I have Estrogen positive, Progesterone positive, HER2 negative cancer. As I understand it, this means that hormone blockers will slow my cancer. So the question is how can I get these asap? I feel stressed that my cancer may be growing and spreading, but nobody mentioned whether I can ask my GP for these, or when I'll be offered them. I think it would be great if we were offered this medication straight away if we have this type of cancer?
Thanks,
So I asked my breast surgeon to write a prescription and was fobbed off (at least that's how it seemed to me). They said something like 'oh it takes a long time to start working so we don't bother with them straight away'. It it just me or is that completely illogical? surely that should mean they would prescribe them sooner rather than later? As far as I can tell no matter what happens I'm going to be taking them, so why on earth the surgeon wouldn't write me a prescription I don't know. Very frustrating and stressful
So sorry to hear you're having issues getting info on the Hormone Blockers(AIs) Owly .... most surgeons are not qualified to give out AI scripts. (Rural/remote Country areas may differ tho.)
Have you had your surgery yet? Sometimes, the blockers are given prior to surgery, but the usual procedure is to have your surgery, then you see either a Medical Oncologist (re Hormone Blockers & chemo if necessary) and/or a Radiation Oncologist about having Radiation (or not.) Not everyone has radiation & chemo - not everyone goes onto the hormone blockers either.
I had a lumpectomy, then radiation (but not chemo) and went onto Hormone blockers after radiation. Surgery in Jan, Radiation in April, then on to AIs.
The surgeons usually aren't trained a Medical Oncologists, so it is the Medical Oncologist who prescribes the meds. Your GP won't be qualified to prescribe them either. However, once you START them, your GP should be able to continue with the scripts, once you only see your Onc yearly.
My own surgeon said I would be on Tamoxifen - but it was the only 'type' of Hormone Blockers that I DIDN'T try over the last 7 years. I've only just finished with them. So he got it wrong, as it isn't his area of expertise.
Try not to get ahead of yourself .... when diagnosed, we are all scared that it may be growing quickly ... but the time between meeting your surgeon & having the surgery is usually a matter of weeks. When do you see your surgeon?
In the mean time, feel free to jump onto this thread & read up on what to take with you to surgery & lots of other tips on the forum xx
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Take care & all the best - consider recording your appointments on your phone - as 'backup' to listen to again later. It is very easy to 'miss bits' during the appointments. Also, take a trusted friend or family member with you as physical support (and an extra set of ears!)
And definitely ring our helpline as Mez_BCNA has suggested, for a one-on-one confidential chat!
Hi Owly you will know more once you have met with your surgeon to determine 'next steps' and they are usually the person to refer you to a medical oncologist. Treatment is different for each person. Your medical oncologist can explain why they are recommending particular treatments for you
In the meantime we wanted to share several of BCNA's resources that may help you understand the role of hormone blocking therapy:
Please feel reach out to our Helpline 1800 500 258 if we can support you further.
Hi Owly, Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. As I remember it, my BC surgeon prescribed my AIs but my GP also writes prescriptions for me. So, I think it's possible that a GP will prescribe it for you if they've seen your pathology results. An oncologist can also prescribe it for you. I'm wondering if you are post-menopausal? As I understand it, the norm is to prescribe Tamoxifen if you're pre-menopausal and an AI if you're past that stage. But your clinician will advise you on the appropriate option for you. Have you started with any treatment for your cancer yet (surgery or other?). Good luck with it.
