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5mg vs 10mg of Tamoxifen

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Feb 6 5:18pm | Replies (12)

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@colleenyoung

Welcome, @gcroemer,
@vivi1 posed a similar question in this helpful discussion:
- Taking a Lower Dose of Tamoxifen? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/taking-a-lower-dose-of-tamoxifen/

Also see this related discussion:
- Weight gain from Tamoxifen? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/weight-gain-from-tamoxifen/

Gcroemer, I'll be interested what your oncologist suggests too.

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Replies to "Welcome, @gcroemer, @vivi1 posed a similar question in this helpful discussion: - Taking a Lower Dose..."

Yes, I tried low dose tamoxifen based on the research of oncologist Andrea De Sensi, which is available online . I was diagnosed with Stage 1A IDC, and had a lumpectomy followed by radiation. As well, I am very active and fit at a 19-20 BMI, have changed my diet to mostly vegetarian, and think one size dose fits them all illogical. My oncologist went along with 10mg tablets to start, wanting me to increase to the standard of 20mg. 10mg seemed too much, so I first tried splitting the pills, but they are not scored and splitting is not advisable, so I took them every other day. Even at 5mg you get side effects, and in my case they included abdominal bloating, leg cramps, moodiness, and finally calf pain that may be associated with deep vein thrombosis. So while tamoxifen may be easier on the bones and heart, it was problematic for me with the endometrium and DVT. I am doing better on anastrozole, again taken every other day, which my oncologist would rather I up to the standard daily dosage but accepts my lower dose as better than not taking any anti-estrogen drug at all. IMHO, given medical advice, we have to finally decide what works best for our health concerns and quality of life.