sonrisa

Hi Vettegal,

I started Tamox in late June, for the second time.  The first time I had depression.  This time I am taking it with Effexor and so far I am tolerating the Tamox well.  I have not had hot flashes or night sweats.  I am taking gabapentin (not sure if I spelled that correctly) for something else, but my oncologist said that the gaba helps with hot flashes, so maybe that is why I have not had any.  Effexor also helps with hot flashes, in addition to helping emotionally.  Just some ideas, if you want to ask your doctor about these other drugs.  I don't like taking so many drugs, but if they help me to tolerate the Tamox, I think it is worth it.  I do not want a recurrence and anything I can do to prevent that I will.  Thanks for starting this thread. 

Thanks Siona,

I am wondering what your first month or two on Zoladex was like.  Can you describe your side-effects?  I am scared to try it - need some encouragement. 

Sonrisa

Hi, I was diagnosed last year at age 39.  My tumor was 2.2 cm, stage 2A, ER+, node -.  I had a lumpectomy and radiation.  My oncotype was 10 with a 7% chance of recurrence.  My oncologist did not recommend chemotherapy for me.  It seems that your wife is in a better situation than I was so I am surprised that chemo was recommended to her.  I would definitely get a second opinion.  I hope all goes well for you all.

Dianne,

I have heard of the saliva test.  My husband is in the process of doing one this week due to some health issues he is having.  I have not had one done.  I am familiar with natural hormones.  There is a doctor who has written several books on the subject.  His name is John Lee.  I do not agree with everything in the books, and am not necesarily advocating following his protocol to the letter, but he does have a lot of information about hormones that may be of interest to you.  There is also a website, southriverrx.com that may have some information on natural hormones.  I hope this helps.

Sonrisa

Hi - I am new to this group - diagnosed with invasive ductal carc. in April.  I am pre-menopausal, cancer was ER+, had lumectomy (nodes negative), no chemo needed, now finishing radiation.  The next step would be Tamoxifen, yet I am reluctant to take it due to side effects, effect it has on the body long term, etc. I am considering taking supplements (IP6, SGS, flax, etc) and staying on a breast cancer diet instead of Tamox.  Yet, I also am concerned about not taking Tamox due to the fact that Tamox has been studied and proven to decrease risk of recurrence, while other supplements have not been through such rigorous studies.  Has anyone else gone through this decision with similar thoughts?  What did you decide?  Thanks for your input.