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How important is taking hormone blockers after surgery for IDC?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: May 8, 2023 | Replies (91)Comment receiving replies
No, that’s my problem with the inhibitors. I asked my oncologist on the first 4 month checkup after starting the drug. When he told me that my bloodwork looked good, I asked, “does it show you the estrogen levels?” He said, “No, we just look for indicators in blood levels relative to cancer.”
That being said, why aren’t we getting a report on how effective the drug is working to block estrogen production? That’s supposed to be the goal, but apparently bloodwork doesn’t show that. That’s why I’m frustrated with taking the inhibitor drugs, especially when I’m cancer free, but feel so lousy.
Replies to "No, that’s my problem with the inhibitors. I asked my oncologist on the first 4 month..."
I asked the oncologist if they do blood work to test levels of estrogen before they begin the anti-estrogen drugs, because a woman 2 years into menopause has more estrogen in her system than a woman like me 22 years into menopause - she said no, they just give the same dose to every woman, no matter (if they even know/test) what her estrogen levels are - I am not taking the drugs, but told her I wanted her to test my estrogen levels - "below detectable levels" was the result, so basically virtually no estrogen - she told me the drugs would provide 97% protection against a reoccurrence and without them it would be 90% protection. This was based on my Oncotype score and my tumor size, etc. My quality of life is more important so no drugs for me.
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I responded to this question previously so apologies for repeating. Look up the insert for Femara, as an example. Twenty percent of the dose reduced estradiol below detectable levels. I would think there have been many studies on this. I know I felt comfortable assuming that estrogen from my adrenals was eliminated, which is what AI's do.