Breast Cancer Support Group

Hi!

I'm also 48 and was dx with a different kind of bc last year.

I'm a little concerned about what you wrote. A biopsy is done to diagnose the cancer, not to remove it. A lumpectomy or other procedure is done to remove it. I'm wondering what they actually did and why.

Although your gyno recommended progesterone, I would run that by your oncologist as some types of cancer are sensitive to hormones and you don't want to take anything to make things worse.

I would go with your oncologist's recommendations. He/she knows what you need in regard to your cancer. Your gyno seems to be in agreement with the surgeon but neither of them are cancer specialists.

Do a little internet research on Tamoxifen. Once you read the side effects and stories for yourself, you might find you are in agreement that the risks outweigh the benefits but maybe not. What the oncologist gives you also depends on how much of the cancer the surgeon was able to remove, whether they got clear margins, and whether it was in your lymph nodes.

Talk it all out with your oncologist and don't make a decision until you are completely comfortable that you have all the information and understand the risks and benefits. If you are not comfortable with the oncologist your surgeon referred you to, have your primary care physician refer you to another one. You might find they have a complettely different position/opinion but you might also be more comfortable with them, which is so important.

I am not on Tamoxifen because it was not offered to me. I'm not on any post-chemo meds. They did not feel it was necessary or appropriate for my situation. I hope you find what is necessary and appropriate for your situation soon. It is scary enough to go through a bc dx and treatment; you shouldn't have to be confused about the proper course of treatment or who you can trust among your medical professionals.

Remember, your oncologist won't give you a pap smear or do surgery on you, so maybe you shouldn't worry too much about your surgeon and gyno advising you on your cancer treatments.

Be well.

- Diane

thank you dande10277.

i'm so grateful that you responded.

yes, i had a biopsy first and then i did have a lumpectomy and they did note clean edges and no problem with my lymph nodes. sorry about the lack of detail.

i didn't think to contact my oncologist regarding the progesterone. that is a great suggestion. i just put it on my to do list.

it is so nice not to feel alone and confused!!!

Hi Maedgo,

I agree with Dande, you should discuss this with your oncologist. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43 and her oncologist felt strongly that she not take hormones. If you aren't sure about the tamoxifin, maybe try another oncologist for a 2nd opinion. You do need to weigh the risk vs. the benefits for the type of cancer that you had. Maybe Google atypical ductal hyperplasia + tamoxifen and bring the results to your next appointment so that you can discuss them with your oncologist. You are entitled to a 2nd opinion if you aren't comfortable.

-KC