Anyone had cancer return while taking hormone therapy meds?

I was tested for the ESR-1 mutation which would indicate a resistance to AI. I was negative … no resistance. Still I had a recurrence, albeit smaller and downgraded significantly in % of cell proliferation ( dividing) from 22 to 3%.

That said my onco considers this a failure of AI!

Two things going on here… well, 3.
1- I am starting radiation Monday
Which I declined originally ( and now regret). Still concerned with possible negative side effects but need to kill any other rogue cells if present!

2- my former onco who was on leave for a year is back and I will get her opinion early November.

3- I have a consultation with an MSK NY breast oncologist who is doing cutting edge research and trials on the new meds coming down the pike ( the “ next “ treatment so to speak since Ai came on the scene.

These are oral SERDS ( selective estrogen receptor degrades) which as stated degrade the receptor or dock that estrogen would use to feed an ER+ breast cancer cell. She presented a brilliant paper at ASCO IN June and I happily discovered that she’s in my neighborhood so to speak.

I meet with her tomorrow for another opinion. These drugs are approved in the metastatic setting but making their way down to early breast cancer arena.

This journey is not for the faint of heart. But I am hopeful.

Thank you for coming back with lots of helpful information. Now that the onco considers AI fabled in your case, does the onco still put you on exemestane?
Regarding radiation, make sure you apply protective cream right after the session. I applied fresh Aloe Vera while in the changing room before I left. Use it several times a day and at least 2 weeks after the treatment completes. I stopped too early and got blister few days after the last session. Make sure you wash it out before treatment since it can affect the effectiveness of radiation. If you prefer prescription cream, make sure you follow the same routine.
Lots of us don’t have side effects, long term or short term, so don’t worry about it much. Please come back to let us know how your treatment goes and the progress of SERDs for early stage bc.
Interesting that at the bc awareness talk sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, the presenter mentioned that self breast exam doesn’t prove to be helpful (or something like that). I found my lump by self exam. The mammo still didn’t show it! Hugs.

I found my my lump that a Screening Mammogram did not pick up. I had small, dense, breasts that almost popped out while they were being Xrayed. Add to the fact that the tumor was at the periphery of my breast, and on my chest wall, it was pretty much impossible to find it, especially with Only A Screening Mammogram! Women and Men keep feeling your breasts! And consider asking for a Diagnostic Mammogram and/or Breast Ultrasound too.

Hi! @anjalima:

Thanks for updating us on the progress of your journey to regain complete health, for I've been praying for you and thinking of you lately...

Best of luck on meeting your oncologist at MSK of New York tomorrow; hopefully she'll provide you the best treatment plan going forward. We'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers for your radiation treatments starting next Monday.

Best wishes to everyone in the journey ahead with peace, better health, happiness and love!

Thank you. Much appreciated

@anjalima praying for your first radiation treatment to go well. ❤️

@anjalima praying for your first radiation treatment to go well. ❤️