Discussion of a future treatment after double mastectomy

Hi everybody,

Thank you PJ Hamell and Angi for your input, they were very helpful for me. I saw my Family Doctor today and he is referring me to another oncologist for a second opinion and for the genetic counselling as well. I have the feeling that I need to take Tamoxifen since I am premenopausal and I have my periods coming every month and quite regular. Since my CA was ER+(80%) and PR+(90%), I had doubts that my oncologist advised me not to have the hormonal therapy. His argument was that my tumor was grade 1, N0M0 and that I had double mastectomy. He gave me some statistics that if I didn't have any further treatment my chances of cancer relapse in the next 10 years would be 18%, if I had only hormonal therapy -chances of a relapse-11%, if I had chemo- 8%, if I had both-chances of a relapce-5%. I looked at these numbers and told him that 18% was prety scary to me and didn't convince me of proceeding without treatment. He said that Tamoxifen had side effects, like DVT and endometrial CA and because I had double mastectomy he would not recommend to have this treatment. So, now I have to wait for the second opinion appointment since for the next two weeks there would be nobody available because of holidays. But its totaly OK with me. I wouldn't have any treatment anyway untill mid January. I was told that I need to recover after my surgery for at least two months.

I wish everyone Happy Holidays and stay healthy! Natalie.