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Estrogen and progesterone-positive breast cancer survivor stopping Femara?
I was diagnosed in December 2013 with breast cancer, stage 2, estrogen and progesterone positive, extremely high aggressive growth rate, very large tumor on chest wall found by mammogram. Double mastectomy followed by 4 infusions of adriamycin/cytoxin and then 12 infusions of taxol. No radiation deemed necessary.
Started in September 2014 on Femara to block estrogen. August 2019 stopped Femara because of hair loss. September 2019 diagnosed with alopecia (caused by Femara - tested for other causes). I am only 61 years old and have very little hair left - devastating. All blood work (CA 27-29 taken every 6 months by oncologist) has come back consistently for 5.5 years with NED (no evidence of disease).
Main concerns:
1. Saw naturopath who did blood work: Estradiol is at 60 pg/mL; Estrone, Serum is at 103 pg/mL; Naturopath said this is too high for someone who had estrogen-positive cancer. However, oncologist NEVER once tested estrogen level so no clue if this is really high for me - has to be my current baseline with nothing else to go on. (why oncologist never tested?)
2. Progesterone is a 6.50 ng/mL Have been taking micronized compounded progesterone caps for 2 months prescribed by naturopath (in spite of progesterone positive cancer?) Oncologist said to stop.
3. Have been taking DIM and "Indole-3-Carbinol plus Bioperine" since stopped Femara. Naturopath says those are not working (but how does she know that since we have no prior baseline for my estradiol level) so she (and oncologist) have prescribed Evista which I haven't started yet (prescription that somewhat blocks estrogen AND helps with bone loss - which Femara destroyed my right hip, according to recent bone density test) but does not have the hair loss effect of other estrogen blockers
My biggest concern is lowering my estrogen levels and knowing if I need to stop progesterone.
5 Answers
Please consult with your oncologist or a qualified healthcare professional before making any decisions regarding treatment. Here are some points to consider regarding your concerns 1. Estrogen Levels and Oncologist Testing Estrogen Testing Its not uncommon for oncologists managing breast cancer, especially estrogen receptorpositive cases, to focus more on tumor markers like CA 2729 and less on routine estrogen testing, especially if the patient is on an aromatase inhibitor like Femara. Your current estradiol and estrone levels, as reported by your naturopath, provide useful information but may not provide the complete picture of your hormonal status and risk. Importance of Monitoring Given your history with breast cancer, its crucial to discuss any concerns about your estrogen levels with your
Thank you for reaching out with your concerns. Please note, I am a Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist and I specialize in Family medicine. Oncology is not my specialty. With that said, I have provided my response to your questions below. Please keep in mind these opinions are.
Hello, First, I'm sorry for all of your health struggles and thank you for sharing the details of them. It sounds like you've been doing well in seeking medical support both conventionally and naturally, though now have questions and are seeking a second medical opinion. Second, you asked how your naturopath could make that claim about your estrogen levels without having a prior comparison. There are typical normal ranges that she most likely was comparing to when she made that statement. I'm not sure why your oncologist didn't order some of the tests you mentioned. I cannot speak to that. I appreciate you reaching out. Unfortunately, I'm not a cancer specialist and this forum is not a place where I can provide second medical opinions. You may want to seek a consultation with a naturopathic oncologist or naturopathic female hormone specialist. They might be able to provide that medical recommendation you're seeking. I wish you the best in your health journey and hope you find the care you're seeking.
Hello my dear. I'm so sorry for your health battles. I would rather talk about this on a one on one basis, and we can do that if you would like me to help you with your bone, GI, brain, cardiovascular, stress, etc. I do not think you should be on any Progesterone because it can make more Estradiol! Obviously, you should not be on anything that will cause more estrogen to be made in your body. However, there are lots of things you can do to make sure you are safe from anything that will cause any cancer problems, but I also think that what needs to be addressed is actually, your quality of life and helping your body to restore balance in so many other ways because you cannot have any hormones. On that note, there are lots of things to help you decrease the bad hormones that cause problems and restore balance to your whole body. Does that make sense? If you would like to talk more, please let me know. My information is at the bottom of the page. I am here for you! Blessings, Dr. Angelina Alejandro.
Is your naturopath board certified in oncology? If not, I would follow your MD’s recommendation who is a board certified oncologist. I’m an MD, NMD. As King Solomon would say, I know how to “split the baby” and not cross those lines.