← Return to Dismissing doctors: How do you find a doctor who can help?

Discussion
Comment receiving replies
@callalloo

I missed this post, sorry to reply belatedly. And what a handsome horse in the photo you attached!!

Alas, what brought me here was a Bad News Biopsy and resulting lumoectomy last October. Followed by a Good News (I hope reliable) OncotypeDX genetic recurrence low risk score. I was struggling with taking a recommended anti-estrogen aromatase inhibitor and researching anything I could find on with respect to nasty side effects. Then decided, though I declined the drug, to learn more about preventing bone density from real people doing the same search. Mayo Connect has been a great source of information.

Jump to this post


Replies to "I missed this post, sorry to reply belatedly. And what a handsome horse in the photo..."

@callalloo Awe thanks, Callalloo. I think you may be referring to my avatar photo with my older horse? He will be very happy to know that you think he is handsome. He is retired now, but he has a younger "brother" who has taken over the job of trail horse for me. They are both Tennessee Walkers and trail riding has been great for building core strength for me.

I'm glad your genetic test indicates a low risk of reocurrence. That must ease your mind a little bit. Is there an immunotherapy that could help in your case? I ask that question because my husband had a stage 2 melanoma on his hand that was completely removed by surgery, and at that time he could have participated in a clinical study that would test using the same immunotherapy that is the standard of care at stage 3, and use it earlier at stage 2. The standard for stage 2 at the time (because it hasn't spread) was no further treatment beyond surgery. We found out that the study determined this should be a new standard of care for a stage 2 melanoma because it was 25% more effective than no treatment. He didn't participate in the study because of the distance and traffic headaches of commuting into a major city every week right at the beginning of the pandemic.

I think it is always good to ask what the options are and if there are other choices that would be effective in your care. You mentioned bone density. That can be a serious issue later in life if you loose too much. My elderly mom has severe osteoporosis and has had a spontaneous spine compression fracture. She is now under the care of an endocrinologist who has knowledge of osteoporosis. Was your concern that a drug that inhibits estrogen may also cause a loss of bone density?
Perhaps an endocrinologist would be a good resource for you.