Tamoxifen 10mg vs 20mg

Oh my gosh!!! Thank you all for confirming that I’m not the only one who thought she was going crazy and sliding into dementia. So glad for this forum that we have support from one another! I love you all!!!!

@lisman1408 - We love you too!!

My oncologist has tried me Tamoxifen, Femera and Arimidex. All have had severe side effects. He said they only make 1 % difference if tolerated so have chosen a better quality of life than those horrible tablets

I am also a very small woman, 5’2, 105 lbs. I took Anastrozole for about 5 months. It appeared that I had an allergic reaction to the Anastrozole. I broke out in severe hives that wouldn’t go away and I needed to be put on course of steroids for relief. My oncologist started me on tamoxifen,10 mg. after the hives cleared up with the cortisone. My pills are also 20 mg. and I cut them in half with a pill cutter.

But even worst than hives, with both medications I’ve had some nasty memory loss and cognitive function issues. After some research, I have found many scholarly medical research articles concerning cognitive function/memory loss as a result of estrogen reducing medications. I spoke to my oncologist about these side effects at my last appt. in early May. She took me off all estrogen lowering meds to see how I would be affected. It’s a night and day difference!! I am certain my memory loss was due to the Anastrozole and then also when she put me on Tomoxifin. For me, Estrogen does seem play a role in cognitive ability. My husband, friends, and co-workers now say I’m pretty much back to my old self again. I see my oncologist, next week for a routine visit. We’ll see where we go from there. But I really don’t want to go back on meds. that cause me to not be able to think straight!

I am not sure I believe it has only 1% difference - could a Mayo Onocologist please make a comment.

@100154 - i’ve has experience with Arimidex only. I was taken off of it last month, after 2 years, due to devastation to my joints and muscles. I’m not a candidate for Tamoxifin due to cardiac issues. I will not be trying any other “zole” medication & will be watched carefully.

A gal in this group posted info from her oncologist regarding percentages. I saved it and wii repost if permissible. Let me know.

All the best to you ❤️

@buckimom,- I SO want to get away from Arimidex as far away as possible, but I'm worried about the side effects of the other meds. what was your OncotypeDX score, Buckimom? Did your oncologist say it was OK to go off all of the drugs?

@sparklegram - I thought I could go the distance, at least 5 years. The first year was a breeze; the 2nd was as destructive as being hit by a Mack truck. My hands & feet are crippled (now I'm going to be tested for Rheumatoid & Lupis. From the Arimidex? Don't know yet. Yes, my oncologist told me that my ductal carcinoma insitu was caught very early; all my mammograms have been clean; bloodwork is good oncologically and he feels I will be fine with no more Arimidex. My quality of life has slipped to practically zero. Luckily for me, my God given gift is the ability to entertain myself, lol.