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Treatment after breast cancer

Mazza10
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Hello,

I am taking Exemestane, having zoladex injections every 3 weeks and taking Ribociclib after stage 2B Breast cancer grade 3.

I am having the zoladex injections every 3 weeks as the oestrogen levels were not getting low enough.

It was suggested to remove my ovaries which I was due to have done and now has been put on hold due to the oestrogen levels finally dropping down.

I am in my 30s so I am aware keeping the ovaries is good for your bone and heart health in the future but cannot have oestrogen due to the ER positive cancer.

So my questions are really what happens when you stop having Zoladex? The ovaries will produce oestrogen, has some health benefits but not good for the risk of cancer recurrence.  Will i need the ovaries removed anyway?

I am wondering if anyone has any experiences about when they stopped these medications after years of taking them.

Thank you everyone and wishing everyone the best.

Parents

  • Hi Mazza10,

    Thank you for posting. I'm sorry to hear you've had to go through breast cancer treatment and now find yourself weighing up these difficult decisions.

    Although ovary removal may be recommended for some women, it is important to remember that it causes a permanent menopause and, like any operation, has its own risks and side effects. Your team are best placed to discuss this with as they will carefully balance any potential benefits against these considerations. Whether removing the ovaries would further reduce the risk of the cancer returning depends on several factors, including the type of breast cancer you had, your age, and how well your current treatment is working. This is why it is important to discuss this with the breast team, as they have access to all of your test results and treatment history.

    It might also be helpful to connect with others who have faced similar decisions through the Breast Cancer Now forum.

    I hope this is helpful. If you'd like to talk things through further, please feel free to contact our nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040. We're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Jemma

Reply

  • Hi Mazza10,

    Thank you for posting. I'm sorry to hear you've had to go through breast cancer treatment and now find yourself weighing up these difficult decisions.

    Although ovary removal may be recommended for some women, it is important to remember that it causes a permanent menopause and, like any operation, has its own risks and side effects. Your team are best placed to discuss this with as they will carefully balance any potential benefits against these considerations. Whether removing the ovaries would further reduce the risk of the cancer returning depends on several factors, including the type of breast cancer you had, your age, and how well your current treatment is working. This is why it is important to discuss this with the breast team, as they have access to all of your test results and treatment history.

    It might also be helpful to connect with others who have faced similar decisions through the Breast Cancer Now forum.

    I hope this is helpful. If you'd like to talk things through further, please feel free to contact our nurse helpline on 0808 800 4040. We're available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

    Jemma

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