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[jaypo]

I was given sertraline for anxiety,couldn't stomach it

[jillydoll]

Sertraline is an antidepressant.
Surprise surprise. No change there then!
Google, meno clinic's in your area, might be of help....?
I'm so sorry your not getting anywhere quick enough.
If you find one in your area, phone your GP and tell them to refer you off to it.
ASAP! ......I can't think of anything else....good luck...xxxx

[Cazikins]

She proceeded to tell me that she did not feel that even the oncologist was the correct person to prescribe HRT and that I needed to see a meno specialist. Where do I find one? I am Cheshire based, so will start looking around I guess. 

Hi Nas, click on this link to find a meno specialist in your area:
https://thebms.org.uk/find-a-menopause-specialist/

Hope you get the right help soon.
Cazi x

[Nas]

Thanks all.
Just looked at the link Cazi, I've already seen my nearest specialist and she wanted to hear what the oncologist had to say, before prescribing me anything. I've been back in touch with her to ask whether she will prescribe, since the GPS are unwilling, I may contact a few more on that list also!

[CLKD]

Ring the Oncologist's Secretary or send an e-mail?  Is there a PALS group at the Hospital who can intervene?

[Nas]

The oncologists secretary emailed to say that the man himself is going to ring me on Monday!
Can GP's refuse to prescribe a treatment, it they know a person is suffering and this treatment MAY help alleviate the symptoms. I mean, it's a bit crap to say " There is evidence to suggest that HRT can help with many of your symptoms, oh but wait a minute, it MAY trigger your cancer again". You MAY not wake up from an operation, you MAY experiences dreadful side effects from antibiotics or other drugs. They can't say for SURE, HRT will trigger the cancer cells again; so why can't I trial it???

[CLKD]

Have a look at some of my answers in recent days via my profile - I mentioned a Consultant in the US regarding his wife and daughter, both using HRT despite ......

Hopefully he won't keep you waiting too long on Monday!  Let us know.  "Quality of Life" is important, ask your GP should he be reluctant to drag out any research that states women have had recurrence?  After all, that bus might be along prior to the body growing more cancer cells!!!  and yes, it is time that women took the risk or asked for double mastectomy if HRT is so dangerous?

[Nas]

CLKD would you like to speak to him for me? 😀 You are right of course, that bus could come hurtling down the road, way before the cancer cells ignite! He is calling at 2.30 pm and I'm going to dig out some of your thoughts and posts, ready to have in front of me! I won't be told no no no, when I want to trial at the very least!

[CLKD]

Ask him what he fears the most about prescribing appropriate HRT ?  Also ask what he would advise his Wife, Mum, Daughter ;-).

[CLKD]

Here we are!

From MaryJane recently:

Read oestrogen Matters book by Avrum Blumin his own wife & daughter have had breast cancer and BOTH are on HRT.

There is an awful lot of media propaganda, & medical evidence that proves that we have been lead down the wrong path.

He is a top US breast oncologist.

[Nas]

The Oncologist phoned the GP, not me! The jist is, that they still want me to try the anti d's, which I do not want to do.
I have emailed the private meno GP whom I saw in April, to see if she will prescribe based on the contents of the letter, but I cannot really afford her. When the GP rings tomorrow, to let me know the exact outcome of the telephone conversation, I will ask them to refer me to a meno clinic I think. More waiting etc etc and in the meantime, quality of life goes down the pan! 

[CLKD]

I would make an appt 2 C the Oncologist and ask for more concrete information as to why ladies can't have HRT?  Would he prefer to suggest double mastectomy if HRT is so dangerous?  Also look at the book by Avrum Blumin and suggest that your Oncologist reads it!  We have to take responsibility sometimes rather than trusting on hear-say.  If ladies are prepared to take risks in order to feel well during menopause then that's the way it should go, we shouldn't be treated like children  after all, until someone takes the risk and this would be a great Thesis topic ;-) we will never get passed the 'no' situation.

[Wrensong]

Hi Nas, I'm so sorry this is dragging on & on for you.  It's a really difficult situation for patients & doctors alike.  The medics (GPs, Menopause specialists etc) who have it within their power either to prescribe HRT for women who have had breast cancer, or to give their blessing (Oncologists, Breast Surgeons etc) for another medic to do so, also have a duty of care to ensure they do nothing to cause harm.  In addition to the ethical position, the thought of giving the go ahead may be personally horrifying - they will care about what happens to their patients. 

I really feel your frustration & anger, which is why I think I flagged up on your earlier thread the Avrum Bluming book CLKD is also referring to.  I imagine you read this but can't remember for sure.  His views are very encouraging & in theory somewhat liberating for breast cancer patients in need of HRT, but it may take years for them to filter down to other medics & there may still be many who are resistant to the idea that HRT can ever be safe after breast cancer.  I really hope you manage to thrash this out with a medic who knows your history & can help you reach the right decision, but just wanted to say that the reluctance you've come up against is almost certainly due to their feeling they have your best interests at heart.  I'm not saying they're right - I just want you to feel less bad about the hurdles you are facing.

CLKD - I'm aware of your history from your past posts & am pleased you have done so well, but not sure from your comment about bilateral mastectomy whether you know that such radical surgery still doesn't guarantee breast cancer will not recur.  The choice between lumpectomy & mastectomy will depend upon a number of factors, including size, type & stage of tumour, whether there is more than one cancerous area present, breast size relative to tumour size & in some cases the patient's preference.  Even after mastectomy there can be local recurrence in skin flap, nipple (if spared), chest wall or scar tissue & possibly distant recurrence elsewhere in the body if the original cancer was invasive.  These days the trend is for breast conserving surgery where possible - i.e. lumpectomy with/without or Radiotherapy &/or Chemo & possibly hormone blockers, where these various adjuncts are appropriate.  Mastectomy is a bigger operation, possibly carrying more risks & may also require more time in hospital than lumpectomy.  So in addition to clinicians wanting to conserve as much as possible of the breast in a smaller procedure, for a better cosmetic outcome & less trauma for the patient, there are cost considerations as to why mastectomy may not be recommended.  This is a bit of a meander, but there is sometimes the assumption that mastectomy guarantees a future free of breast cancer & sadly this is not always the case.  I wasn't sure from your comment whether that was what you thought.

[CLKD]

I know that - but so many 'experts' refuse HRT to those of us who have undergone treatment for breast disease.  So if it's so dangerous then double mastectomy should be considered.  Has any Research been carried out as to the % of recurrence caused by HRT ........ it shouldn't take time to filter down to ladies who are prepared to take the risk!  Quality of Life is surely important?

[Wrensong]

Yes CLKD - I know they do & I agree that quality of life is very important, which is why I recommended the Bluming book some weeks ago - to point anyone reading who is in this position towards an open-minded expert's opinion & the relevant research he cites.  I simply felt Nas's pain again today & wanted her to feel that her medics care what happens to her & that this is probably behind their dilemma.  It's a horrible situation to be in for everyone concerned.  There is simply not enough definitive research on HRT after breast cancer, so it's something of a catch 22 isn't it?