Kimberly
There is a tumor marker test called CA27/29 (some cancer centers use the CA 15/3 instead). It measures certain chemicals that tumors secrete so if the marker goes up, your doctor would be suspious that something might be growing somewhere (so you would then get scans). This usually starts sometime after radiation is over.
Your doctor can also test your blood for your hormone levels (FSH - follicle stimulating hormone and LH - lutenizing hormone). The levels of these hormones will be able to tell your doctor if you are truly menopausal (so you can take Arimidex or Femara instead of Tamoxifen). I am 47 and I started on Tamoxifen but really wanted to take Arimidex because it works better and is purported to work better for us Her 2 gals (and in syngergy with the adjuvant Herceptin). So... I got the test and it said I was postmenopausal and about 3 months later, I got my period back. About a month after that, I got my ovaries removed. So now I am on Arimidex. I was not sorry to get my ovaries removed as ovarian cancer also runs in my family. I am also ER positive but I am PR negative.
I still have until June to finish up my herceptin but I am happy to be on what I think is the best combo.
I hope this helps.
Best regards,
Becky
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