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Double mastectomy /Estrogen positive DCIS and increased arthritic pain
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jul 3, 2023 | Replies (13)Comment receiving replies
@snowdown I had a double mastectomy in 2013, stage 1, BRCA2+ and even had my ovaries removed at the same time so instant menopause. I was advised I didn't need to take an estrogen blocker. My breast cancer returned 7 years later. My new oncologist and surgeon told me I received bad advice about skipping the estrogen blocker. They said it would have reduced my chances of recurrence by up to 50% (estimates vary). Your body still has some estrogen even after menopause. Consider a second opinion about the estrogen blocker. Blessings, Zebra
Replies to "@snowdown I had a double mastectomy in 2013, stage 1, BRCA2+ and even had my ovaries..."
The difference in your case is that you had your ovaries removed. They are the main source of estrogen production. You still have very small amounts and estrogen is stored in fat tissue, but with double mastectomy and ovaries removed it would not seem that you need an estrogen blocker afterwards. There are significant issues with them, not just uncomfortable side effects. It isn’t black and white, but I don’t think you got bad advice from your first doc.
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… fat tissue does hold estrogen. I do not have BRCA genes. Thanks and both my surgeon and oncologist were in agreement. I have family risk factors with stroke and have some osteoarthritis (which has seemed to have flared since my surgery).