Atypical hyperplasia and Arimidex

[JKrak1975]

Ok ladies...thinking caps on! I have er/pr-, her/2 +++ cancer. The pathology report also showed atypical hyperplasia. I completed chemo, surgery, rads in Feb. of '04. I'm doing 1 yr of herceptin that will finish in March of 2005. My next issue is...should I take Arimidex for the atypical hyperplasia when I finish the herceptin? (I'm 57 with hysterectomy) The oncologist is iffy as it would be treating for a "chance" of cancer in the future and the current cancer is er/pr-. The surgeon feels that I should to prevent the risk. She says if I presented with just the atyp. she would put me on it. Anyone else out there with this issue? What thoughts do you have? Judy

[Lolly]

Hi Judy,

http://www.breastcancer.org/cmty_trans_2003_04.html#4

It's a conference with three acknowledged experts on the subject of aromatase inhibitors. I have to confess I'm not very knowledgeable about preventative tx for hormone positive bc, but thought this link might be helpful. After reading through some of the info I found on-line about your diagnosis and proposed tx, it seems that opinions are divided...I hope some who have the same diagnosis as you will post with their opinions and experiences. Keep us posted on your decision.

Love, Lolly

[JKrak1975]

Lolly...thanks for the information. There is a bit of a disagreement on the issue. I was hoping that someone else on the board might have had some experience with this issue. I always chuckle at my oncologist....he the guy that gives you enough poison to kill everything and hopes the cancer will die first!.....doesn't like to do other meds. any more than necessary. He doesn't even do vitamins!!! He says I'm not malnurished:-) I'm thinking I will give it a try through the surgeon and if I have negative side effects will stop. If no negative side effects, then I'll keep going. That's where I stand right now...I have until March to decide. Thanks for the reply!