It sounds like your oncologist has prescribed Tamoxifen along with Zoladex for your stage 1 hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Hereβs some detailed information based on your knowledge base:
Tamoxifen
- Purpose: Tamoxifen is a hormone therapy used to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
- How it Works: It Show Full Answer
It sounds like your oncologist has prescribed Tamoxifen along with Zoladex for your stage 1 hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Hereβs some detailed information based on your knowledge base:
Tamoxifen:
- Purpose: Tamoxifen is a hormone therapy used to treat estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.
- How it Works: It blocks estrogen receptors on cancer cells, preventing estrogen from fueling the cancer's growth.
- Administration: Taken orally, usually once a day, sometimes for five years or longer.
- Side Effects: Can include hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and muscle pain. Lower doses may reduce side effects.
Zoladex (Goserelin):
- Purpose: Zoladex is used to suppress ovarian function in pre-menopausal women, effectively reducing estrogen levels.
- Administration: Given as an injection, typically every 28 days.
- Side Effects: May include menopause-like symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
Double Mastectomy:
- Purpose: Surgical removal of both breasts to reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.
- Considerations: Often chosen by those with a high risk of recurrence or genetic predisposition.
No Chemotherapy:
- Context: For stage 1 breast cancer, chemotherapy may not always be necessary, especially if the cancer is hormone receptor-positive and other treatments like hormone therapy are effective.
Summary:
- Treatment Plan: Your treatment plan includes hormone therapy with Tamoxifen and ovarian suppression with Zoladex, following a double mastectomy.
- Goal: To reduce the risk of cancer recurrence by targeting hormone receptors and lowering estrogen levels.
Always follow your oncologist's advice and discuss any concerns or side effects you experience.
August 22, 2024