5mg vs 10mg of Tamoxifen

Aporto aquí mi experiencia con tamoxifeno.
A fines de 2005 tuve cáncer de mama que se manifestó en un pequeñísimo bulto.Fui operada y me retiraron 9 o 10 ganglios. Recibí rayos (una determinada cantidad pedida por el cirujano) que el radiólogo determinó aplicar en corto tiempo aumentando la intensidad.Por descuido mío ,no cuide la parte irradiada, y debí cortar el tratamiento una semana por irritación de la.piel.Pero he de comentar que no sentí nunca ninguna molestia,cansancio o malestar que alterase mi bienestar.Pero si calambres en mis piernas. Y muy intensos desde más o menos la mitad del tratamiento del tamoxifeno que empecé a tomar después de terminada la aplicación de los rayos. Pedí muchísimas veces al médico que me suspendiese ese medicamento, cosa que no conseguí. Al poco tiempo de de dejar de tomar tamoxifeno cesaron mis calambres, que eran fatales. No sé si había alguna relación pero esa fue mi experiencia.

I took the latest genomic test in 2025 - Precision RT - (Prelude DX is the third party vendor) which is considered 96% accurate. It tests the excised sample after a lumpectomy with DCIS. It does the testing on the sample and also includes the other factors such as age, etc. It gives you two scores on a scale of 1-10 that is then translated into a percentage. The first is the high level number - your 10 year percentage of return with doing nothing - no meds or radiation. The second number is your 10 year percentage of return with radiation therapy. (They are now doing trials with tamoxifen). This test was ordered by my oncologist at a premier breast center in NYC at no cost to me.

I'm commenting once again. I didn't take any AL. My treatment ended around 3 years ago. Recently my oncologist said my cancer probably wouldn't be back. Now I'm 82.

Unfortunately, I have developed gallstones, from Tamoxifen. I can't take any of the other HRTs, because of my osteoporosis. Because I am stage 1, with a Oncotype DX lower than 18, my oncologist told me I could decide to go off of it. I did, and am now taking Indole-3-Carbinol 200mg, and 1000mg, ( the amount is supposed to be at least 3000mg.) Turkey Tail Mushroom capsules. It is very expensive for me on only Social Security. Tamoxifen was $1.30 a month. There is ongoing research regarding both of these substances.

How are you feeling? I heard the same story from other ladies.

I am 81. I decided AL's were not for me. My mental misery is just to much on them. If I get cancer again, I'll take Herceptin, being HER2+ , but not Taxol and I'll have radiation.

I had genomic testing that yields a risk of recurrence percentage. If you had the OncotypeDX or other test that does, it's helpful. Or maybe he's relying on the stage, grade and hormone sensitivity noted in the tumor biopsy and citing statistics that apply to it. (My oncologist pretty much guessed what my OncotypeDX score might be so it was extra reassuring when the clinical and genomics perspective matched.)

I don't know what it's based on.

Did your oncologist base the 15% recurrence risk on genomic or other tests of tumor tissue?

Thank you so much for your replies. I feel seen and understood! My doctor said something is better than nothing so I'm going to try the 5mg. Apparenly this dosage isn't available in pill form here in the US, but is in Europe?? Has anyone else heard that? I'll try to use a pill-splitter to cut the 10's.
I agree that a one-size-fits-all approach isn't realistic. Am hoping more research comes out about a lower dose. There is absolutely no way I could have remained on the 20mg when I could barely walk. I am an active person and exercise is really key to my well-being. I've gained about 10-15lbs since starting tamoxifen....sigh. I will also do some further research on anastrozole and indole-3-carbinol. Thank you friends.