SHARE's AI & Tamoxifen Support Group Meeting, 5/18 @ 6 pm

[BklynCatwoman]

I wanted to invite those in the NYC area who are on aromatase inhibitors and tamoxifen to come to our monthly support group at SHARE's Manhattan offices. The next one is being held this Thursday, May 18 at 6 pm, 165 West 46th Street, Suite 706. I co-facilitate with Mary Vetting, who's just great. Always a good group and I always learn something new and helpful.

[gmasurvivor]

I've attended this group and learned so much from it.

[BklynCatwoman in reply to gmasurvivor]

Thank you! So glad you did.

[haagr]

Anyone in your group taking Evista or considering it in lieu of Tamoxifen? My oncologist recommended it for me but I am concerned about the DVT and stroke side effects as my recurrence risk is only about 5% post lumpectomy and radiation for DCIS. Not thinking it's worth the risk.

R

[BklynCatwoman]

Hi there,

As far as know, no one in the group is taking Evista but you raise some interesting points. Are the DVT and stroke side effects less than the 5% recurrence rate? Many times the risks are miniscule. This would be a good point to raise at one of our meetings. The next one is on Thursday, June 15 at 6 pm. If you're not local to NYC, you could always dial in.

Cathy

[haagr in reply to BklynCatwoman]

I'm in NYC but Wednesday's are tough for me. I'll try to come. I'll go back to the literature and try to find the exact DVT/ Stroke risk. If I recall, it wasn't specific numerically as the other side effects were.

Given my history of high BP, varicose veins and family history of heart disease and stroke, I am very reluctant to start Evista. My oncologist is not pushing it. All she said is that it was an option I could consider snd there is no rush to decide. My surgeon feels my risk of recurrence is low enough now to decline Evista and added that 40% of strokes are fatal. And when I discussed this with my internist, his first words were "I can't tell you what to do but you know that Evista can cause DVT and strokes. It's been 2 months since being presented with this option and so far now I've decided not to begin Evista.

R

[BklynCatwoman in reply to haagr]

We meet on Thursdays (3rd Thursday of the month) so that might be easier.

[haagr in reply to BklynCatwoman]

I'll put it on my calendar and try to make it

R

[BklynCatwoman]

Great, our next meeting is Thursday, June 15 at 6 pm. Look forward to seeing you there.

[Survivor2016]

Wish they meetings like that where I am

[BklynCatwoman]

Have you checked with your doctor or hospital? They just might. If not, you can always dial in to ours. The next one is June 15 from 6-7:30. I can give you call in instructions so you can participate by phone.

[NiNi4]

I love that you keep everything on the upbeat. It helps so much reaching out she's someone who understands what you're going through. Thank you for what you do!