Seeking Alternatives to Hormone Blockers for Cancer Treatment

That's odd that they are not doing an Oncotype blood test. I wonder if it is based on the type of cancer a person has?

They did onco it was 21 . But in a setting of reoccurrence it has not been studied. They are not recommending chemo also because it’s grade 1 mucinius. carcinoma which does not respond to chemo i guess. My thing is tho, I’d rather 6 months of torture then on with life, vrs. 5 years of living in hell

I'm at the same point. I've tried 3 different AI drugs and have had side effects with all. I agree about the sexual side effects too. I want to remain in a happy marriage! The AI drugs are the biggest struggle for me.

I'm doing low dose tamoxifen 10mg. At 20 I had intolerable pain. Docs aren't thrilled with my choice but there are studies showing the effectiveness isn't compromised by lower dose. I am menopausal and already have osteoporosis. I refused AI because of the risk of osteoporosis and then found out I already have it. Still on the fence as to whether the benefits of lowering the cancer risk by a few percentage points really outweighs the damage to our bodies of having no estrogen. 🤷 I don't know the answers, just doing the best I can with the information I can find. I wish cancer centers had menopause experts monitoring estrogen suppression instead of oncologists.

I feel like these MO’s are more like parol officers than collaborative medical advisors. I didn’t even find out the dosage of the lupron my MO prescribed until I received my EOB. It really made me angry seeing a third party company knowing more about what was supposed to be happening to my body than myself, and not getting that info from the MO directly. I’m now shopping around

Myrna I feel the same way regarding AI’s and osteoporosis. I chose to start with tamoxifen due to the bone loss associated with AI’s. I will eventually switch to AI’s but not until I can get alternatives to bone loss medication. They come with many side effects. It’s hard to balance the fear of exacerbating osteoporosis or risking recurrence.

It is a side effect for men. I chose the side effects. Would rather be sexless than dead. Yes I am a man with stage 4 MALE breast cancer. They don't have different treatment for men. It is the same as what women get. No chemo won't help. Hormone blockers, and I am doing just fine with them. 2 years now, I am still living my life as I want to.

I had this conversation with my medical oncologist. I am using Estradiol Vaginal Inserts 2 times a day week for dryness and I take Testosterone because the studies show and I talk to my Naturalpath and another DR that our body doesn’t turn Testosterone into Estrogen or progesterone. I have pills and vaginal T cream. To be honest being on a 3 week trip with my husband to reengage, it was good. Takes a little more effort at times, but we were both happy and our fears have been out to rest. I have a friend that is taking the same, in fact she’s the one who talked to me about it. She’s 2 1/2 yrs post surgery and being on blockers. Patience is a virtue is what I can say. 😊

Thank you all for chiming in. I learn more from your feedback than my own oncologist!

Your frustration with the lack of clear information and treatment options is completely understandable, especially when facing such important decisions about your care. Many patients find it helpful to seek a second opinion from another oncologist or cancer center, as different specialists may offer varying perspectives on treatment approaches and be more willing to discuss specific tests like circulating tumor DNA. Consider bringing a written list of your concerns and questions to your next appointment, including your request for statistical information about your individual situation, as this can help ensure all your points are addressed during the visit.