Hi all, 

I am 3 years into my treatment for Stage 1 (IDC) breast cancer which is estrogen positive. I was diagnosed when I was 37, I am now 40. 

I did not do chemo; instead I chose to do tamoxifen plus goserlin/Xolodex, which shuts down the ovaries. 

I am wondering: what happens after five years of treatment? My doctor says I only do the treatment for five years. Then what? My doctor also says there's a good chance my periods will come back after the five years. And if they do, aren't I putting myself at risk for the cancer recurring? My doctor doesn't seem to think this will be a problem.  

Can anyone else out there with a similar situation share her experience of what happened to her after five years of treatment? 

Thanks! 
Ashlea 

Ashlea,
 
I would recommend posting this question on the sound-off forum, there is more traffic there and you will probably get more answers to your question.  I am not able to help you because I am on an AI and had a hysterectomy.  There should be someone to help on the other forum.  Good luck to you.
 
Hugs,
 
Susie

43@ DX 7/18/08
No primary breast tumor
only found by biopsy of axilla lymph nodes
er/pr+ her-
Chemo 8/08 4 a/c 4 taxol finished 11/24/08
Bilat mast 12/08. w/ tissue expanders
5+/23 nodes
No signs of tumor in breast after pathology
pet, ct, and mri all negative for primary tumor 
 28 Rads started 2/2/09 finished 3/13/09  YEA!!!!!!!!!
hysterectomy April 24, 2009
 expander exchange for silicone 11/19/09
Aromosin May09- 5 YRS

The newer studies point to a longer time on an A1 may be beneficial rather than stop at five years.   I chose an opph because I was 46 but thisn may not be for you so you may get more answers asking your onc!!!:)

Tricia Keegan...From Ireland Dx July '05 IDC 3/9 nodes pos..triple positive..a/c x 4..Taxol/herceptin x 12
Herceptin 1yr ..rads x35 oophorectomy Aug '06
Currently taking Arimidex /Zometa 1 x yearly
Carepage- survivortricia

I'm older than you are, but finished my 5 years on Tamoxifen last year.  My oncologist told me that there has been no indication in any studies that continuing with an AI for Stage 1 BC has any benefit, so I stopped all treatments at 5 years.

One important thing to remember is that studies have shown that the 5 years of Tamoxifen has benefit beyond the treatment times according to Dr. Susan Love.  All treatments have side effects, so the doctors try to give you the best protection based on the research.

Breast Cancer can always recur, no matter what treatment you have or continue to have.  So it's important to be vigilant  in the future--but also, continue to live your life...you may never have to deal with this again!

Joyce

Portland, OR. DX: 6/09/05 IDC lb Age: 54 PR/HR+ Her- Lumpectomy/SNB 6/22/05 Nodes Neg! 33X Rads Comp 10/12/05 Tamoxifen: '05-'10 PT for lymphydema in breast '06 BRCA Neg 7/08! Tamoxifen induced uterine issues '07-'11 Total LA hysterectomy 12/11

that original post is from April 2010.  :)  Still good info though!!!

Jean S

Hope is that thing with feathers that perches in the soul and sings the tune without words and never stops...at all.
Emily Dickinson

IDC Stage IIB Grade 3 BC DX on 2-10-09
HER2+++
ER/PR+ 90% 
2 of 6 Node Positive
Double Mastectomy 2-23-09
Completed Chemo TC 7-10
Herceptin until 3-20-10
Arimidex for 5 years Started 8-09