I've forgotten what my onc said about it, but my breast surgeon suggested it to preserve my estrogen and avoid a hyster/oopher. He mentioned that and an injection of Lupron. Anyone know about it? I think if I go that route, I get my period back, if it's going to come back. I'm sooo confused. I was all set to go for surgery, but now I'm told it might not be a good idea because I should preserve my estrogen for my bones.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius
Ellen
I think that medical induced menopause, such as by Lupron or zoladex, temporarily suppresses the estrogen supply. In order for aromatase inhibitors to work, one must have no more estrogen coming from the ovaries. Your surgeon might be suggesting the medication because it is temporary, where as surgical removal is obviously permanent.
But I have no idea what happens when the lupron is stopped, if the estrogen returns or what. I do not think you have a period while your ovaries are suppressed from lupron. I would ask the onc and ask the gyn. The gyn may not be helpful in decisions regarding the AI meds, but he can help understand the impact of a surgical oopherectomy as compared to medically inducing a change.
Lori
But I have no idea what happens when the lupron is stopped, if the estrogen returns or what. I do not think you have a period while your ovaries are suppressed from lupron. I would ask the onc and ask the gyn. The gyn may not be helpful in decisions regarding the AI meds, but he can help understand the impact of a surgical oopherectomy as compared to medically inducing a change.
Lori
I'm in the same boat right now. I'm at the end of my 5 years on tomaxifen. My labs say I'm NOT in menopause. So, theyhave recommended I take zoledex shots monthly to put me in menopause. After 3 shots I am suppose to start the letrozole. I could not tell where I was. I had only 2 periods during and after chemo. I'm contemplating just doing the ovary removal because I have no idea how long it would be for me to reach natural menopause. (I could be taking this shot for many years) So far I have had 3 shots. I had a bleed after the 1st one so, now my ob/gyn wants to do an endometrial biopsy since that was unusual. All of the sudden my teeth are becoming a problem. Something about resorption. Decaying from the outside-in. I spent 4 1/2 hours at the endodontist and oncologist on Friday. More time than at the doctor's office I work at.
I'm so glad we have something to go to after tomaxifen, but I don't like the resources it requires to progress.
This really means nothing in comparison to our dear Connie. She was an angel here for us. Connie, may you fly on Eagle's wings.
Much love, Julie Johnson (jules)
They just gave me a depolupron shot, that's supposed to put me in menopause. Both the obgyn and the onc approved of it. I'm going to get the hyster and oopher AFTER I bank a few pints of blood. Seems it's a bloody procedure and I just had to have two units transfused last night and today, quite scary.
RE: the endrometrial Biopsy: Think about having the doc drug you for it. I had it done without and it was quite painful and traumatic for me.
"Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." -Confucius
Ellen