I had a complete nipple sparing mastectomy. Lymph nodes are clear. The results indicated that cancer was found in the nipple so that will be removed soon. Doctor wants to wait until I give birth and then start hormone therapy. But I don’t want to do it. Has anyone chosen not to do hormone therapy?

Hello Kayla. That is certainly a sound idea that many people would prefer. I think the concern would be that insurance tends to only pay for standardized care and probably wouldn't pay for the necessary imaging to proceed with maintenance only. Now if you are able to pay for your treatment yourself that eliminates any obstacles. It is unfortunate that insurance is such a key player but that is the system we have chosen for ourselves in this country.

Kayla, I am sorry this has happened. I guess being pregnant there isn't much choice. I suppose you would probably have to wait until your baby is born to start hormone therapy. What does your doctor say about this? Did you have surgery? Clear margins? Was there any positive lymph nodes? I wish you the best outcome possible. ❤️

It would be impossible to take during pregnancy. A pregnancy can be lost without a balance of all hormones.

What is the Role of Estrogen in Pregnancy?
Estrogen is critical for growing a healthy baby. It supports the growth of the placenta, so nutrients can nourish the developing fetus.

It also stimulates the growth of your baby’s organs, including the lungs, liver, and adrenal glands. Estrogen even triggers your baby’s adrenal glands to kickstart hormone production!

Estrogen is equally important for pregnant women.

Estrogen helps maintain the uterine lining and helps the uterus grow to make space for your growing baby. It enlarges the milk ducts in the breast tissue to prime your body for breastfeeding.

But estrogen also influences other pregnancy hormones as well.