I had a bilateral mastectomy one year ago. I was stage II and had 36 lymph nodes removed in a second surgery. All of which were negative (one node was found to have a spec of cancer during the initial surgery - doctor called it a floater). I underwent 6 rounds of chemotherapy which ended last April.
The breast cancer was only in my right breast, however the doctor said the MRI reflected that the left side didn't look normal - things were changing. I did tell the doctor both sides felt the same and I had quite a bit of tingling. That is why I opted for the bilateral. If the floater cancer cell wouldn't have occurred, I would not have had to have the chemotherapy.
I have been taking Tamoxifen for a couple of months now, following chemotherapy.
Last week the doctor had me switch to Arimidex as I had not had a period for one year. After taking it for a couple of days I was not feeling very well. I was having stomach discomfort, irratibility and swelling in my hands. I received a call from the doctor's office telling me not to take the Arimidex and return to Tamoxifen as my hormone levels suggested that I wasn't in menopause quite yet.
How do these two drugs work differently? I guess I really have been having trouble understanding what they do for me?
Also, If i would stop taking either one due to side effects, what type of risk is that for the cancer to return?
I feel having had the bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and no additional positive lymph nodes discovered - why do I need this drug?
Thank you for your time.