Feeling helpless

Hi Artisan, sorry you’re having this worrying time and such a long wait to discuss what’s going to happen next. I don’t know if there’s any definitive answer to your question, but I did read on another thread a while ago that someone’s oncologist told them that ‘breaks’ from hormone zappers were fine. I can’t remember the details, sorry. I think the person concerned had breaks due to side effects, and had been reassured by their oncologist that it would be fine. If I can remember who it was or what the thread was I’ll come back with more information! Love and hugs, HFxx 

Thanks for the reply HappyFeet1 - my oncologist said up to 6 weeks was ok but it feels very much like playing Russian roulette to me. I'm considering seeing how much it would be to go private for the op xx

Hi Artisan

This NHS predict tool is something that could prove useful to you to see the additional % benefits of taking Tamoxifen.

I can understand your concerns about not taking it and waiting for the operation to remove your ovaries.  But if it's any reassurance, when I was diagnosed I met a lady who had ER+ BC when she was in her 30's.  She refused point blank to take Tamoxifen and I met her when she was in her 50's.

Try and think of it this way - the cancer has been taken out, lymph nodes (presumably sentinel) have been removed and you have had radiotherapy to stop any potentially harmful stray cells.  So, the Tamoxifen is a 'belts and braces' part of the treatment.

There are lots of ladies that don't take the tablets. A friend of mine's Mum decided not to and it had spread to her lymph nodes.  She also didn't have chemo as they felt at aged 80 it wasn't worth the benefit vs side effects.  She's still ok, 3 years later.  I took mine - although I had gone through the menopause at 49-50 and I got BC at 51, so I was on Anastrozole. However, if I had had a bad reaction to them, I would have stopped them because the % benefit was only 3% for me after 10 years.

A private operation would be an astronomical price and if your oncologist feels it is quite safe, do trust in them as they have seen many, many cases, I am sure.

I looked at foods which are supposedly good for ER reduction (I am vegetarian, so I didn't bother looking at meat).  I did a spreadsheet, but I can't upload it here, but I'll copy and paste it so perhaps it will help you feel more in control by eating some of these foods whilst you wait?

Hope it helps a little, Lesley