← Return to What helped you make treatment decisions following DCIS lumpectomy?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@texasduchess

Back in 2001, I was pre-menopausal and my breast cancer was estrogen- and progesterone-positive, so I went on Tamoxifen. At that time, five years was the suggested amount of time to be on it (much later studies suggest 7–10 years for hormone inhibitors). Because of side effects (blood clot in calf and uterine changes/early cancer) and having a hysterectomy (which meant I was now menopausal), I quit taking Tamoxifen and went on Aromasin. All in all, I was on these two drugs for 8.5 years. I quit taking Aromasin 12 years ago and am not on any prescription medication.

New implants were placed in April of this year. Because my left breast was irradiated back in 2001, reconstruction has been problematic on that side. The new left implant has dropped more than the right one. I don't like how I look undressed, but I am very discouraged by continued disappointing results and having to shell out $5,000–10,000 for these surgeries (my cost after insurance).

Jump to this post


Replies to "Back in 2001, I was pre-menopausal and my breast cancer was estrogen- and progesterone-positive, so I..."

I was diagnosed in 2004, estrogen positive, and her2 positive. Underwent multiple surgeries but was refused a bilateral with no reconstruction. Went through chemo, then oopherectomy, started tamoxifen, and then radiation. Then after 5 years of tamoxifen, I walked away for a few years trying to outrun it. Then it came back, more chemo with herceptin, it was only approved for recurrence so I didn’t get it the first time. I went on anastrazole for years. I am now MBC but progression free. I still wish they would have given me a bilateral. They are very disfigured and painful. Still doing the hot flashes 17 years and counting. The good news is, that if I feel cold, just wait, pretty soon I will be warm again. Lol. I am glad you are treatment free right now, but I am hoping they can work out reconstruction for you.