This is what I been trying to get my oncologist to understand...quality of life is more important to me, thank you so much for sharing this video. You've helped me find the right words
Thank you , for being a caring doctor. I am on my second oncologist and both are making me feel selfish . Even after I told them my family's medical history of heart disease . I refused and got a bad case of covid with acute pulmonary embolism. The pulmonary doctor said lucky for me I was not taking anti-estrogen due to it causing blood clotting. I still want a fair quality of life and thank you
I just came upon this video after watching as many as I can after my diagnosis. I have no problem admitting that the medications seem far worse than the cancer itself. This video has given me some hope and made me feel like I can be normal after treatment is over. I have invasive ductal carcinoma, and they think it is stage 1, but I will not know the extent until lumpectomy. I cannot thank you enough for this video...I had already made up my mind that I would opt out of the medications...I want to live...not be miserable for up to 10 years.
So greatful to be a patient in your practice. I've been turned down by multiple providers and scolded due to dcis grade 2 diagnosis 5 yrs ago even though I had a clear mammogram last year. They are protecting me from breast cancer at the risk to the rest of my body.
Thanks so much for this! Hormone blocker gives my mom a lot of bone pain. She’s decided to stop taking it. Your videos make us feel so much better about our decision. ❤
Thank you 😊 I had breast cancer stage 1: lumpectomy and radiation. I have decided not to take anti oestrogen tablets. At the end of the day I already have 94 % chance of no recurrence compared to 95 % if I take them. It doesn’t make a huge difference and I don’t want to take risks of side effects.
@@AmandaStubbs-v7kI’m not yet at the point of tamoxifen but will be in 2 months or whenever the chemo and radiation are done. I’ve been conflicted over meds mainly because I’m afraid of side effects, I’m 51, and don’t understand why I need the meds if I’m going to do chemo and radiation. No one has mentioned to me yet the numbers if taking versus if not taking it in terms of recurrence.
It is not as easy! For you to say that if it comes back the person will take care of it then!! Going thru a mastectomy is not easy! Beside, not all women have the same secondary effects! Not only that, but using these medications doesn’t reduce recurrence just a little!!! A carcinoma is nothing compared to to breast cancer and having it removed from your body😢😢.
Just came across your video. What a relief. So happy to find a doctor who validates my feelings about the madness of taking letrozle. It just feels so wrong.
I was recently diagnosed with zero stage I will have a lumpectomy and some radiation. I was thinking all of these questions that you are answering, I greatly appreciate your insight because I was thinking about estrogen and the quality of life without it. I agree with you it's better to live well as long as you can then to be miserable and have all those things that we are avoiding in the first place just end up ruining our life anyway. Thank you thank you thank you for your thoughts and information.
Same here zero stage and radiation ! I was given local estrogen for vaginal dryness but not systematic HRT (tablets thru mouth) and antidepressants . I haven’t started them yet as I am afraid of them
Thank you so much. I am on my third year of tamoxifen and of course my oncologist said I could not take any hormones when I mention bioidentical hormones. I first had to go to a different oncologist to get a decrease in the dosage of the tamoxifen because the side effects were terrible by the second year. Now I will work on the hormone replacement definitely. I’m too young to feel this way all the time. I’ve always said to doctors what about my quality of life and it seems no one cares. Thank you.
I was just diagnosed with breast cancer (I’m 54)and I have been taking HRT, And stopped abruptly. I am now absolutely miserable, I’m in pain all over, I have dried up skin (and everything else), I am weak, tired and depressed, I have just met the love of my life 2yrs ago and have enjoyed sex for the first time in my life. I can’t tell you how much this video means to me, I now have hope🙏
I am most interested in quality of life right now. I'm in menopause x 2 years now & am so exhausted all the time but I still have to be fully functional at work for at least 12 more years. Quality is better than quantity for me, for sure!!😊
It’s as if you pulled all my thoughts from my mind on every point. 🙏 your patient sounds very much like me. I’m 50 years old and in April 2022 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was less than one centimeter, not in lymph nodes, estrogen+, and I have 6% chance of recurrence. I opted against the estrogen inhibitors and radiation and I am very proactive in getting tons of nutrients in my body and exercise. I really want to take bioidentical hormones but my oncologist is telling me “no way” and that I’ll just have to suffer through menopause which started about 6 months after my surgery, according to blood test. I have the exact mindset as you do and your logic around it all makes complete sense to me. I actually feel like it will actually protect me way more than any risk if I find the right balance right for my body. Could you please tell me how I can find the right doctor/clinic to support bhrt for my situation (or do I need a doctor?) and the best way to feel confident in knowing I have the right balance of bioidentical hormones? Also, how do DHEA vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal suppositories fit into this? I was taking the estrogen suppositories but which helped a little with vaginal dryness but I stopped recently and I’ve noticed my orgasms are much stronger. Ugh, this is all so complex. Thank you so very much for sharing this knowledge. 🙏💕
I had DCIS and chose a double mastectomy. My surgical oncologist told me I am cancer free and do not need to take any medication. I cannot find one doctor that will discuss hormone replacement with me. I have seen 5 doctors since my mastectomy and every one of them dismisses me and says I cannot have hormones. I’m 53 and still have an irregular period. This informative video has given me the courage to try again and insist they give me hormone replacement!
Before I was diagnosed with a recurrence, my oncologist said that it will be very difficult to find a doc to prescribe HRT. And now of course I can never get one since I have recurrence. She said the exception is if we are willing to sign off on the risk so that there are not responsible if we do get cancer again.
Thank you for discussing this very important topic. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I had DCIS and a DMX at age 40. I agree that quality or quantity is how I want to live my life. I wish I lived close, so you could be my doctor.
I’m preparing to consult with a second oncologist at the insistence of my GYN who is strongly suggesting I stop the HRT that I just started 8 weeks ago. My symptoms are already so incredibly better! I have had ALH removed from my left breast 2 years ago. I get alternating mammograms and MRIs every 6 months. Quality of life is so much more important to me than avoiding POSSIBLY getting curable cancer some day. THANK YOU for this video!!
Tamoxifen caused huge uterine polyps which had to be removed surgically. It also prevented me from having an orgasm. I stopped it. Anastozole caused a low mood and brain fog. So it's important to look at risk/ benefits.
Thank you!! I’ve shared this information with two sisters who have been suffering because they both had breast cancer and were told NO estrogen. I don’t EVER want to be without my bioidentical HRT pellets. They’ve saved my quality of life. Excellent insight Dr. THANK YOU!!
I will have to say my oncologist gave me a choice and all the information on side effects. They gave me suggestions of certain vitamins to take a prolea injections. I recently chose to stop the hormone blocker. She did not give me a hard time about it. She didn’t like the idea that I wanted to get back on HRT. I am pro quality of life. I want to protect my brain, heart, and bones!
Dr. Susan...I am not sure if you will see this, but I so appreciate your channel and the information. I was dx. with trip neg breast ca, Stage 3 B I believe, in 2007. I have done very well the last 16 yrs. Exercise regularly, lift wts. and really work hard on my diet (although I do fall off the wagon occ. :) However...after chemo, and radiation at the age of 47 I was put into menop. I was told not to take hormones. My sex life and vag dryness was horrible and I did finally get vag. estrodial cream. Made a WONDERFUL difference! Then...Oct. 2003 was dx with breast cancer again, Estrogen fed, Stage 1 and BRCA 1 gene found. Bilat. mastectomy and total hysterectomy was done. No further treatment EXCEPT my oncologist really wants me to take anastrozole. He is not happy about the fact that I have not started it yet. Just wondered what you would suggest if I were your pt. I totally understand if you would rather not give me your advise without an appt. but really was so good to hear your thoughts! I am now 65 yo.
I have started having joint and dorsal back pain after taking an estrogen blocking medication medication for about 6 months. I have considered stopping the estrogen blocking drug. I am 77 years of age and had an active way of life without any pain at all before about 2 weeks ago. My greatest discomfort is in my thumbs. I am also getting stiff and i dont remember having that before the medication. So it was great to watch this video. Thank you
I am 66 and not yet started on AI. At my age, my body is degenerating anyway. I keep thinking when a new issue arises that, if I had started AI, I would be convinced that the AI caused it.
I'm so glad I read Estrogen Matters book you recommended. I learned so much! I have been watching your channel for the past 5 months and am back on hormones and am so happy to feel so much better. I have the biote pellet with estrogen & testosterone and am taking the Progesterone orally. Thank you for your service to menopausal women everywhere.
@kk-gM98 You didn’t say whether you were a breast cancer survivor? Please share whether that is the case, or whether you are simply agreeing with Dr.’s affirmation of the Estrogen Matters book? Appreciate it!
I am sorry to hear about the melanomas that you had. Hope it never comes back. I had stage 2 BC, stage 2 just cos the size was large but localised to breast. It was hormone negative. I insisted on HRT because I don’t believe it gives BC, it may feed hormone positive ones. I would rather use HRT to help these horrible menopausal symptoms, protect my heart brain and bones than live with the all the consequences of not having hormones, for fear of cancer.
@@normapenetta5940 Hi, I saw another GP who was fine to prescribe me. I am on 50mcg estrodot patch and 100mg Prometrium at the moment. I am not in USA.
@@normapenetta5940 Oh my dear, you can't just get prescription from doctors in other countries like that. I don't think you can. We have government funding as well so if you are not a citizen in any country, you would pay a lot. Or I would have gotten my prescription from USA if I could because I was getting so much difficulty trying to get one for myself even in my country. I know in UK GPs prescribe HRT too. And I thought in America it is easier.
I have a similar cancer profile like yours. I’ll need surgery/chemo/radiation but I’m so adverse to taking tamoxifen. I hope I’ll find out what the risk is if I don’t and if I find a doc to give me HRT.
I’m on my way to talk to the breast surgeon . And she ms adding t about hormone blockers. I can’t do the blockers I’m already suffering and back is bad and have thickens uterus . Thank you for sharing and giving hope for another way .
I seriously could be the spokesperson for this segment. I have been a shell of the person I was before I stopped HRT. Today I lied about my cancer in order to attempt to receive treatment. Hopefully it works or I’ll be flying to Houston. Thank you so much.
I really appreciate this video. I was in such great health during the month I was diagnosed with very rare tubular breast cancer and DCIS. I had a mastectomy of that breast. I didn’t want to be on Letrozole and I do want to be on some type of estrogen. My hot flashes start as nausea and racing heart with shortness of breath. Then the heat and sweat. Every hour or 2 day and night. And I can’t lose weight. I eat keto one meal a day and 48 hr fast 2x month. Scale won’t budge. I gained 10+ lbs after surgery and now what used to work, doesn’t. And exercise doesn’t help either. ( I still do it for the other benefits). I live on the coast in the north east and was wondering if you or any of your followers knows of any doctors around here that would allow me to chose my life instead of telling me what I have to do. Either way, thank you. This gives me hope.
Finally, someone else with tubular cancer. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal (3) with no signs of cancer in them about 3 years ago. I don't see a response from the doctor. What did you decide to do? My oncologist said no way on the HRT. And he also tried to put me on Letrozol but decided after reviewing other studies (at my insistence) he decided it would be alright with tubular ca to not be on the hormone suppressant which decreases the risk of reccurence by 3%. So, I decided to go to my obgyn about at least local estrogen for dryness and pain. She sent me for the vaginal laser rejuvenation (do not recommend if you are having difficulty with pain during sex, didn't help and had to go back a second time bc of the pain from the procedure, they couldn't finish). She prescribed a local and agreed with my review of literature that it is ok. That helps but does nothing for the wt gain, hot flashes, and overall depressed mood. Let me know what you decided and how you are doing with your decision. And big thanks to Dr Hardwick-Smith for discussing these options.
@@wendywyatt8563so I had a little HRT left and I’ve been taking it once a week. I stopped the Letrozole and will refuse to try another AI or similar med. I found 2 places I can travel to to be evaluated for possible HRT. But they charge over $1000 and there’s guarantee I’ll get the RX. That’s a lot of money in travel and medical with no guarantee. The rest of my plan is to read the book by Avrum Bluming and take it to my Gynocologist when I have my annual in August. He’s pretty open minded and maybe if he reads the book and I offer to sign a waiver.. If all else fails I’ll be looking for other options. I’ll potentially throw away money with the travel options I spoke of earlier. After that , who knows?
This is exactly what I was trying to explain to my oncologist and it was like I was talking to a wall. It's like she didn't understand what I was saying, but she doesn't have to live in my body for the rest of her life. I would rather have a good quality of life than be miserable when I go through menopause. I read the book estrogen matters and without hormones your risk of heart disease and osteoporosis increases. Plus there are a lot of potential side effects when taking tamoxifen.
I was on HRT when diagnosed with Stage 1, receptor positive breast cancer. I am 57 years young. There were micro amounts in 1 lymph node. I have gone through menopause and am currently taking Tamoxifen instead of the aromatase inhibitors. I also had scored borderline (24%) on the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score. I am not struggling as much as I was at first on the drug, however, I miss the way I felt before the diagnoses.
I have ALH and on third year of Tamoxifen. My gym and oncologist both said no to vaginal estrogen. So glad to see I wasn’t crazy in watching this. Thank you! I’ll need to find a doctor that will listen
Mine was caught very early. Stage 1. 1cm lumpectomy on May 3. Fully intact clean margins, she did physical examination and said my lymph nodes were completely clear. She felt absolutely nothing. She said you are a thin woman. There is no fat on you and if I felt something I would say we should do that other thing where they take some out she said I see no need to do that. ERT PRT positive Hers2 NEG. I’m 71 and I have been on hormone replacement therapy since I was 48. As soon as I was diagnosed with breast cancer, surgeon said oh, your on HRT well, not anymore!!! Based on what my oncologist and even the radiologist said about my particular cancer, because it was so small, they got all of it. I chose not to do radiation, or any hormone blockers whatsoever. And that was fine with them. They say with or without radiation theres always a 50-50 chance it could come back that’s one of the unknowns. I’ll take my chances. If it comes back, I’ll deal with it then . At 71 I am not going to put my body through that. I feel totally great and I wouldn’t feel that way on that hormone blocker . Which she even said it’s fine if you don’t take it. They both said they completely understand, and that that was fine with them.. I am very healthy and active I walk 5 miles a day, I have always worked out my whole life. I eat very well. I have celiac disease which of course I control by not eating gluten, but my immune system is super Duper sensitive. Even if I knew for sure I only had five years. At least they would be five GOOD years instead of being sick I want to enjoy and live my life for whatever time I have left. Husband and I are retired. We have as long a life as the Good Lord gives us!! So I said to Dr. you took my HRT off my records so now I can’t renew that prescription. She said Nope! according to the American cancer Asso. their recommendation is you cannot be on any hormone replacement therapy and I said well what if “I” still want to? It also does a-lot of good. I have osteopenia it gives me. mental clarity when I’m on it. Protects my bones. I feel wonderful being on it and now being off it I’m having a lot of terrible effects of menopause. Can’t even think right, and I don’t want to live like this. Doesn’t my opinion matter? Don’t I have a say? I’m the one who lives in this body. She said , In the long run you will be better off without it. It’s not healthy for you to take it anymore. 😭😡 So I live in Sacramento California I have been researching and looking everywhere. I can’t find any doctor or menopausal specialist, who will give bio identical, hormones who will prescribe it if you had breast cancer. So what does a person do where do we go? I am researching menopausal specialist Functional Dr.they all say the same thing, so what does a person do hop a plane and come see you? Do you have any references for other areas or any recommendations as to where a person like us can go, because I cannot live without hormone replacement therapy!It’s so upsetting. Please please advise. I can’t be the only one with this problem. Thank you in advance❣️
They have told me they are 95% sure I have bc from imaging results. I will not get the biopsy due to much research. I am desperately looking for an alternative to the RX since I know they won't renew it. I have 4 refills left.... I am 61 and had a complete hysterectomy when 30... I should not have had it but didn't know any better then... I also want quality of life. For me, quality over quantity at this point in life is more important to me. Prayers for all ❤️🙏🏻❤️
@daviess4 my RN friend gave me a link to india... or told me to go to Mexico it's ridiculous that our choices our freedoms are being replaced by control...
I am in Sacramento region too. I see wellness centers around that offer hrt. Look up Dr. Wardwell in San Francisco - I’ve read that he does a lot of the hrt stuff through a compounding lab.
My gyno is making me go back to oncologist to discuss hrt after breast cancer stage 1 in 2015. I've watched several videos and told gyno my quality of life outweighs the risk. It's sad that they aren't educated more with up to date info. I need her to watch this entire video. It's soooo frustrating the hoops I gotta jump thru for this
I had stage 2 grade 3 after my operation diagnosis, had chemo and radiotherapy. Currently taking anastrozole with vitamins CA and D3 for bones. My thoughts are why not take natural foods that provide eostrogen for body function.
How can we measure how much estrogen we make outside of serum levels (like mine are ) from adrenals, fat cells and pituitary… x Great video by the way !! Xxx
I received my breast cancer yesterday. Have been getting mammograms for 10 years since age 40 so I believe it was caught early. Still have to make appointments to find out the stage prognosis. Im menopausal and am already on HRT.
Wow, you told my story to the exact details: 52, breast cancer stage zero, post lumpectomy. Had a very good surgeon who said that I do not need radiation, chemo or estrogen blockers. Recheck my mammogram in a year. I am cancer free and would like to start HRT. I’m going to see my GYN and P and hope she will prescribe.
I am 14 years out from stage 2 breast cancer, and I am miserable. I know I need to go on estrogen,but gynecologist didn’t even want me to do localized vaginal estrogen. This is not living. Anyone that sees this, please say a prayer that I can find someone that will actually help.
I am sorry you are suffering. I don’t know where you live but here in California there are wellness centers where people can get bio identical hurt often. There is also something like The Menopause Society (or something like that ) which supposedly offers a list of doctors who would help
Hi Beth: try reading the book Estrogen Matters by Dr Avrum Bluming who is an oncologist/ hematologist. My understanding is that low dose vaginal estrogen is safe even for women we go have estrogen positive breast cancer ( presuming there is no evidence of spreading cancer on scans. ) I think the organization that certified menopause provides is North American Menopause society.The way hormones have been demonized you may need to bring some copies with studies with you. After the Women's Health Initiative in 2002 said all estrogen is bad but this has been walked back numerous times but docs are not properly taught about hormones in med school . Women's healthcare sucks..
I had invasive ductal carcinoma 1A, bilateral mastectomy 2 failed reconstructive surgeries and chemo, then DEIP flap was a success. My oncologist say no HRT. Tamoxifen a bust now anastrozole nope. 😢 this gives me hope that I have the choice but no provider in my area think like this. I was on BHRT before and loved it. My symptoms are horrible. Can u treat patients in Texas?
So many of us are desperately looking for a way to get our hormones... what are the steps? Where do we get them? An RN friend sent me a link to a place in India, but I don't want to do that... we are all yelling out. Help we want quality over quantity... ❤🙏🏻
How can I find a doctor near me to help me get back on hrt I had breast cancer stage one. I did not take hormone blockers but now all My symptoms are back I live in danville , ca
I really like you and you are a very helpful beautiful person. I’m 78 and had a1breast mastectomy 1yr ago. I had been on HRT for 20 yrs and stopped in 3002 when they said HRT caused cancer. I went through the worst negatives of no estrogen. It was hell. Now they’re looking around for more cancer but can’t find any. I went through the chemo treatment last yr. I saved some estrogen and progesterone cause I knew the WHI were wrong. So, I’m taking the pills I saved and feel great. Also I can thank Gabapentin for my well being and quality of life. What do you think? I had 3rd stage cancer and breast cancer and lymph nodes were removed. I’ll be 79 this summer in 2 and 3months and I want to be happy. I did get vaginal estrogen cream. What’s your opinion?
I had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago, now 4 weeks off HRT, my joints and bones are creaking like an old ship lost at sea! I have been on them for 12 years, I am 65 years old. I am seeing the surgeon next week, hopefully they got it out in one go. I know I will definitely return to my patch and pill, my quality over quantity of life FAR outweighs the loss of my HRT. If they don’t prescribe it, I will have to go online and buy it , I’m not sure if I have to wait a year but I don’t think I’m prepared to do that, my tiny tumour was not palpable and picked up in a routine screening, who knows I might’ve outlive it had they not discovered it and started prodding about.
Thanks for the information. I was diagnosed as IDC stage 1 in Dec but have been told by several oncologists that if my cancer comes back, it would come back as stage 4 and incurable. I had a DMX in Feb and just started ovary suppressions and tamoxifen. I will move to an AI once I officially enter menopause. You said a few times in the video that if the breast cancer comes back, we could catch it early with yearly mammograms and treat it but it could also come back as breast cancer in a different part of the body. My cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes but their could be fragments circulating in my blood stream, hence the aggressive push for hormone therapy. I’m curious if any of your other patients have been told that the cancer would come back as stage if it ever returns?
I am similar but I have a single mastectomy which is now reconstructed with my tummy fats. I still have my right breast. The cancer was estrogen and progesterone negative but aggressive her2 type. I am now post menopausal and just started on HRT because I am going crazy with all the symptoms and I also want to protect my brain heart and bones. Yes you are right that the drs told you if the cancer comes back it will be in other parts of the body. Unfortunately what I learnt as well and I have seen so many cases of recurrence on the forums, it terrifies me. But I am desperately wanting HRT to help me feel like myself again I am willing to take the risk. I feel that I know why I had BC in the first place so I try not to enter that “state” again. As long as I do I feel that I will be safe. Cancer is not a death sentence. If you get it once you don’t have to get it twice. We can reflect and change the way we live.
I have a friend who’s on tamoxifen for nearly ten years now and she had her ovaries removed to due to BC. Her health is on the decline and she is borderline osteoporosis. She no longer has the same energy and strength as before, but she is too scared that cancer can come back and will not go onto HRT.
I recently had a lumpectomy due to a breast cancer diagnosis. Sadly, my cancer was not picked up on a mammogram, even a 3-D mammogram, and An ultrasound. The radiologist told me it’s a very small chance of it being Malignant. I disagreed with her because of a prior thyroid cancer diagnosis 10 years ago, I’m still followed with a pet scan once a year due to blood numbers. . Guess what showed up on the pet scan?
Unfortunately, I have stage 2 breast cancer. Grade 3, 8 mm, and 8/8 for Estrogen sensitivity (i.e., very Estrogen sensitive). I am 66. I don’t want a recurrence, but I also don’t want to feel ill all the time, or risk bone thinning & fractures (I have a healthy, but low, BMI; I am a UK size 8). It is such a difficult decision. Any thoughts?
I want to go back on HRT after my treatment is done, lumpectomy and radio, I would like to know if anyone in the uk is on here that has managed to get a doctor to prescribe it once again for me. I have stopped hrt and started anastrazole both of which I’m not happy with. Even if I can’t get hrt I won’t continue on anastrazole, as soon as surgery is done I am stopping it. The menopause symptoms came back straight away so I’m not happy. I wish you were my doctor!
I want to go back on HRT after my treatment is done, lumpectomy and radio, I would like to know if anyone in the uk is on here that has managed to get a doctor to prescribe it once again for me. I have stopped hrt and started anastrazole both of which I’m not happy with. Even if I can’t get hrt I won’t continue on anastrazole, as soon as surgery is done I am stopping it. The menopause symptoms came back straight away so I’m not happy
thank you for the information. I have been in remission for estrogen and progesterone negative invasive stage 3 breast cancer for almost 20 years, i removed ovaries to prevent ovarian cancer and as a result i got osteoporosis. Do you think it is safe for me to take bioidentical HRT to help with my bones and insomnia?
And for those who have stage 2 invasive hormone cancer???? Linf knots negative. Was operated 14 mm tumor and after that had 3 weeks radioterapia. I'm 71 years old. I m taking Femara
I have a mammogram schedule in may 21st and I hoping it will be in the clear. I am on hrt pellets. Are you saying that a doctor will not give the hrt if a person ever had breast cancer?
Thank you! You are very sincere. I bystanders malignant melanoma years back and had breast cancer in August both breasts stage 1 and had a mastectomy and the doctors are telling me I am not allowed to take hormones ever again and have to go on an estrogen blocker for five year. My hot flashes already are horrible just by going off the HRT and I don't want to do the blocker either. I hope I can find a doctor here that is like minded like you but I doubt that I will. Thank you for all of your efforts to get information out there so women can and make the best decision for themselves.
Hey there Myla, I have a video on how you can find a menopause doctor in your area. Have you seen that? You can watch it here: th-cam.com/video/YmtVzZ4J7sg/w-d-xo.html
I was just diagnosed. DCIS and IBC no lymph nodes, margins clear. I was on Prog cream bioidentical for 10 yrs. (I have had hotflashes for two days in that 10 years because my prog was not high enough. I do not want to take tamoxifen but was told I have to take it. 😢I am 53 and they scare me saying it will come back. 10 percent chance. I don’t want to.
Thanks great vid .. I am a classic case as u describe no tamox just surgery… I have actually fought hard and been diagnosed hrt and taking it topically at mo … I hope I don’t react to hrt (histamine etc I don’t have a womb by the way) and it’s tricky for me I so want to take hrt because of all the other things it protects that are worse killers than breast cancer is. I had invasive Pr and Er highest receptors on it level 100% . Had two recurances. I wasn’t on tamoxifen just had surgery - no regrets here. I wondered if I should take tamox alongside hrt but then again tamox stops the benefits of hrt I hear women say that the hrt doesn’t work then for them while taking tamoxifen. I never let it control me … x I know lots of women who take hrt even with receptors 😅and are doing well ! Some studies show it’s fine to do so too many smaller studies are showing this :) 😊I had clear lymph nodes each time and it was stage 1 grade 2 .. I didn’t even have radiotherapy was too ill at the time. x
They told me on 8/1/23 that they are 95% sure I have bc from imaging results. I will not get the biopsy due to much research. I am desperately looking for an alternative to the RX since I know they won't renew it. I have 4 refills left.... I am 61 (62 in Jan) and I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 30... I should not have had it but didn't know any better then. It was for a "severe" case of endometriosis. I also want quality of life. For me, quality over quantity at this point in life is more important to me. Prayers for all ❤️🙏🏻❤️
Perhaps we should compare how many women die after a hip fracture (with osteoporosis brought on by lack of hormones) with those that die after a recurrence from stage 0 or 1 breast cancer! Taking Anastrozole puts you on a downward spiral of poor health (osteoporosis, sarcopenia, sexual symptoms, etc. I believe that my chance of breaking a hip after a minor fall and dying within a year of that fall is much greater than dying of recurrent breast cancer. I have been told that no one will prescribe HRT for me or they risk their medical license.
I have to disagree with the HRT. I got HRT and I was using testosterone cream on my calves. My doctor never told me I couldn’t use the two together so for me I feel that’s what caused my breast cancer using the two together because I never should’ve done that, and therefore I would never use hormones ever again.. that’s just my belief
I have PR + and ER+ stage 4 BC, hormone replacement will never be an option for me 😢. I understand that when your cancer is not hormone-dependent you are safe to go, but I think people that have not experienced bone metastasis and the pain it causes can complain about the hot flashes and etc. I’ll take a hot flash any day instead of the pain or the fear of the cancer going to my brain or lungs.
I was really hoping for some good advice from this video. I am in my 40s and have stage 2b invasive breast cancer with lymph node involvement/early metastasis. Luminal b and ER/PR+. So I am outside your parameters. Quality of life? The advice seems to me quite disturbing. I am surprised folks would choose to forgo treatment just to be happy. Interesting indeed. 😢
Some women forego further treatment because the side effects cause so much suffering they would rather risk a reoccurence of cancer. If you are tolerating the treatment then by all means continue . All side effects do not materialize for all women . But remember to get regular bone density test s, they will weaken deprived of estrogen. Your risk of heart disease will rise ( as will your cholesterol.) Best of luck with whatever your decision is. There is risk either way. Treatment for cancer will raise your risk of heart disease.
hi, im taking hrt, i been on different regimans, for some reason my stomach gets swollen. idk if its the estradoil (pill), i get test injs evry 2 wks and this doc says kno progesterone..soo confused, wld appreciate some input on this, please.
What if a woman had a hysterectomy and ovaries out years ago. Plus, she decided when diagnosed with breast cancer, to just get a full double mastectomy. There are no breasts left, for breast cancer. She is BRCA2 ER positive, PR positive and HER negative. But she doesn't like to take any medications because she is sensitive to meds. Plus, she doesn't want her bone structure to become brittle? Then the doctor decided to combat that she will need some kind of shot, that has its own side effects? In my area where are the doctors who look into alternatives?
I told my oncologist I had been researching AI online, and he said, don't do that! You won't get all the facts. I still don't know if ill take them or not.
First person online I've ever heard putting my thoughts & beliefs into words. We are all going to DIE! So we should be allowed to choose a quality of life beyond longevity (at a certain point in our lives). I fear we are still years off most doctors will even engage in this discussion. I've had a double mastectomy for Stage 1...& still no doctor will give me the time of day when I say I want to go on MHT 😢
I rewatched this video and you keep discussing it like I have a choice to decide if I want HRT. I have decided I want to but I can’t write myself an RX. I DON’T have a choice. No one will prescribe it.
Why doesn’t anyone get to the root of what caused the breast cancer in the first place were people overweight was their diet poor had they been on birth control pills for the last 35 years? Why isn’t anyone asking these questions? What caused it in the first place?
I am 66. I have been whole food vegan for 2 years, am a UK size 8, have never been on birth control pills. Never smoked, don’t drink alcohol. Just had surgery for stage 2 breast cancer, E+, 8mm, grade 3, very Estrogen sensitive (8 out of 8).
@@mmppa1213 I buy organic as much as I can, but not exclusively. I do take D3 as a supplement, as I don’t get much sun. Don’t eat any sugar (except in fresh fruit). Don’t know if I am insulin sensitive. Don’t know if my hormones are balanced.
Saying that skin cancer is a more difficult cancer to have than breast cancer is so tone deaf. I see you have the same ‘bedside manner’ as all other doctors. Appalling
THIS IS KIND OF DOCTOR YOU NEED - SHE KNOWS WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT IN LIFE.
This is what I been trying to get my oncologist to understand...quality of life is more important to me, thank you so much for sharing this video. You've helped me find the right words
Thank you , for being a caring doctor. I am on my second oncologist and both are making me feel selfish . Even after I told them my family's medical history of heart disease . I refused and got a bad case of covid with acute pulmonary embolism. The pulmonary doctor said lucky for me I was not taking anti-estrogen due to it causing blood clotting. I still want a fair quality of life and thank you
I just came upon this video after watching as many as I can after my diagnosis. I have no problem admitting that the medications seem far worse than the cancer itself. This video has given me some hope and made me feel like I can be normal after treatment is over. I have invasive ductal carcinoma, and they think it is stage 1, but I will not know the extent until lumpectomy. I cannot thank you enough for this video...I had already made up my mind that I would opt out of the medications...I want to live...not be miserable for up to 10 years.
Yes! I’ve had this same thought - it’s my body and my life. I should be allowed to weigh the risks and benefits for me. Thank you for saying this!
So greatful to be a patient in your practice. I've been turned down by multiple providers and scolded due to dcis grade 2 diagnosis 5 yrs ago even though I had a clear mammogram last year. They are protecting me from breast cancer at the risk to the rest of my body.
Thanks so much for this! Hormone blocker gives my mom a lot of bone pain. She’s decided to stop taking it. Your videos make us feel so much better about our decision. ❤
Thank you 😊 I had breast cancer stage 1: lumpectomy and radiation. I have decided not to take anti oestrogen tablets. At the end of the day I already have 94 % chance of no recurrence compared to 95 % if I take them. It doesn’t make a huge difference and I don’t want to take risks of side effects.
How are you doing ? Thanks for your comments. I’m in same boat and am thinking I won’t take the estrogen inhibitors
I stopped them, 1st one was too debilitating, Tamoxifen caused a Pulmonary Embolism, anticoagulant was horrendous
I took Tamoxifen for 6 years I'm off it. I wish I didn't take it. My menopause has been horrific..... I want to take HRT.
@@AmandaStubbs-v7kI’m not yet at the point of tamoxifen but will be in 2 months or whenever the chemo and radiation are done. I’ve been conflicted over meds mainly because I’m afraid of side effects, I’m 51, and don’t understand why I need the meds if I’m going to do chemo and radiation. No one has mentioned to me yet the numbers if taking versus if not taking it in terms of recurrence.
It is not as easy! For you to say that if it comes back the person will take care of it then!! Going thru a mastectomy is not easy! Beside, not all women have the same secondary effects! Not only that, but using these medications doesn’t reduce recurrence just a little!!! A carcinoma is nothing compared to to breast cancer and having it removed from your body😢😢.
Just came across your video. What a relief. So happy to find a doctor who validates my feelings about the madness of taking letrozle. It just feels so wrong.
I was recently diagnosed with zero stage I will have a lumpectomy and some radiation. I was thinking all of these questions that you are answering, I greatly appreciate your insight because I was thinking about estrogen and the quality of life without it. I agree with you it's better to live well as long as you can then to be miserable and have all those things that we are avoiding in the first place just end up ruining our life anyway. Thank you thank you thank you for your thoughts and information.
How are you doing?
Thank you for your comment, I feel like you’re speaking my thoughts too. I have same situation as you. Please give us an update on ow you are ❤️
Same here zero stage and radiation ! I was given local estrogen for vaginal dryness but not systematic HRT (tablets thru mouth) and antidepressants . I haven’t started them yet as I am afraid of them
Thank you so much. I am on my third year of tamoxifen and of course my oncologist said I could not take any hormones when I mention bioidentical hormones. I first had to go to a different oncologist to get a decrease in the dosage of the tamoxifen because the side effects were terrible by the second year. Now I will work on the hormone replacement definitely. I’m too young to feel this way all the time. I’ve always said to doctors what about my quality of life and it seems no one cares. Thank you.
Thank you so much for this very important service to women!
I was just diagnosed with breast cancer (I’m 54)and I have been taking HRT, And stopped abruptly. I am now absolutely miserable, I’m in pain all over, I have dried up skin (and everything else), I am weak, tired and depressed, I have just met the love of my life 2yrs ago and have enjoyed sex for the first time in my life. I can’t tell you how much this video means to me, I now have hope🙏
I am most interested in quality of life right now. I'm in menopause x 2 years now & am so exhausted all the time but I still have to be fully functional at work for at least 12 more years. Quality is better than quantity for me, for sure!!😊
I agree with you 100% about quality of life. I feel like I'm being held hostage because I can't find a doctor in my state to prescribe HRT.
It’s as if you pulled all my thoughts from my mind on every point. 🙏 your patient sounds very much like me. I’m 50 years old and in April 2022 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was less than one centimeter, not in lymph nodes, estrogen+, and I have 6% chance of recurrence. I opted against the estrogen inhibitors and radiation and I am very proactive in getting tons of nutrients in my body and exercise. I really want to take bioidentical hormones but my oncologist is telling me “no way” and that I’ll just have to suffer through menopause which started about 6 months after my surgery, according to blood test. I have the exact mindset as you do and your logic around it all makes complete sense to me. I actually feel like it will actually protect me way more than any risk if I find the right balance right for my body. Could you please tell me how I can find the right doctor/clinic to support bhrt for my situation (or do I need a doctor?) and the best way to feel confident in knowing I have the right balance of bioidentical hormones? Also, how do DHEA vaginal cream and estrogen vaginal suppositories fit into this? I was taking the estrogen suppositories but which helped a little with vaginal dryness but I stopped recently and I’ve noticed my orgasms are much stronger. Ugh, this is all so complex. Thank you so very much for sharing this knowledge. 🙏💕
So refreshing to hear this from a doctor. Thank you !🙏
I had DCIS and chose a double mastectomy. My surgical oncologist told me I am cancer free and do not need to take any medication. I cannot find one doctor that will discuss hormone replacement with me. I have seen 5 doctors since my mastectomy and every one of them dismisses me and says I cannot have hormones. I’m 53 and still have an irregular period. This informative video has given me the courage to try again and insist they give me hormone replacement!
I’m in the same situation, they are afraid to even say the word estrogen.
Before I was diagnosed with a recurrence, my oncologist said that it will be very difficult to find a doc to prescribe HRT. And now of course I can never get one since I have recurrence. She said the exception is if we are willing to sign off on the risk so that there are not responsible if we do get cancer again.
Thank you for discussing this very important topic. This is exactly what I needed to hear. I had DCIS and a DMX at age 40. I agree that quality or quantity is how I want to live my life. I wish I lived close, so you could be my doctor.
Hi Kristen, have you seen my video on how to find a menopause doctor in your area? You can watch it here: th-cam.com/video/YmtVzZ4J7sg/w-d-xo.html
@@drsusanis this in the uk please ?
I’m preparing to consult with a second oncologist at the insistence of my GYN who is strongly suggesting I stop the HRT that I just started 8 weeks ago. My symptoms are already so incredibly better! I have had ALH removed from my left breast 2 years ago. I get alternating mammograms and MRIs every 6 months. Quality of life is so much more important to me than avoiding POSSIBLY getting curable cancer some day. THANK YOU for this video!!
Wealth of info im taking notes 4 my upcoming gyno perimenopause visit. Stage 0 breast cancer 2015
Tamoxifen caused huge uterine polyps which had to be removed surgically. It also prevented me from having an orgasm. I stopped it. Anastozole caused a low mood and brain fog. So it's important to look at risk/ benefits.
Thank God for addressing these quality of life issues!! 🙏 Thank you Dr. for your timely and realistic information.
Thank you!! I’ve shared this information with two sisters who have been suffering because they both had breast cancer and were told NO estrogen. I don’t EVER want to be without my bioidentical HRT pellets. They’ve saved my quality of life. Excellent insight Dr. THANK YOU!!
Knowledge is key... I hope this video can help your sisters a bit!
Look up Dr Lindsey Berkson- physician who had breast cancer 20 years ago and has been on bi- est for 16 years. She’s a Tulane scholar on hormones.
I will have to say my oncologist gave me a choice and all the information on side effects. They gave me suggestions of certain vitamins to take a prolea injections. I recently chose to stop the hormone blocker. She did not give me a hard time about it. She didn’t like the idea that I wanted to get back on HRT. I am pro quality of life. I want to protect my brain, heart, and bones!
Dr. Susan...I am not sure if you will see this, but I so appreciate your channel and the information. I was dx. with trip neg breast ca, Stage 3 B I believe, in 2007. I have done very well the last 16 yrs. Exercise regularly, lift wts. and really work hard on my diet (although I do fall off the wagon occ. :) However...after chemo, and radiation at the age of 47 I was put into menop. I was told not to take hormones. My sex life and vag dryness was horrible and I did finally get vag. estrodial cream. Made a WONDERFUL difference! Then...Oct. 2003 was dx with breast cancer again, Estrogen fed, Stage 1 and BRCA 1 gene found. Bilat. mastectomy and total hysterectomy was done. No further treatment EXCEPT my oncologist really wants me to take anastrozole. He is not happy about the fact that I have not started it yet. Just wondered what you would suggest if I were your pt. I totally understand if you would rather not give me your advise without an appt. but really was so good to hear your thoughts! I am now 65 yo.
Don’t take it, it’ll be ok at 1st, I got to the stage I could barely walk, horrendous
Your patients are blessed to have you!
Thanks for your kind words Joanne!
I have started having joint and dorsal back pain after taking an estrogen blocking medication medication for about 6 months. I have considered stopping the estrogen blocking drug. I am 77 years of age and had an active way of life without any pain at all before about 2 weeks ago. My greatest discomfort is in my thumbs. I am also getting stiff and i dont remember having that before the medication. So it was great to watch this video. Thank you
Same, battling back pain which has been exacerbated by these drugs
I am 66 and not yet started on AI. At my age, my body is degenerating anyway. I keep thinking when a new issue arises that, if I had started AI, I would be convinced that the AI caused it.
This was soooooo helpful for me. Thank you so much Dr. Susan for sharing this and you made it easy to understand too!
Bless you for speaking for us !
I'm so glad I read Estrogen Matters book you recommended. I learned so much! I have been watching your channel for the past 5 months and am back on hormones and am so happy to feel so much better. I have the biote pellet with estrogen & testosterone and am taking the Progesterone orally. Thank you for your service to menopausal women everywhere.
I love hearing stories like this! So happy for you
Are you a breast cancer survivor?
@kk-gM98 You didn’t say whether you were a breast cancer survivor?
Please share whether that is the case, or whether you are simply agreeing with Dr.’s affirmation of the Estrogen Matters book?
Appreciate it!
I am sorry to hear about the melanomas that you had. Hope it never comes back. I had stage 2 BC, stage 2 just cos the size was large but localised to breast. It was hormone negative. I insisted on HRT because I don’t believe it gives BC, it may feed hormone positive ones. I would rather use HRT to help these horrible menopausal symptoms, protect my heart brain and bones than live with the all the consequences of not having hormones, for fear of cancer.
You insisted? Did your doctor prescribe it? If so, how did you get them to and what state are you in?
@@normapenetta5940 Hi, I saw another GP who was fine to prescribe me. I am on 50mcg estrodot patch and 100mg Prometrium at the moment. I am not in USA.
@@wem-c9f what country are you in? I love world travel..I’d rather go to another country for meds than another state USA.
@@normapenetta5940 Oh my dear, you can't just get prescription from doctors in other countries like that. I don't think you can. We have government funding as well so if you are not a citizen in any country, you would pay a lot. Or I would have gotten my prescription from USA if I could because I was getting so much difficulty trying to get one for myself even in my country. I know in UK GPs prescribe HRT too. And I thought in America it is easier.
I have a similar cancer profile like yours. I’ll need surgery/chemo/radiation but I’m so adverse to taking tamoxifen. I hope I’ll find out what the risk is if I don’t and if I find a doc to give me HRT.
I’m on my way to talk to the breast surgeon . And she ms adding t about hormone blockers. I can’t do the blockers I’m already suffering and back is bad and have thickens uterus . Thank you for sharing and giving hope for another way .
Thank you for the information
I appreciate it
I have a hunch that if “men” had to tolerate hormone blockers, there would be a more humane treatment process.
I seriously could be the spokesperson for this segment. I have been a shell of the person I was before I stopped HRT. Today I lied about my cancer in order to attempt to receive treatment. Hopefully it works or I’ll be flying to Houston. Thank you so much.
I really appreciate this video. I was in such great health during the month I was diagnosed with very rare tubular breast cancer and DCIS. I had a mastectomy of that breast. I didn’t want to be on Letrozole and I do want to be on some type of estrogen. My hot flashes start as nausea and racing heart with shortness of breath. Then the heat and sweat. Every hour or 2 day and night. And I can’t lose weight. I eat keto one meal a day and 48 hr fast 2x month. Scale won’t budge. I gained 10+ lbs after surgery and now what used to work, doesn’t. And exercise doesn’t help either. ( I still do it for the other benefits). I live on the coast in the north east and was wondering if you or any of your followers knows of any doctors around here that would allow me to chose my life instead of telling me what I have to do. Either way, thank you. This gives me hope.
Finally, someone else with tubular cancer. I had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal (3) with no signs of cancer in them about 3 years ago. I don't see a response from the doctor. What did you decide to do? My oncologist said no way on the HRT. And he also tried to put me on Letrozol but decided after reviewing other studies (at my insistence) he decided it would be alright with tubular ca to not be on the hormone suppressant which decreases the risk of reccurence by 3%. So, I decided to go to my obgyn about at least local estrogen for dryness and pain. She sent me for the vaginal laser rejuvenation (do not recommend if you are having difficulty with pain during sex, didn't help and had to go back a second time bc of the pain from the procedure, they couldn't finish). She prescribed a local and agreed with my review of literature that it is ok. That helps but does nothing for the wt gain, hot flashes, and overall depressed mood. Let me know what you decided and how you are doing with your decision. And big thanks to Dr Hardwick-Smith for discussing these options.
@@wendywyatt8563so I had a little HRT left and I’ve been taking it once a week. I stopped the Letrozole and will refuse to try another AI or similar med. I found 2 places I can travel to to be evaluated for possible HRT. But they charge over $1000 and there’s guarantee I’ll get the RX. That’s a lot of money in travel and medical with no guarantee.
The rest of my plan is to read the book by Avrum Bluming and take it to my Gynocologist when I have my annual in August. He’s pretty open minded and maybe if he reads the book and I offer to sign a waiver..
If all else fails I’ll be looking for other options. I’ll potentially throw away money with the travel options I spoke of earlier. After that , who knows?
This is exactly what I was trying to explain to my oncologist and it was like I was talking to a wall. It's like she didn't understand what I was saying, but she doesn't have to live in my body for the rest of her life. I would rather have a good quality of life than be miserable when I go through menopause. I read the book estrogen matters and without hormones your risk of heart disease and osteoporosis increases. Plus there are a lot of potential side effects when taking tamoxifen.
Thank you for this video, very humanizing & informative
I was on HRT when diagnosed with Stage 1, receptor positive breast cancer. I am 57 years young. There were micro amounts in 1 lymph node. I have gone through menopause and am currently taking Tamoxifen instead of the aromatase inhibitors. I also had scored borderline (24%) on the Oncotype DX Recurrence Score. I am not struggling as much as I was at first on the drug, however, I miss the way I felt before the diagnoses.
Be careful I had no symptoms but a Pulmonary embolism was found on Tamoxifen, aches and pains came in. Anastrozole was debilitating. I stopped all
I have ALH and on third year of Tamoxifen. My gym and oncologist both said no to vaginal estrogen. So glad to see I wasn’t crazy in watching this. Thank you! I’ll need to find a doctor that will listen
That's literally insane. Glad you can tolerate the tamoxifen. I could barely use the ATM.
Mine was caught very early.
Stage 1. 1cm lumpectomy on May 3. Fully intact clean margins, she did physical examination and said my lymph nodes were completely clear. She felt absolutely nothing. She said you are a thin woman. There is no fat on you and if I felt something I would say we should do that other thing where they take some out she said I see no need to do that.
ERT PRT positive Hers2 NEG.
I’m 71 and I have been on hormone replacement therapy since I was 48. As soon as I was diagnosed with breast cancer, surgeon said oh, your on HRT well, not anymore!!!
Based on what my oncologist and even the radiologist said about my particular cancer, because it was so small, they got all of it. I chose not to do radiation, or any hormone blockers whatsoever. And that was fine with them. They say with or without radiation theres always a 50-50 chance it could come back that’s one of the unknowns. I’ll take my chances. If it comes back, I’ll deal with it then . At 71 I am not going to put my body through that. I feel totally great and I wouldn’t feel that way on that hormone blocker . Which she even said it’s fine if you don’t take it. They both said they completely understand, and that that was fine with them..
I am very healthy and active
I walk 5 miles a day, I have always worked out my whole life. I eat very well.
I have celiac disease which of course I control by not eating gluten, but my immune system is super Duper sensitive. Even if I knew for sure I only had five years. At least they would be five GOOD years instead of being sick I want to enjoy and live my life for whatever time I have left. Husband and I are retired. We have as long a life as the Good Lord gives us!!
So I said to Dr. you took my HRT off my records so now I can’t renew that prescription. She said Nope! according to the American cancer Asso. their recommendation is you cannot be on any hormone replacement therapy and I said well what if “I” still want to?
It also does a-lot of good. I have osteopenia it gives me. mental clarity when I’m on it. Protects my bones. I feel wonderful being on it and now being off it I’m having a lot of terrible effects of menopause. Can’t even think right, and I don’t want to live like this. Doesn’t my opinion matter? Don’t I have a say? I’m the one who lives in this body.
She said , In the long run you will be better off without it. It’s not healthy for you to take it anymore. 😭😡
So I live in Sacramento California I have been researching and looking everywhere. I can’t find any doctor or menopausal specialist, who will give bio identical, hormones who will prescribe it if you had breast cancer.
So what does a person do where do we go? I am researching menopausal specialist Functional Dr.they all say the same thing, so what does a person do hop a plane and come see you? Do you have any references for other areas or any recommendations as to where a person like us can go, because I cannot live without hormone replacement therapy!It’s so upsetting.
Please please advise. I can’t be the only one with this problem. Thank you in advance❣️
My situation is similar. I’m looking for options as well.
They have told me they are 95% sure I have bc from imaging results. I will not get the biopsy due to much research. I am desperately looking for an alternative to the RX since I know they won't renew it. I have 4 refills left.... I am 61 and had a complete hysterectomy when 30... I should not have had it but didn't know any better then... I also want quality of life. For me, quality over quantity at this point in life is more important to me. Prayers for all
❤️🙏🏻❤️
I’m in danville ,ca and I need to find a doctor near me who will put me back on hrt as well !
@daviess4 my RN friend gave me a link to india... or told me to go to Mexico it's ridiculous that our choices our freedoms are being replaced by control...
I am in Sacramento region too. I see wellness centers around that offer hrt. Look up Dr. Wardwell in San Francisco - I’ve read that he does a lot of the hrt stuff through a compounding lab.
Thank you! As always, you provide valuable information related to menopause.
Thanks Marybeth :)
My gyno is making me go back to oncologist to discuss hrt after breast cancer stage 1 in 2015. I've watched several videos and told gyno my quality of life outweighs the risk. It's sad that they aren't educated more with up to date info. I need her to watch this entire video. It's soooo frustrating the hoops I gotta jump thru for this
I had stage 2 grade 3 after my operation diagnosis, had chemo and radiotherapy. Currently taking anastrozole with vitamins CA and D3 for bones. My thoughts are why not take natural foods that provide eostrogen for body function.
Thank you so much for this video!
I stopped my hormone blocker. I want my HRT back. I had a lumpectomy and cancer is all gone- it was dcis.
How can we measure how much estrogen we make outside of serum levels (like mine are ) from adrenals, fat cells and pituitary… x
Great video by the way !! Xxx
Thank you so much for this great information!
I received my breast cancer yesterday. Have been getting mammograms for 10 years since age 40 so I believe it was caught early. Still have to make appointments to find out the stage prognosis. Im menopausal and am already on HRT.
Did you find out if you are able to stay on the hrt?
Wow, you told my story to the exact details: 52, breast cancer stage zero, post lumpectomy. Had a very good surgeon who said that I do not need radiation, chemo or estrogen blockers. Recheck my mammogram in a year. I am cancer free and would like to start HRT. I’m going to see my GYN and P and hope she will prescribe.
Were you able to get HRT?
I am 14 years out from stage 2 breast cancer, and I am miserable. I know I need to go on estrogen,but gynecologist didn’t even want me to do localized vaginal estrogen. This is not living. Anyone that sees this, please say a prayer that I can find someone that will actually help.
I am sorry you are suffering. I don’t know where you live but here in California there are wellness centers where people can get bio identical hurt often. There is also something like The Menopause Society (or something like that ) which supposedly offers a list of doctors who would help
@@midorisperandeo2897 , thanks so much for the support and the info! ❤️
I also just found out about a few online sites that offer care to menopausal women - one is called Midi. Google and see.
Hi Beth: try reading the book Estrogen Matters by Dr Avrum Bluming who is an oncologist/ hematologist. My understanding is that low dose vaginal estrogen is safe even for women we go have estrogen positive breast cancer ( presuming there is no evidence of spreading cancer on scans. ) I think the organization that certified menopause provides is North American Menopause society.The way hormones have been demonized you may need to bring some copies with studies with you. After the Women's Health Initiative in 2002 said all estrogen is bad but this has been walked back numerous times but docs are not properly taught about hormones in med school . Women's healthcare sucks..
I had invasive ductal carcinoma 1A, bilateral mastectomy 2 failed reconstructive surgeries and chemo, then DEIP flap was a success. My oncologist say no HRT. Tamoxifen a bust now anastrozole nope. 😢 this gives me hope that I have the choice but no provider in my area think like this. I was on BHRT before and loved it. My symptoms are horrible. Can u treat patients in Texas?
Quality of life is everything to me. I had melanoma as well, I don't let that control my life either.
You are correct, glad you didn't let it stop you!
So many of us are desperately looking for a way to get our hormones... what are the steps? Where do we get them? An RN friend sent me a link to a place in India, but I don't want to do that... we are all yelling out. Help we want quality over quantity... ❤🙏🏻
Loved this talk!
How can I find a doctor near me to help me get back on hrt
I had breast cancer stage one. I did not take hormone blockers but now all
My symptoms are back
I live in danville , ca
I really like you and you are a very helpful beautiful person. I’m 78 and had a1breast mastectomy 1yr ago. I had been on HRT for 20 yrs and stopped in 3002 when they said HRT caused cancer. I went through the worst negatives of no estrogen. It was hell. Now they’re looking around for more cancer but can’t find any. I went through the chemo treatment last yr. I saved some estrogen and progesterone cause I knew the WHI were wrong. So, I’m taking the pills I saved and feel great. Also I can thank Gabapentin for my well being and quality of life. What do you think? I had 3rd stage cancer and breast cancer and lymph nodes were removed. I’ll be 79 this summer in 2 and 3months and I want to be happy. I did get vaginal estrogen cream. What’s your opinion?
I had a lumpectomy 2 weeks ago, now 4 weeks off HRT, my joints and bones are creaking like an old ship lost at sea!
I have been on them for 12 years, I am 65 years old. I am seeing the surgeon next week, hopefully they got it out in one go.
I know I will definitely return to my patch and pill, my quality over quantity of life FAR outweighs the loss of my HRT.
If they don’t prescribe it, I will have to go online and buy it , I’m not sure if I have to wait a year but I don’t think I’m prepared to do that, my tiny tumour was not palpable and picked up in a routine screening, who knows I might’ve outlive it had they not discovered it and started prodding about.
Do you get a lot of vitamin D3 are your vegetables organic or straight from your garden. Do you have stress in your life. Is your water purified.
Thanks for the information. I was diagnosed as IDC stage 1 in Dec but have been told by several oncologists that if my cancer comes back, it would come back as stage 4 and incurable. I had a DMX in Feb and just started ovary suppressions and tamoxifen. I will move to an AI once I officially enter menopause. You said a few times in the video that if the breast cancer comes back, we could catch it early with yearly mammograms and treat it but it could also come back as breast cancer in a different part of the body. My cancer had not spread to my lymph nodes but their could be fragments circulating in my blood stream, hence the aggressive push for hormone therapy. I’m curious if any of your other patients have been told that the cancer would come back as stage if it ever returns?
I am similar but I have a single mastectomy which is now reconstructed with my tummy fats. I still have my right breast. The cancer was estrogen and progesterone negative but aggressive her2 type. I am now post menopausal and just started on HRT because I am going crazy with all the symptoms and I also want to protect my brain heart and bones. Yes you are right that the drs told you if the cancer comes back it will be in other parts of the body. Unfortunately what I learnt as well and I have seen so many cases of recurrence on the forums, it terrifies me. But I am desperately wanting HRT to help me feel like myself again I am willing to take the risk. I feel that I know why I had BC in the first place so I try not to enter that “state” again. As long as I do I feel that I will be safe. Cancer is not a death sentence. If you get it once you don’t have to get it twice. We can reflect and change the way we live.
I have a friend who’s on tamoxifen for nearly ten years now and she had her ovaries removed to due to BC. Her health is on the decline and she is borderline osteoporosis. She no longer has the same energy and strength as before, but she is too scared that cancer can come back and will not go onto HRT.
I recently had a lumpectomy due to a breast cancer diagnosis. Sadly, my cancer was not picked up on a mammogram, even a 3-D mammogram, and An ultrasound. The radiologist told me it’s a very small chance of it being Malignant. I disagreed with her because of a prior thyroid cancer diagnosis 10 years ago, I’m still followed with a pet scan once a year due to blood numbers. . Guess what showed up on the pet scan?
🙌🥰❤️ love this approach SO much!
I am stage one ductal cancer her2t triple positve and it 2 of my lymp nodes
Unfortunately, I have stage 2 breast cancer. Grade 3, 8 mm, and 8/8 for Estrogen sensitivity (i.e., very Estrogen sensitive). I am 66.
I don’t want a recurrence, but I also don’t want to feel ill all the time, or risk bone thinning & fractures (I have a healthy, but low, BMI; I am a UK size 8).
It is such a difficult decision. Any thoughts?
I continue to take two mg of estradiol daily.
I want to go back on HRT after my treatment is done, lumpectomy and radio, I would like to know if anyone in the uk is on here that has managed to get a doctor to prescribe it once again for me.
I have stopped hrt and started anastrazole both of which I’m not happy with. Even if I can’t get hrt I won’t continue on anastrazole, as soon as surgery is done I am stopping it. The menopause symptoms came back straight away so I’m not happy.
I wish you were my doctor!
I want to go back on HRT after my treatment is done, lumpectomy and radio, I would like to know if anyone in the uk is on here that has managed to get a doctor to prescribe it once again for me.
I have stopped hrt and started anastrazole both of which I’m not happy with. Even if I can’t get hrt I won’t continue on anastrazole, as soon as surgery is done I am stopping it. The menopause symptoms came back straight away so I’m not happy
Wot if your stage 2
Thank you so much Doctor
thank you for the information. I have been in remission for estrogen and progesterone negative invasive stage 3 breast cancer for almost 20 years, i removed ovaries to prevent ovarian cancer and as a result i got osteoporosis. Do you think it is safe for me to take bioidentical HRT to help with my bones and insomnia?
How can i become one of your patient?
And for those who have stage 2 invasive hormone cancer???? Linf knots negative. Was operated 14 mm tumor and after that had 3 weeks radioterapia. I'm 71 years old.
I m taking Femara
What if your on tamoxifen and your estradiol is super high??
I have a mammogram schedule in may 21st and I hoping it will be in the clear. I am on hrt pellets. Are you saying that a doctor will not give the hrt if a person ever had breast cancer?
Thank you! You are very sincere. I bystanders malignant melanoma years back and had breast cancer in August both breasts stage 1 and had a mastectomy and the doctors are telling me I am not allowed to take hormones ever again and have to go on an estrogen blocker for five year. My hot flashes already are horrible just by going off the HRT and I don't want to do the blocker either.
I hope I can find a doctor here that is like minded like you but I doubt that I will.
Thank you for all of your efforts to get information out there so women can and make the best decision for themselves.
Hey there Myla, I have a video on how you can find a menopause doctor in your area. Have you seen that? You can watch it here: th-cam.com/video/YmtVzZ4J7sg/w-d-xo.html
@@drsusan Thank you. I watched it earlier today. Thank you very much!!
I was just diagnosed. DCIS and IBC no lymph nodes, margins clear. I was on Prog cream bioidentical for 10 yrs. (I have had hotflashes for two days in that 10 years because my prog was not high enough. I do not want to take tamoxifen but was told I have to take it. 😢I am 53 and they scare me saying it will come back. 10 percent chance. I don’t want to.
What are the numbers on estrogen suppression therapy as far as no recurrence?
My onco score was 2% better off taking tamoxifen … but I don’t understand why I got recurrence at all esp the second one after mastectomy
Thanks great vid .. I am a classic case as u describe no tamox just surgery… I have actually fought hard and been diagnosed hrt and taking it topically at mo … I hope I don’t react to hrt (histamine etc I don’t have a womb by the way) and it’s tricky for me I so want to take hrt because of all the other things it protects that are worse killers than breast cancer is. I had invasive Pr and Er highest receptors on it level 100% . Had two recurances. I wasn’t on tamoxifen just had surgery - no regrets here. I wondered if I should take tamox alongside hrt but then again tamox stops the benefits of hrt I hear women say that the hrt doesn’t work then for them while taking tamoxifen. I never let it control me … x I know lots of women who take hrt even with receptors 😅and are doing well ! Some studies show it’s fine to do so too many smaller studies are showing this :) 😊I had clear lymph nodes each time and it was stage 1 grade 2 .. I didn’t even have radiotherapy was too ill at the time.
x
I don’t understand how taking HRT while also taking estrogen inhibitors would make sense. It seems like they would both just cancel each other out?
They told me on 8/1/23 that they are 95% sure I have bc from imaging results. I will not get the biopsy due to much research. I am desperately looking for an alternative to the RX since I know they won't renew it. I have 4 refills left.... I am 61 (62 in Jan) and I had a complete hysterectomy when I was 30... I should not have had it but didn't know any better then. It was for a "severe" case of endometriosis. I also want quality of life. For me, quality over quantity at this point in life is more important to me. Prayers for all
❤️🙏🏻❤️
Perhaps we should compare how many women die after a hip fracture (with osteoporosis brought on by lack of hormones) with those that die after a recurrence from stage 0 or 1 breast cancer! Taking Anastrozole puts you on a downward spiral of poor health (osteoporosis, sarcopenia, sexual symptoms, etc. I believe that my chance of breaking a hip after a minor fall and dying within a year of that fall is much greater than dying of recurrent breast cancer. I have been told that no one will prescribe HRT for me or they risk their medical license.
I have to disagree with the HRT. I got HRT and I was using testosterone cream on my calves. My doctor never told me I couldn’t use the two together so for me I feel that’s what caused my breast cancer using the two together because I never should’ve done that, and therefore I would never use hormones ever again.. that’s just my belief
I have PR + and ER+ stage 4 BC, hormone replacement will never be an option for me 😢. I understand that when your cancer is not hormone-dependent you are safe to go, but I think people that have not experienced bone metastasis and the pain it causes can complain about the hot flashes and etc.
I’ll take a hot flash any day instead of the pain or the fear of the cancer going to my brain or lungs.
I was really hoping for some good advice from this video. I am in my 40s and have stage 2b invasive breast cancer with lymph node involvement/early metastasis. Luminal b and ER/PR+. So I am outside your parameters. Quality of life? The advice seems to me quite disturbing. I am surprised folks would choose to forgo treatment just to be happy. Interesting indeed. 😢
Some women forego further treatment because the side effects cause so much suffering they would rather risk a reoccurence of cancer. If you are tolerating the treatment then by all means continue . All side effects do not materialize for all women . But remember to get regular bone density test s, they will weaken deprived of estrogen. Your risk of heart disease will rise ( as will your cholesterol.) Best of luck with whatever your decision is. There is risk either way. Treatment for cancer will raise your risk of heart disease.
Does taking testosterone make one hairier or angrier or more masculine?
hi, im taking hrt, i been on different regimans, for some reason my stomach gets swollen. idk if its the estradoil (pill), i get test injs evry 2 wks and this doc says kno progesterone..soo confused, wld appreciate some input on this, please.
Best to change to transdermal I hear it’s the best and safest of all too body identical off your dr u can ask for like gel etc
What if a woman had a hysterectomy and ovaries out years ago. Plus, she decided when diagnosed with breast cancer, to just get a full double mastectomy. There are no breasts left, for breast cancer.
She is BRCA2 ER positive, PR positive and HER negative. But she doesn't like to take any medications because she is sensitive to meds. Plus, she doesn't want her bone structure to become brittle? Then the doctor decided to combat that she will need some kind of shot, that has its own side effects? In my area where are the doctors who look into alternatives?
Hi you sound like me ! I had left mastectomy and ovaries womb out xx
I didn’t take tamox only surgery even tho I had two recurrences
@@BeHappyBeHappybe1111where it recurence
They say new research indicates that melanoma might not be caused by sun exposure but pollutants exposure and accumulation.
Oh for fuck's sake.
Nuts
I told my oncologist I had been researching AI online, and he said, don't do that! You won't get all the facts. I still don't know if ill take them or not.
First person online I've ever heard putting my thoughts & beliefs into words. We are all going to DIE! So we should be allowed to choose a quality of life beyond longevity (at a certain point in our lives). I fear we are still years off most doctors will even engage in this discussion. I've had a double mastectomy for Stage 1...& still no doctor will give me the time of day when I say I want to go on MHT 😢
I rewatched this video and you keep discussing it like I have a choice to decide if I want HRT. I have decided I want to but I can’t write myself an RX. I DON’T have a choice. No one will prescribe it.
Agree been searching for a month. Can’t find even ONE Doctor who will if you’ve had Breast Cancer!
@@suzyshoemaker7804look into MIDI health or Alloy Health- both telehealth
Why doesn’t anyone get to the root of what caused the breast cancer in the first place were people overweight was their diet poor had they been on birth control pills for the last 35 years? Why isn’t anyone asking these questions? What caused it in the first place?
I am 66. I have been whole food vegan for 2 years, am a UK size 8, have never been on birth control pills. Never smoked, don’t drink alcohol. Just had surgery for stage 2 breast cancer, E+, 8mm, grade 3, very Estrogen sensitive (8 out of 8).
@ do you eat all organic do you get D3 do you take supplements ? Do you eat a lot sugar? Are you insulin sensitive are your hormones balanced ?
@@mmppa1213 I buy organic as much as I can, but not exclusively. I do take D3 as a supplement, as I don’t get much sun. Don’t eat any sugar (except in fresh fruit). Don’t know if I am insulin sensitive. Don’t know if my hormones are balanced.
@ mine was from insulin resistance and PCOS I’m balances in hormones over the years
love to here knowledge
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Saying that skin cancer is a more difficult cancer to have than breast cancer is so tone deaf. I see you have the same ‘bedside manner’ as all other doctors. Appalling
@healinhand
Bless you for speaking for us !