Hi Zipit,
I'm a breast cancer survivor as well. Did your tumor have estrogen and progesterone receptors? If so, you might want to consider taking Tamoxifen and Zoladex. Tamoxifen blocks the cells from absorbing e and p which can help prevent a recurrance. Zoladex prevents the ovaries from making e and p. Taking both drugs is kind of like a 1,2 punch for cancer. Both drugs need to be taken for 5 years, then you're done.
If you did not have e and p receptors then hormonal treatment will not benefit you nearly as much. I read a study that concluded that women with breast cancer, no metastasis, and who had e and p receptors on their tumors had the same survival rate after taking Tomoxifen for 5 years (without chemo) as women who opted for the chemo.
I only have 1 side effect from the Zoladex -- hot flashes. I hate them. But, if I have to have hot flashes and know that I might live longer and healthier, so be it!
[This message has been edited by Kalie (edited 08-25-2003).]
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surgery over 
