by Lisa Beach

Created on: December 07, 2009

Femara is a modest and unique drug only for use in postmenopausal women, because of the effects it has on blocking Progesterone and Estrogen: two receptors that invite cancer to grow and thrive. The oncologist-speak for that process is ER/PR Positive. This refers to tumor growth in breast cancer that has spread [metastasized], and is used primarily for those women in the early stages of Breast Cancer.

Because Femara interacts with a woman's estrogen output. It can be formidable in its own quiet way. Tumors feed on both progesterone and estrogen. They use both to create little bio-systems of their own to protect themselves

Femara is a type of hormone therapy, but is often used in accordance with regular chemo drugs, because of its abilities to block both hormones.

It blocks the output of estrogen in postmenopausal women; their older bodies put out an enzyme called "Aromatase". This is a major reason Femara is used in postmenopausal women only. Neither a doctor nor a patient wants such an enzyme attacking estrogen released by a younger woman's viable ovaries.

Tamoxifen, which is used in pre-menopausal women, has benefits that improves bone production, and blocks plaque build-up within blood vessels. For patients who are post menopausal, the drug of choice is, of course, Femara.

Also, Femara helps prevent the returning of breast cancer in postmenopausal women in the early stages. Based on a world-wide 2 year study of 8,000 women, Femara was most effective at preventing a return of post surgery hormone receptive-positive early stage breast cancer.

Then there is the fact that Femara is used in advanced breast cancer, where the disease has spread to other areas of the body. Again, it is used in conjunction with chemotherapy drugs: the chemo kills the cancer cells, and the Femara blocks the body's ability for the cancer to sustain itself - breaking down its defenses, so to speak. And when one is in the more advanced stages, she can use all the help she can get. I know I can. I am in stage 4

And of course, as with taking any chemo [or other drug], there are side effects. I found it interesting that a number of the side effects were the same as actually going through menopause itself

Side effects for Femara with metastatic cancer [cancer that has spread]:

Hot flashes; increased sweating;

Jjoint pain; fatigue; dizziness; shortness of breath;

Back pain; nausea; constipation

Limb pain; tiredness; chest pain, and coughing

I had most side effects, but it's worth it, even at this late stage

And just a few "Do Not" rules here:

Do not use this drug if you are pre-menopausal: it could mess with birth control medications.

Do not use if you are not sure whether you are menopausal or not.

Do not use if you are or could be pregnant

This last "NO" is most important if you are still premenopausal and are trying to have a baby. Femara will block the estrogen and progesterone needed to get and stay pregnant.

And lastly, I have always believed that it is better to learn through someone else's information/ experiences rather than through my own personal pain. That is the reason for this article - that premenopausal women stay away from Femara unless their doctors says otherwise - and the reasons postmenopausal women benefit from it.

Breast cancer can be tricky, so being informed is your best defense. You will feel more confident, less fearful, and more empowered. Knowing what is happening and why, makes everything more do-able.

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