HRT. is it now regarded as safe?

[percypineapple]

Are HRT tablets now safe, or is it regarded as safe because the risk factor is below a certain level? Our Doctors assistant, who is about 60 has been taking them for years and she said " no one is going to take them away from me!" when we asked about the risks.
What do you think?

[Robinia]

Best wishes and good luck from me too felly.x

I had an early menopause (chemo) & was on hrt for many years...I came off it 6 months ago and I feel like like hell. I know I went far longer than is recommended but my doctor said he'd prescribe it, it was my risk. There's been breast cancer in my family (not classed as early) so if unfortunately I develop it I'll never know one way or the other if hrt has been a factor. I'd go back on it tomorrow if I they said it was totaly safe.

[felly]

Thanks again anneasquith I will let you know. Robinia - I too would probably still be taking it if I had not been told not to because it totally stopped my hot flushes. I have been having these for 18 years now and it's no fun. My doctor told me I might have them for the rest of my life which cheered me up no end! Sorry for late reply but I've been out all day.

[felly]

Although it is not really connected to the original question I thought I would post an update as promised. I had my mastectomy no problem but at my follow-up appointment was told of the three lymph nodes removed the third was cancerous. This meant I had to have an axillary clearance which involved a further 18 lymph nodes none of which were cancerous :) though that meant I didn't really need that operation which was much more invasive. I will shortly have 4 sessions of chemotherapy, a year of three weekly injections of Herceptin and 5 years of Letrozole tablets. I am happy now I know what I have to face and I've been told the prognosis is good.

[Robinia]

I subscribed to this thread at the time otherwise I wouldn't have seen your update felly, I had wondered how you got on.

I'm pleased the mastectomy went well and that your prognosis is good but so sorry to hear you had to go through the mill with the lymph node removal. Very best wishes for all your further treatment, I hope it isn't too gruelling for you and that you have some supportive family/friends.
I'm sure there are others on AB who've been through it and would be glad to offer a bit of help and support if you should need it.
All the best x

[felly]

Thank you Robinia. Yes I have friends who have all offered help and my sister ferries me to all my appointments so I am very lucky. I will be glad when the chemotherapy is over but am very optimistic about the future :)