Concerns About Post-Cancer Treatment Plan

Helene, those are good questions. I would ask your medical oncologist those so that he/she can clarify for you. My understanding is that the estrogen blockers (called aramatase inhibitors - - AI for short) and are beneficial to suppress estrogen in your body. Women with estrogen positive BC are usually (always?) recommend to take them). The medication helps reduce the estrogen greatly (or eliminate) in your body (if you have hormone positive breast cancer). It feeds/grows on the hormones so the AIs starve your cancer ( that's how I understand it). The radiation also helps kill any possible remaining cells (if there are some) in the area. But please clarify your questions with your doctor.

From my understanding, a lumpectomy almost always requires radiation. That is because a few rogue cancer cells that weren’t eliminated can cause a recurrence in the future.

I am in the same situation. I am dealing with fibromyalgia pain and have been taking estrogen blockers for 2 years. Some days are challenging but for the most part I’m just glad to be cancer free.

These questions about post-treatment care are completely valid and worth discussing with your medical team. Many cancer patients wonder about the necessity of continued treatments after hearing they're cancer free, and concerns about managing additional side effects alongside existing health conditions are very real. Consider writing down your specific questions and concerns before your next appointment, and don't hesitate to ask for a detailed explanation of how the recommended treatments fit into your overall care plan - advocating for yourself is an important part of your healthcare journey.