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Breast Cancer/breast cancer-possible witch from tamoxifen to an aromatase inhibitor

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Expert: - 6/29/2009


Question
Five years ago I was diagnosed with estrogen-sensitive breast cancer, categorized as stage T2A,N0M0.After surgery,because the tumour was just barely over 2 cm, oncology team treated as stage 1, with radiation only, explaining that in this case, it was not worth the exposure to the risk of chemo. Now, after 4 and 1/2 years of tamoxifen, oncologist has stopped it for 3 months, and I am being given the choice of switching to letrozole or just stopping the tamoxifen and taking nothing.I have been told that in this case, letrozole may or may not be worth taking.What is the protocol, treating it as stage 1,and the protocol for stage 2, and what would you suggest?

Answer
Well normally tamoxifen (or an aromatase inhibitor which probably is somewhat better) is given for 5 years! However here they want you to change medication. I see no reason why not to do so. So I suggest that you do so! Your tumor was also rather big for a lumpectomy so I at least think that your treatment is IMPORTANT!

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Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D.

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I`m a doctor of medicine and a specialist in radiation therapy and medical oncology. I have long experience in diagnostics and treatment of breast tumours.

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I'm a Doctor of Medicine and specialist in Medical Oncology and Radiation Therapy educated & trained in Sweden. Now retired. Background in Radiation Therapy, Medical Oncology, Radiation Protection, Nuclear Medicine, Diagnostic Radiology, Gynecological Oncology, Clinical Pathology, Clinical Cytology,Hematology and Internal Medicine. M.D. from the faculty of medicine, Royal Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Have also been an exchange student at the Hebrew University, Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem Israel. Former medical consultant, Swedish National Board of Radiation Protection. Former Police Surgeon and Medical Examiner, Stockholm Police Department. Former Chief Medical Officer, The Royal Guards, The Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Household Brigade, Royal Swedish Army Medical Corps.You can also reach me on: http://www.lifestylerescue.com/expert/health-fitness-advice/dr-claes-gustaf/128 I have no restrictions on the number of questions there.

I also answer questions about Oncology (General Cancer), General History, Military History, Brain Tumors, Colon Cancer

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I'm a medical doctor and specialist in medical oncology and radiation therapy.

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