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@songsparrow

I had a really productive conversation with my MO today. I explained my concerns about my current side effects and any potential future side effects, and he confirmed that they are all risks, but manageable. We talked about the possibility of switching to Tamoxifen to see if my side effects improve, and he agreed it would fine (although slightly less effective) and better than not taking anything at all. We talked about my recurrence rate, which he doesn't know exactly (my conditions were so favorable that we agreed the oncotype was unnecessary), but it's going to be single digits since my conditions were so favorable. That being said, I feel like a dummy because I had thought recurrence rate referred to the chance that I would get another breast cancer like I just had. I had incorrectly assumed that if I get cancer again it would be treated like this one, so the extra 5% protection against recurrence didn't seem that significant. When I learned that it was extra protection against metastatic disease, I changed my tune very quickly. Knowing this, I will stay on the medication and just hope that Tamoxifen works for me. Even though 10% sounds low, it's not low enough for me to feel good about my odds. I don't know how it will turn out, but I am hopeful at the prospects of feeling better about myself and my life.

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Replies to "I had a really productive conversation with my MO today. I explained my concerns about my..."

@songsparrow you raise a really really good point. Ther is recurrence locally, regionally, and then there is metastasis. I think the term "recurrence" is very misleading and am going to start using "spread."

Sounds like you have a very accommodating doctor and hope tamoxifen is easier for you!

Songsparrow I had read your earlier post and I can relate. I started anastrozole 3 months ago and had all of the same concerns about side effects and long term health issues. As it is right now Im managing side effects ( muscle weakness , hot flashes and extra palpitations ) I looked for advice and Information from the wonderful people on this board and I'm grateful for them. I'm glad you had a good visit with your doctor and was able to have a solution. Hope this one works for you. Remember you're not alone !!

Callaloo and windyshores thanks for all of your insights.
Stay strong everyone and keep fighting!!!💪