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Sami71's avatar
Sami71
Member
12 years ago

Confusion and frustration

Hi everyone. Last year consisted of being diagnosed with breast cancer in January, chemo started in March and finished in June, a double mastectomy in July followed by 5 weeks of radiation in August and September. I was put on Letrozole because my bloods showed that I was well into the post menopausal range. This month I have bled, had an abnormal Pap smear stating I had a high grade squamous ipithelial lesion. A blood test was done and I am in the post menopausal range still. Oncologist and gynocologist confirm that also. The GP says my hormones are back to normal. I also read the report as post menopausal. The gynocologist did a biopsy and it states that i am premenopausal. Oncologist has changed my medication to Tamoxifen because of the conflicting reports. She also told me that she has the results of the biopsy which state that everything is normal. Great. I got a letter in the mail today saying "...the following diagnosis has been made: C1N2. As a consequence, you require the following: Fischer Cone Biopsy..." What the...! They certainly know how to play with your emotions. Has anyone had this result before and/or had the cone biopsy done? I feel like the doctors are wasting my time sometimes and giving me false hope etc. I'm a positive happy person most of the time, but this is getting frustrating. I'm grateful that with everything that has happened over the past year that work has been really good. I'm struggling as it is on my own and don't need to be messed around. I need to keep my job. Thanks for listening xxx

3 Replies

  • Anna57's avatar
    Anna57
    Member
    12 years ago

    I had my diagnosis and treatment at a similar time to you.  Diagnosis in January 2013 and chemo from February to June 2013.  I had a right side mastectomy in January 2013 for Invasive Lobular cancer. 

    I was 55 at the time and had been having periods up until my second chemotherapy treatment.  Following chemotherapy, my oncologist took my estrogen levels in a blood test and determined I was post-menopausal ie low levels of estrogen. She put me onto Arimidex (an Aromatase Inhibitor) in July 2013.  In August, I got twinges that I could feel in my ovaries and had another period. I had a pelvic ultrasound which confirmed that I still had activity in my ovaries and that my endometrium was at pre-menopausal thickness. My estrogen levels went 'sky high'. I was then switched to Tamoxifen as I was pre-menopausal/peri-menopausal.

    What I have since discovered is that the Aromatase Inhibitors stimulate the production of FSH which is a signal to the ovaries to work. This, in my case, stimulated my ovaries into action, producing a period. Interestingly, Aromatase Inhibitors, as well as being a treatment for breast cancer, are used as a fertility treatment. 

    I also discovered that menopause is usually defined as a year following the last period. I am now coming up to that time and will look at going back onto an Aromatase Inhibitor as they are more effective for the Invasive Lobular cancer that I have.  

    I hope this is helpful.  Anna

     

  • Anna57's avatar
    Anna57
    Member
    12 years ago

    I had my diagnosis and treatment at a similar time to you.  Diagnosis in January 2013 and chemo from February to June 2013.  I had a right side mastectomy in January 2013 for Invasive Lobular cancer. 

    I was 55 at the time and had been having periods up until my second chemotherapy treatment.  Following chemotherapy, my oncologist took my estrogen levels in a blood test and determined I was post-menopausal ie low levels of estrogen. She put me onto Arimidex (an Aromatase Inhibitor) in July 2013.  In August, I got twinges that I could feel in my ovaries and had another period. I had a pelvic ultrasound which confirmed that I still had activity in my ovaries and that my endometrium was at pre-menopausal thickness. My estrogen levels went 'sky high'. I was then switched to Tamoxifen as I was pre-menopausal/peri-menopausal.

    What I have since discovered is that the Aromatase Inhibitors stimulate the production of FSH which is a signal to the ovaries to work. This, in my case, stimulated my ovaries into action, producing a period. Interestingly, Aromatase Inhibitors, as well as being a treatment for breast cancer, are used as a fertility treatment. 

    I also discovered that menopause is usually defined as a year following the last period. I am now coming up to that time and will look at going back onto an Aromatase Inhibitor as they are more effective for the Invasive Lobular cancer that I have.  

    I hope this is helpful.  Anna

     

  • MLE59's avatar
    MLE59
    Member
    12 years ago

    I am sorry to hear the frustrations of your journey. You have conquerred so many challenges already; how strong you are! I haven't any experience in the cancer or the test you specifically ask about but it does sound like you need to ask for an interdisciplinary team meeting where you and all your specialists are there (or teleconference in) to discuss your options and plan forward all at one time rather than you going from one to another and being caught inbetween. Perhaps contact you cancer nurse to help you coordinate???

    I am sorry for the stress this must be adding to your life and hope that you find answers soon.

    Take care, MLE59