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Pills or no pills?

Sarahmary
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Hi all,

I was diagnosed with stage 1 DCIS Sept 2019 in left breast, had lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy 5th Nov, node clear. Had a second wide excision on 25th Nov, which didn't achieve a clear margin, so had choice of mastectomy or treatment. Decided initially to have mastectomy and implant reconstruction, so didn't have radiotherapy. Saw the oncologist and got first month of anastrazole, but didn't like the sound of side effects, so took them back to the pharmacy! Because I could've had breast removed to find no pre-cancer cells, and those found previously were low-medium grade, I decided not to have mastectomy. By the time I saw the oncologist again it was too late to have radiotherapy, so I was offered anastrazole (or tamoxifen) again. My dilemma is that I am low risk of cancer returning, therefore the treatments are less useful to me. I am really REALLY reluctant to take any of them, due to side effects! After reading 'The China Study' about diet and illness, I am sure a whole food plant based diet (cutting out animal protein) and the fact I am fit, walk every day, will be enough to keep me well. It's slightly scary to go against the medical profession though and if the Dreaded C returns, I will have to live with the fact the pills just might have worked!

Thoughts please? Experience? Anyone else out there refuse these awful drugs?

 

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    Hello Sarahmary and a warm welcome to our forum! 

    I can completely understand your dilemma - those decisions can be so tough. On the question of diet, I thought you might be interested in reading our Cancer Myths information, in particular the diet-related questions, which you can find on this page.

    We also have a section here on hormone therapy which might be of interest to you - it is important to talk to your oncologist before making a decision and seeing what they suggest or recommend in your particular circumstances. You are very welcome to get in touch with our nurses on this free number 0808 800 4040 - they are available Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and will be happy to answer questions you may have on this. 

    Whatever decision you take, we are all here for you anytime you need to chat. I hope that you will get to connect with others here who have found themselves in a similar situation. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

     

     

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    Hi Saramary,

    I am SO with you on this!! Not many are though which makes me indecisive about which way to go!!

     

    I was diagnosed with stage 2 DCIS left breast in Oct 2019

    I had a breast reduction op. on 1st Nov. (hardly anyone seems to have that but it was what I was offered) where clear margins were obtained. No lymph node involvement. So all as good as it could be. 

    Then had 15 sessions of radiotherapy. Finished that in February. 

    Then comes the Anastrozole?!!! Absolutely NOT my thing!! The side affects sound horrendous. I feel I might be alive but without any benefits taking that??! I have a box of it too. None taken as yet! 

    The oncologist told me that my risk of a recurrence is very small but a risk is there. (About 1.5%) He also said that exercise (as long as its threads through your life) is a brilliant way to fend off cancer. He didn’t say ‘don’t bother with the pills’ of course but he did say it’s a minimal risk. Plus eat healthily and be mindful of eating veg/fruit etc.  However it WAS the exercise he focussed on. 

    So I decided last week I am not taking them but this week I am faltering?!! I do realise I am not being helpful to you but it IS a dilemma. My main objection is really I WANT to LIVE not be a sweating/aching/obese woman in the corner! These tablets sound horrific in what they do to every part of one’s being. Ghastly. 

    To be honest I think I will end up taking 2 pills a week??!!! Probably madness but it’s likely my way forward!!!! 

    Please keep in touch and let me know how you go and what you decide. Good luck. 

    Kebbs. 

  • Offline in reply to kebb

    Hi Kebb,

    Thanks for your reply. It really is difficult! My oncologist is all for quality of life. She didn't try to sway me either way. I DEFINITELY won't take anastrazole....she said I could take tamoxifen instead, but of course that has other side effects, including pulmonary embolism, DVT....etc etc.....????? (Enter plenty of swear words here...) I don't want any of it, frankly.

    Good luck with it. xxx

     

     

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