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If pre-op Anastrozole shrinks tumor completely then what?

Posted by ludanmama86 @ludanmama86, May 30 12:54pm

Diagnosed 2 months ago with stage 11 to stage 111 (breast surgeon’s term) idc. Tumor was large 9.8 x 7.5 x 5.3 cm all 4 quadrants and nipple base/nipple involvement. At least 7 axillary nodes positive for metastatic idc. CT showed no distant mets.
Surgeon has me taking Anastrozole for 3 months to hopefully shrink tumor so surgery can be possible (or not as radical) I can see shrinkage of axillary node & breast size already!
So, my question is this. Has anyone had pre-op Anastrozole get rid of their bc completely & then not require any surgery?
My husband is elderly & I’m his sole caregiver. I’d like to know a guess as to what my future course might look like & my crystal ball is on the fritz lol
Thanks very much!

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green1 | @green1 | Jun 24 7:50am
In reply to @colleenyoung "@ludanmama86, that is a very interesting question. Aromatase inhibitors, like anastrozole, do not typically replace surgery...." + (show)
Profile picture for Colleen Young, Connect Director @colleenyoung

@ludanmama86, that is a very interesting question. Aromatase inhibitors, like anastrozole, do not typically replace surgery. Rather, they help reduce the size of the tumor to have clear margins during surgery.

Have you discussed this with your surgeon and oncologist?

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@colleenyoung
My oncologist told me the anastrozole is to block hormones that feed my cancer. I am to take 5 years then if clear test I should be cancer free

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green1 | @green1 | Jun 24 7:51am

Anastrozole is an Estrogen blocker

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ludanmama86 | @ludanmama86 | Jun 24 4:12pm
In reply to @green1 "Anastrozole is an Estrogen blocker" + (show)
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Anastrozole is an Estrogen blocker

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@green1 right. And since my tumor is strongly ER + (I think 85%) taking a hormone blocker is supposed to stop the growth of cancer cells

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