1. < Breast Cancer

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

Posted by marcia115 @marcia115, Jan 24, 2023

I was told to take tamoxifen for 5 years after my radiation, I am afraid
of the side effects. I am 81 and think I would rather have my quality of life
than have some of these side effects I am hearing. It is not worth it. I was in stage 2. any suggestions?

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meme5 | @meme5 | Jan 26, 2023
In reply to @marcia115 "That is true, the doctor ask me if I had blood clot issues, I said no,..." + (show)
@marcia115

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.

Jump to this post

I developed blood clots in my lungs from my reconstruction surgery so absolutely no tamoxifen for me.

REPLY
windyshores | @windyshores | Jan 26, 2023
In reply to @marcia115 "That is true, the doctor ask me if I had blood clot issues, I said no,..." + (show)
@marcia115

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.

Jump to this post

@marcia115 did you try an aromatase inhibitor like letrozole, anastrazole, exemestane? Usually post-menopausal women take one of those. Did you try on and not tolerate it? I am still wondering whether that is why you are on Tamoxifen.

I don't know about your cancer case but I would give it more than a week! I think it takes awhile for our bodies to adjust to some of these meds.

REPLY
1 reply
marcia115 | @marcia115 | Jan 26, 2023
In reply to @anjalima "Also MY FIRST TIME EVER on a daily medication. Im taking Anastrozole. I too, at 72,..." + (show)
@anjalima

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. 🌸

Jump to this post

He did not want to put me on Anastrozole because I have osteopenia and osteoporosis
and that affects the bones he said. This whole thing is making me crazy, I am not
going to worry about it till after radiation and just live my life. when I had it in the left breast
I had radiation and took nothing, that was 10 years ago, all is well so far on that breast. I also
walk 3 miles a day on the treadmill that is not counting my errands and etc.

REPLY
1 reply
marcia115 | @marcia115 | Jan 26, 2023
In reply to @windyshores "@marcia115 did you try an aromatase inhibitor like letrozole, anastrazole, exemestane? Usually post-menopausal women take one..." + (show)
@windyshores

@marcia115 did you try an aromatase inhibitor like letrozole, anastrazole, exemestane? Usually post-menopausal women take one of those. Did you try on and not tolerate it? I am still wondering whether that is why you are on Tamoxifen.

I don't know about your cancer case but I would give it more than a week! I think it takes awhile for our bodies to adjust to some of these meds.

Jump to this post

windyshores
I have tried nothing so far until I am done with radiation, the ones you mentioned he said
are not good for the bones. My cancer was estrogen related. I don't know which way I am going
till after I have had my radiation, maybe nothing and just live my life. I am just not good
on medicine.

REPLY
2 replies
anjalima | @anjalima | Jan 26, 2023
In reply to @marcia115 "He did not want to put me on Anastrozole because I have osteopenia and osteoporosis and..." + (show)
@marcia115

He did not want to put me on Anastrozole because I have osteopenia and osteoporosis
and that affects the bones he said. This whole thing is making me crazy, I am not
going to worry about it till after radiation and just live my life. when I had it in the left breast
I had radiation and took nothing, that was 10 years ago, all is well so far on that breast. I also
walk 3 miles a day on the treadmill that is not counting my errands and etc.

Jump to this post

Sounds like a good plan!

Wishing you, and all of us, the best on our journey.

REPLY
anjalima | @anjalima | Jan 26, 2023
In reply to @marcia115 "windyshores I have tried nothing so far until I am done with radiation, the ones you..." + (show)
@marcia115

windyshores
I have tried nothing so far until I am done with radiation, the ones you mentioned he said
are not good for the bones. My cancer was estrogen related. I don't know which way I am going
till after I have had my radiation, maybe nothing and just live my life. I am just not good
on medicine.

Jump to this post

Sometimes we just need time to figure out the best way forward. I’m sure you will get good advice and second options are helpful as well.

REPLY
windyshores | @windyshores | Jan 26, 2023
In reply to @marcia115 "windyshores I have tried nothing so far until I am done with radiation, the ones you..." + (show)
@marcia115

windyshores
I have tried nothing so far until I am done with radiation, the ones you mentioned he said
are not good for the bones. My cancer was estrogen related. I don't know which way I am going
till after I have had my radiation, maybe nothing and just live my life. I am just not good
on medicine.

Jump to this post

@marcia115 I already had osteoporosis but took aromatase inhibitors, not tamoxifen, because they are said to be more effective, though I don't know the exact difference in effectiveness. Most of us post-menopausal women take aromatase inhibitors even though a lot of us have potential or real bone density issues. Maybe your bone density loss is severe already?

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