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Taking Tamoxifen long term, between 5-10 years after breast cancer.
Hi. I'm coming up on my 5th year anniversary of being cancer free and taking Tamoxifen. I had invasive ductal carcinoma. Lumpectomy followed by radiation. I had two lymph nodes with isolated tumor cells but tested negative for cancer. I've had zero side affects from taking the medication. I've found a few studies that show there is a long term benefit past the 10 year mark for staying on tamoxifen. I'm interested if people are staying on tamoxifen past the 5 year mark.
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Hi, I wondered how long has it been your surgery and what kind of BC? Thanks. Daisy
Been 5 yrs. Duct something! They said it was Stage 0, but I dont know how it was only Stage 0 being size of a grapefruit!
Was it DCIS- ductal carcinoma in situ? That is the type of cancer I had. My oncologist said it is considered stage 0 if all the cancer is contained in the milk ducts.
Dear Kim, Thanks for your reply. I had DCIS 0.8cm, and had surgery last November. with two dimensions less than 2mm😢. I refused radiation, but was convinced by oncologist to take Tamoxifen since March 21. I am thinking to quit Tamoxifen any time now. I believe that my life quality is more important. Wish you the best. Daisy.
Yes thats what is was. Plus it was in lobes too.
Yes 🙂
I am at the stage where I need to get a monthly injection to stop my ovaries for 5 years and need to decide if I want to be on Tamoxifen for 10 years or an aromatase inhibitor for 5 years. Anyone have any advice on which medicine would have less side effects?
Hi, I am new to this page. I have been on 20 mg tamoxifen for 4 months. I have debilitating headaches and back/neck pain and fatigue. I’m young ish (53) and typically very active. Did your symptoms ever improve? I just got a refill and it was a different brand so I’m hoping maybe that will help. I’m considering stopping it bc of side effects. I had stage 1 DCIS. No lymph involvement. 20 rounds of radiation. I’m curious if you stayed on tamoxifen.
I meant IDC not DCIS.
Hi, I didn’t tolerate Tamoxifen I started to get ovarian cysts on top of the fatigue and crippling anxiety. I was considering a hysterectomy but oncologist felt that was too aggressive and that I could come off the Tamoxifen. So I am taking half of a 10mg and developed uterine thickening they did a biopsy and that was negative. I continue to take “5mg” half of a 10mg just to say I am doing something but I am not sure I am doing anything with the small dose.