Surgery and radiation without tamoxifen okay?
Meet the Experts
Patricia A. Ganz, M.D. is a medical oncologist and a professor in the schools of medicine and public health at UCLA, and is director of the division of cancer prevention and control research at the Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center there.
Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. is the administrative director of the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center.
Question from Leslie: After 3 months I was taken off tamoxifen for severe reactions: cramping, hourly flashes with nausea, head and joint pain and insomnia. I've had surgery and radiation for my DC/LCIS. How protected am I? Thanks.
- Answer —Patricia Ganz, M.D.: It sounds like you are premenopausal if you're having these symptoms. This is sometimes a problem in women who are still menstruating. Sometimes because the tamoxifen causes stimulation of the ovaries, this can be very challenging to manage. But your cancer situation is a non-invasive cancer, and you should discuss with your doctor whether any other approach to endocrine (hormonal) therapy would be helpful.
On Wednesday, August 15, 2007, the Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Managing Ongoing Medications. Patricia Ganz, M.D. and moderator Lillie Shockney, R.N., B.S., M.A.S. answered your questions about staying on track with breast cancer medications you have to take on a regular basis.
The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of Breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.
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