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Tamoxifen yes or no?
Tamoxifen yes or no? I was diagnosed with ALH on my right breast with micro calcifications. I’m 50, still with my periods every month. Had an excisional biopsy on 12/22. Biopsy came back negative. I was sent to the Oncologist that suggested Tamoxifen for 5 years. She told me about the side effects, blood clots, uterine cancer, mood swings, night sweats, etc. I’m not sure to take the pill or not, I will be monitored every six months with MRI’s and mammograms. What is your experience with tamoxifen?
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Oncotype 16 no chemotherapy and radiation recommended. Tamoxifen was recommended and haven't decided to take it yet do to side effects. My oncologist is ok to start with 5 milligrams instead of 20 per day, but I am still not ready to take it. The inflammations, weight gaining, blood clot, uterine cancer is everything we try to avoid and Tamoxifen does that.
Why Tamoxifen was recommended to you instead of AI. I also face the same situation. Don’t know whether take tamoxifen or AI which will make my osteoporosis even worse. Thanks for your feedback!
Perimenopause, stage 1. How old are you?
55. Period stopped couple years already.
Polianad, Take the 20 mg of Tamoxifen, stay hydrated, get plenty of exercise, eat a healthy, low-fat diet and focus on being alive. Life's too short to fret about tamoxifen. It can keep you alive. I am into my 3rd year and am 83+.
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4 ReactionsI am happy to hear that dick61 is tolerating Tamoxifen well. However, not everyone is fortunate enough to avoid side effects by following healthy habits and not fretting. Tamoxifen MAY prevent recurrence and keep you alive, but it can also cause many short and long term side effects which may diminish your quality of life. I have a friend, who is taking 5mg. of Tamoxifen. Her side effects are uterine polyps and anemia requiring iron infusions, in addition to others. She may need to have a hysterectomy. While I am not suggesting that women avoid taking Tamoxifen, Polianad's valid concerns should be acknowledged. It is disturbing to me that after 50 years, medical science has yet to develop a drug to replace Tamoxifen with all its potentially dangerous side effects for premenopausal women. Knowledge is power.
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4 Reactions@bloncape it’s the same with anastrozole-it was approved by the FDA in 1995. My son was two years old and he’s about to turn 30! That seems crazy that they haven’t found something that doesn’t make us feel horrible and lose bone! I hope you continue to do well.
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1 ReactionI recently switched from AI to Tamoxifen. According to my Oncologist & what I have researched, Tamoxifen does not cause bone loss like AI. I have Osteopenia/Osteoporosis, so this is a big deal to me
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2 ReactionsThank you for your advice. I have friends, people who didn't take it and are very well. My blood test for blood clot showed that I am susceptible to that. My understanding is that not our estrogen promotes the cancer, it's the toxins in our bodies that behave like estrogen. Toxins from food, environment, emotions etc.
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1 ReactionSweating is a good way to remove toxin. However, for people with lymph node dissection, we can not use sauna or steam room. How disappointing is it!