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Tamoxifen 10mg vs 20mg
I was on Anastrozole for 6 months my doctor switched me to Tamoxifen because of severe muscle pain. I was given 20mg of Tamoxifen is that the regular dosage every day. It also comes in 10mg. I saw a study that women were given 5mg each day by cutting the 10mg in half and was wondering if anyone has cut their dosage so it is better tolerated.
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@partI the MRI teams do write summaries, but I have to have my oncologist explain it more to me. I have had a tumor in my chest wall and the Doc has tried to shrink it with AI's (drove up my blood pressure horribly, until Labile hypertension), but the two I tried seem to have shrunk the inaccesible tumor by 2/3. Then she followed with Fulvestrant shots, but that gave me bad leg & joint pain, and finally a rash so I went off of it. They said they couldn't adjust the dose down. It may have contributed to my new swelling feet/ankles & possible venous insufficiency; still have to investigate that. So now I'm on Tamoxifen, first 10 mg, which gives me joint pain.
Anyway, I'm going to see a Proton Beam Radiologist to see if there is anything they can do to eliminate the remainder of the tumor, I think about the size of a grape. They use this on lymph chains too I've read.
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2 ReactionsHi, I am currently cutting the 10mg of tamoxifen in half so I am taking 5mg a day. I started on Anastrazole but found out I have osteoporosis. I was then put on 20mg tamoxifen but I was too fearful of the side effects so my dr agreed to 5 mg daily or 10 mg every other day. I was initially having bad headaches but not anymore. I do get leg cramps at night sometimes, and joint pain daily which is uncomfortable . I have been on this dose for 5 months. Hope this is helpful
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6 Reactions@marygb, are you also taking medications for osteoporosis?
@colleenyoung
Hi Colleen, No I am not. I’m scared of the necrosis of the jaw side effect and also the femur fracture they can cause. I’m opting to eat calcium rich foods especially non dairy sources since I heard/ read they have estrogen and could possibly increase recurrence. I’m also taking calcium ,vitamin D3, K2 and magnesium . I drink fortified almond milk. I really hope I’m making good decisions but I’m not that confident. Thanks for asking
Mary
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1 Reaction@marygb I recently finished 5-day radiation course & will begin soon with 10 mg of Tamoxifen daily. I'm 72 & stage 1. Hoping to protect my bones & hoping I can tolerate the 10 mg pills!
@jmab , I have ILC, stage 1, grade 2. I had a lumpectomy and 16 radiation treatments. Started Anastrazole and that made me extremely achy. I found out I had osteoporosis and was unwilling to take bone meds due to side effects. I have been on 5 mg Tamoxifen for 5 months and am tolerating it. I am 65. I can’t believe this is all they have to offer . I did read on here somewhere there’s a new medication that’s in it’s 4th clinical trial that appears more promising. Prayers, Mary
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1 Reaction@marygb I can't believe they don't have anything better either!
Did you try the Tam 10gm?
Hi jamb, no I didn’t. I can’t stand the thought of the side effects. There have been a couple studies on the 5 mg dose that appears to be just as effective. I don’t really know if it pertains to my situation. It’s very stressful.
marygb
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2 Reactions@marygb I agree that it's stressful! I'm 72 & I see online posts from women our age who choose not to take any meds. I'm starting 10 mg Tam next week. But if it makes me miserable, I'll definitely re-think it! Sending best wishes to you!
@jmab I am 78, and I am not taking anything. If I get a recurrence, I'll deal with it.
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