Tamoxifen after BC , had hysterectomy was on HRT

Hi I asked about having my ovaries removed so my body wouldn’t be producing oestrogen, however the breast care nurses advised me that there were other bits in my body that were producing oestrogen as well and therefore having my ovaries removed wouldn’t work.

Ah that's interesting so maybe will still need it after all, the thought of menopause symptoms does not fill me with enthusiasm ! 

Hello Fly,  Glad that you are doing well and on the  mend.  My scenario is a little different but some similarities. I am 73 years old and was diagnosed at 72.  Had hysterectomy age 47 but kept ovaries.  Started hrt age 55 and kept on them til diagnosed with DCIS in right breast and stage 1 invasive in left in September 2021. Both cancers were 100% Estrogen and progesterone positive.  No more hrt for me and two lumpectomies later and radiation to both of my small breasts.  After that I was started on anastrazole an aromatase inhibitor.  These aromatase inhibitors are recommended for post menopausal women instead of tamoxifen.  Tamoxifen works on shutting down estrogen production in ovaries and once a woman goes through menopause the estrogen comes from fat cells, the liver and other places but not ovaries.  
I would think you would be put on an aromatase inhibitor and not tamoxifen.  Not a silly question at all.  Good luck with radiation.

Barbara

As you have been on HRT, Tamoxifen is aimed at protecting the bones as well. You’ve been on HRT up and til they advised you to stop I imagine. Sit down with your team and ask to discuss their recommendation, they’ve recommended Tamoxifen for myself however I’m 50 and had been peri menopausal for a few years. I had managed to get to the end of January (5months) with a period. Then they returned and until my mastectomy 4 weeks ago were 25 days- since the mastectomy I had a monthly 2 days post surgery and not one since- weird

I’m waiting to discuss with the oncologist hormone options as I am not keen on the side effects as I already have oedema due to medication I am on and  cataracts due to laxer to the eyes. I am overweight and unfit at present so the risk of thrombosis increases. Can’t do much about my exercise as I still gave my second drain in post op so can’t swim or go for a run

Take care

Michelle

HI Barbara, thanks for the reply, I had ovaries taken too, so after reading your reply I think these aromatase inhibitors may be more suitable for me. My oestrogen positive  no wa 8 which I believe but I had only been off hrt 10 days at that point x interesting the estrogen comes from other sources so I feel ready to discuss with them now I understand that. Thanks for your time in replying, so much Information overload at times I am not sure what to read so that is very clear. Cheers and hope you continue to improve

Regards Fly

Hi Michelle 

I too was worried about the bone protection as I have a whole load of auto immune disease some of which make me prone to osteoporosis and I believe the hrt has protected me so far, though my.calcium levels have been dropping. I take vitamin d too so I may need to look at adcal too if these drugs don't protect my bones enough. I have lipoedema  and verging on lymphoedema too so keen to not exacerbate that either.ia normally very active but like yourself been somewhat restricted of late. I could only run if being chased by a bear  hormones are so complex in the roles they play, I suppose it's a balancing act.

Hope you continue to improve and get rid of the drain soon. Take care Fly

Hi, I'm 64 and on Tamoxifen. I had lumpectomy and radiotherapy for stage 1 BC. The surgeon intended putting me on letrozole but when I explained that I was already at an increased risk of osteoporosis due to be coeliac it was changed to Tamoxifen. 

Hi  I am coeliac and can't  take dairy either so presume they will weigh all these things up to decide what to give me, must remember to point them out, thanks for replying. So much learning to do ! 

Keep well

Fly

Hi Fly

had a call this morning to see the oncologist this Thursday, they willl discuss the treatment options. I understand Tamoxifen is able to reduce the risk bone density lisss. I’ve read that much the lines are getting blurred. However with other diagnosis’s ike your lymphoedema they need to discuss in more detail with yourself

Good luck

Hi Micky D  hope you got on OK at your consult and they decided best option for you 

Best wishes 

Fly