doctor on Tuesday  . 

Hi Callib,sorry for taking so long to reply,I've been on holiday and only just seen your post.I had two lumps,not too large but there was space between them.Initially told that I would need a mastectomy because of this.It was then explained to me by consultant that I could take Letrazole in the hope of shrinking both lumps and reducing space.Thankfully this worked and as a result I had lumpectomy.The downside was that I was on letrazole for 14 months before operation and it was a waiting game.I was seen on a regular basis during this time.I hope this helps,good luck

Thanks so much - it’s great to know it worked for you although I can guess it was nerve racking. I am tending that way as well after a long conversation with my doctor yesterday ( she was lovely enough to call over the holiday knowing that I was bit all over the place ) .