Anyone on tamoxifen who is in their 70's or 80's?

Why aren't you having an aromatase inhibitor rather than tamoxifen? Usually after menopause we have an AI...

Many of us did hormonal meds without them affecting quality of life. For me the key was to walk more than 20 minutes. If I walked less I had pain, but after 20 minutes it all eased and I felt fine. Everyone is different so maybe give them a shot.

windyshores what is aromatase?

I am fond of saying “a conversation never hurt anyone”. Talk to your doctor about these fears, on threads like these you read from all the people who are unhappy about the medicines. Far fewer people who are happy with them, take the time to write about it. What you read here is disproportionate to the number of women who experience harsh side effects. Also you can always decide to stop.
Here is a list of hormone therapy drugs and the quick version of hormone therapy for breast cancer from the Mayo Clinic website.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/in-depth/breast-cancer/art-20045353
Does this help answer some of your questions? Do you have a list of questions for your doctor?

auntieoakley------Thank you for the information. I did talk to my oncologist and he said to try Tamoxifen
for a week if it does not agree with me, just stop it.
My problem is I no of two women that took it and after 5 years both had cancer one got it in her brain and
passed away. I had it in my left breast 10 years ago, this one is the right breast, and had nothing to do with the left.
After I have proton radiation I guess I will decide about the pill. 10 people can take it and 5 will come back.
Thank you again.

I am 75 and have always taken letrozole. I was told by my oncologist at 65 not to take tomoxifen due to it causing blood clot issues.

How did your bones do on Letrozole?

I am 72, first year ( of 5-10) on Anastrozole and not experiencing any significant side effects … only some joint stiffness which I can literally “work out” with stretch ing and walking. But I do worry about the unseen effects like bone thinning.

That is true, the doctor ask me if I had blood clot issues, I said no, maybe I could get
them with Tamoxifen. He said at my age I should take it. It could even help my bones.
I have never been up in the air about meds, I don't take anything, and I don't have a good
feeling about this Tamoxifen.

I am in month 10 on Anastrozole and have minor joint stiffness that I can stretch out or walk off. I see it as a protective measure; something I can actively do, every day, to help prevent a recurrence. I think it has a 50 hour half life so if it produces difficult or unmanageable side effects it can be stopped immediately. Also there are two other “ brands” of this AI med and some women try other ones with better results.

Also MY FIRST TIME EVER on a daily medication.
Im taking Anastrozole. I too, at 72, worry about unwanted effects of medications. I’m sensitive even to OTC preparations. I was nervous about it. I have minor obvious side effects but I worry about the unseen side effects like bone health. I decided to schedule a DEXA at one year in ( verses two) to stay on top of it. I’ve introduced mitigation practices of increased calcium through whole foods, D3 and K2 as well as weight bearing .. brisk walking and yoga and some weights. 🌸

My bones ache but I walk every day which helps. I have both osteopenia and osteoporosis in my back and hips. Genetics… I do exercises and sometimes get cortisone shots which helps.