“Your mammogram results are normal you can get dressed. See you next year”. I smiled as I buttoned up my blouse, thanking GOD as I recalled one year earlier and a much different response.

“We have the results from the biopsy, you have … breast cancer. My doctor delicately stated. Then, he said do not worry, “You will not be alone”. Why would he say that? I am alone.

 Silence followed, then anger and shock with anxious feelings of becoming a burden to people. Where does that come from? Why is it so hard to say “help” when we need it? Especially for those of us who often take care of everyone else.

I am not a high- powered executive or anyone with influence who can attract social media attention if I jog in a public park, jay walk or sneeze in a restaurant. I have never run for a public office, nor do I have the financial backing of a globally recognized marketing giant. It is just me, my voice, and my experience.

Until February 2019, my life was routine. In fact, more like a based-on-true events movie promo.

“When a healthy, 63 year- old woman develops breast cancer from a hormone pill-(estradiol-norethindrone-acetate), life becomes more complicated when law firms are unwilling to expose billion-dollar pharmaceutical companies”.

There is a disclaimer on most prescription meds: “Your health care provider has recommended this med because they believe the benefits outweigh the risks”. In my case, cancer was the side effect. I know I am not the first person to experience this. But I cannot help but wonder how many other women have little knowledge of the possible damage of the drug.   

The effects of hormone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women has been well documented providing evidence of the increase in the risk of developing breast cancer.

Yet, prescriptions continue to be ordered and filled.

At the suggestion of my former doctor, I began taking estradiol-norethindrone-acetate in May 2018, (a 90- day supply.) Within 6 months, I developed invasive breast cancer. Aside from my own personal experience, there are hundreds of other cases which support the dangers of taking this med.

According to FDA regulations, before prescription meds are marketed to consumers, they must be proven to be safe, effective, and side effects identified.

If you (or any woman in your life) are currently on hormone replacement make sure you know all the risks.  I regret that I listened to a doctor, who frowned upon natural alternatives to minor symptoms of menopause. This may not be your story; you may be in the category or know women who are having no issues.  Wonderful! I share my experience to inform, educate and warn women who may be considering HRT…Especially estradiol-norethindrone-acetate.

Fast forward. I do not know what I would have done without my core of sisterfriends-family members. Teresa, Lady Byrd, Yolanda, Shani, Willene, “Gunn”, JoCarol, Penni, Polly, Ron, Guil, Donnie, Chime, Toy, Patsy, Debbie, Verna, Karen, Sand, Glo,KimT, Gerald J, Mr.Hill, Cashay, Dr.Tina, Dr.A, Erika, Jocelyn and Cynethia. The phone calls, and the outpouring of support. They stood with me from the first diagnosis, surgery, aftercare, and follow up.

My daughter Wz, my rock my road dog and my sister Cynethia from 5^th grade were at every doctor appointment. We laughed in every waiting room. They joined me to hear each doctor explain what to expect before, during, and after. What I am most thankful for were the team of female specialists, including my surgeon. (Dr.DiPasquale, Dr.Harth, Dr.Caruso)

I had many private prayers to God in the shower as I photographed my radiation burns. I slept with my Bible on top of my stomach with the passage, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you”. I was not alone.

How You Can Help Other Women  

Inform. Educate. Research warning and side effects and report FDA this information. Share this BLOG Write to manufacturers. Suggest other natural products.

*For the record, this is not a claim against the physicians who prescribed Estradiol/Norethindrone/Acetate. It is a reawakening to know, trust and believe what you know is best for your body.  But most importantly, encourage others to consider alternative treatment for menopause symptoms to avoid the risk of developing prescription med breast cancer

Examples of Clinical Reference

• Med Watch-Web Med (US Food & Drug Administration)
• “Hormone Replacement Therapy & Breast Cancer Risk-Women Health Initiative-2002
• Conclusion: All results published showed combined HRT Estrogen plus Progestin risks outweigh benefits.
• US National Library of Medicine (Pub Med)
• “Effects of menopausal hormone therapy on ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast-2013
• Luo J, Cochrane BB, Wactawski-Wende J
• Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Bloomington, IN
• Conclusion: Our analysis suggests that combined estrogen plus progestin use in post- menopausal women may increase risk of ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast.
• Public Med Central Articles-Post Menopausal
• Hormone replacement therapy and the increase in the incidence of invasive lobular breast cancer” PM Ravadin@aol.com
• University of Texas Health Sciences Center, San Antonio, Texas US
• Conclusion:  Data suggests increase is connected to the use of HRT
• Women’s Health Initiative-Women’s Health Institute
• Clinical Studies 2002-2017
• United States Preventive Services Task Force-2017
• Conclusion: Though initially endorsed, in most recent recommendation, discourages the use of HRT.

FC Hickombottom