Anastrozole Optional After Endometrial Cancer. Now What?
Posted , 2 users are following.
Hello, all!
I had a total hysterectomy in July, after being diagnosed with endometrial cancer. Pathologist said that the cancer was contained within the uterus and that the lymph nodes were clear.
I had my final post op check up today. My surgeon/oncologist said that the serology had come back from the pelvic wash they did after my surgery. The report said that some of the cells were "suspicious." No mention was made of cancerous cells.
The doctor said that these cells could have been released as a result of the surgical process, but as no pelvic wash had been done prior to surgery there was no way to tell.
He said that in my case, taking anastrozole was optional, as clear benefit could not conclusively be established. I asked him if he would suggest taking it to his wife, and he said, "No." He pointed out that he didn't think that my question was fair, because I'm a different person than his wife is.
He said that there were several factors to confirm a necessity of taking the drug; the type of the cancer, the fact that the cancer was contained and that the lymph nodes were clear definitely did not indicate a need to take the drug. He felt that he wanted to offer me the option.
He said that women taking it complained of side effects such as aching bones and joints and pain from vaginal atrophy.
So, now I'm in a quandary. I promissed my family that I would do everything to make sure that this cancer did not re-occur, but my doctor essentially told me that taking the drug would have side effects and that he couldn't guarantee that taking it was necessary.
So, If any of you would please tell me about your experience, why you ended up taking this drug and the side effects, I'd certainly appreciate it!
Thanks!
0 likes, 6 replies
phoebewhite lynda20916
Posted
Best wishes.
Phoeb xx
phoebewhite
Posted
Can't spell my own name LOL!
Phoebe x
lynda20916 phoebewhite
Posted
Hi, Phoebe,
Thanks for responding, especially because you were the only one who did!
I was staged at 1A, too. I think that the Dr. was very clear in that he didn't see the need to take the drug. He said in over 10 years he'd only had one patient who'd had a reocurrence.
He said if there was a reoccurrence, it would be where there were small networks of capillaries, such as in the lungs or the brain. Even though he's only seen me 5 times, I think he knows me well enough--I want to be thorough--and want to know I've done everything I can.
So, you're correct! I've got the prescription filled and I'm going to try it.
Wish me luck (no horrible side effects), and, THANKS for responding! xxx
phoebewhite lynda20916
Posted
Good luck Lynda, I'll be thinking of you, let me know how it goes, I still have 3 more check ups to go with my gynaecologist, he specialises in these types of cancers, I can't believe that I am almost 2 years post op, time just whizzes by.
Again wishing you good luck.
Take care
Phoebe xx
lynda20916 phoebewhite
Posted
I appreciate your support so much! Please keep in touch!
Lynda xx
phoebewhite lynda20916
Posted
Will do. Xxx 😊