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Afraid to take Tamoxifen

Posted by kj252 @kj252, Jul 10 6:19pm

I just picked up my first bottle of Tamoxifen. I am so afraid to take this medication but due to bad osteoporosis it seems to be my only choice. How have others handled this fear… I’m 77 and debating if risk is worth taking

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edy46 | @edy46 | Jul 13 7:20pm
In reply to @auntieoakley "Maybe talk to your doctor about lowering the dose, or changing the time of day. Tamoxifen..." + (show)
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Maybe talk to your doctor about lowering the dose, or changing the time of day. Tamoxifen is hailed as kind of protective of your bones unlike anastrazole. It is usually the drug of choice when your bones are at risk. Although I am sure there are exceptions.
I do know it took me a couple weeks to get adjusted to it, when I started. I took it in the morning so that my sleep was less disturbed.

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Thanks for your reply. I also had taken Anastrazole, no problems but after I read what it could do to my already weak bones, I stopped it. Just looked at the bottle of Tamoxifen, it's 20 mg. and is not scored. Too bad, because she gave me 90 days worth, not sure what I will decide to do. My surgeon said that the hormone blockers are really for people who would probably live another 30 yrs., that's not me, I'm pushing 80.

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salamander | @salamander | Jul 14 7:14am
In reply to @kj252 "Am definitely going to check into baby tam. Thank yoi" + (show)
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Am definitely going to check into baby tam. Thank yoi

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I did not take. 2 years out!

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health77 | @health77 | Jul 14 4:41pm
In reply to @edy46 "Thanks for your reply. I also had taken Anastrazole, no problems but after I read what..." + (show)
Profile picture for edy46 @edy46

Thanks for your reply. I also had taken Anastrazole, no problems but after I read what it could do to my already weak bones, I stopped it. Just looked at the bottle of Tamoxifen, it's 20 mg. and is not scored. Too bad, because she gave me 90 days worth, not sure what I will decide to do. My surgeon said that the hormone blockers are really for people who would probably live another 30 yrs., that's not me, I'm pushing 80.

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If I were you I would throw it away! Why did you get it? That would be necessary to know in order to make a better decision.I am 77 and refused anastrozole.I would prefer to age gracefully.

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leeann66 | @leeann66 | Jul 15 7:30am
In reply to @edy46 "Thanks for your reply. I also had taken Anastrazole, no problems but after I read what..." + (show)
Profile picture for edy46 @edy46

Thanks for your reply. I also had taken Anastrazole, no problems but after I read what it could do to my already weak bones, I stopped it. Just looked at the bottle of Tamoxifen, it's 20 mg. and is not scored. Too bad, because she gave me 90 days worth, not sure what I will decide to do. My surgeon said that the hormone blockers are really for people who would probably live another 30 yrs., that's not me, I'm pushing 80.

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I am 59, started Tamoxifen three weeks ago. I actually have stage four breast cancer and am on a break from chemo right now (cancer is stable) so they gave me Tamoxifen , the metastasis is in my bones. I take it at bedtime because it makes me a bit dizzy and sleepy so that’s what the pharmacist said to do. I had an upset stomach the first week, but it seems to have balanced out now and I really can’t say I have any issues. Good luck.

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brooklyn22 | @brooklyn22 | Jul 16 4:07pm
In reply to @leeann66 "I am 59, started Tamoxifen three weeks ago. I actually have stage four breast cancer and..." + (show)
Profile picture for leeann66 @leeann66

I am 59, started Tamoxifen three weeks ago. I actually have stage four breast cancer and am on a break from chemo right now (cancer is stable) so they gave me Tamoxifen , the metastasis is in my bones. I take it at bedtime because it makes me a bit dizzy and sleepy so that’s what the pharmacist said to do. I had an upset stomach the first week, but it seems to have balanced out now and I really can’t say I have any issues. Good luck.

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Wishing you every good outcome Thank you for answering 🩷

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salamander | @salamander | Jul 17 1:18pm
In reply to @leeann66 "I am 59, started Tamoxifen three weeks ago. I actually have stage four breast cancer and..." + (show)
Profile picture for leeann66 @leeann66

I am 59, started Tamoxifen three weeks ago. I actually have stage four breast cancer and am on a break from chemo right now (cancer is stable) so they gave me Tamoxifen , the metastasis is in my bones. I take it at bedtime because it makes me a bit dizzy and sleepy so that’s what the pharmacist said to do. I had an upset stomach the first week, but it seems to have balanced out now and I really can’t say I have any issues. Good luck.

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Did you have an earlier diagnosis or did you just find out with stage 4? Thank you for any info. Glad you feeling ok.

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leeann66 | @leeann66 | Jul 18 7:17am

Hello, when I was first diagnosed in June 2020 it was already stage 4 with Mets to my bones.

For the first 2 1/2 years, I was on three different treatments that ultimately stopped working, then November 1, 2022, I went into clinical trial for a new chemo (that is just coming available on the market now).

Since April I have been on a break from chemo because the cancer is stable, and have just been on to Tamoxifen .

I get scanned again in August so we will see how things are going! 🤞🏻

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lifetraveler | @lifetraveler | Sep 11 9:05pm
In reply to @leeann66 "Hello, when I was first diagnosed in June 2020 it was already stage 4 with Mets..." + (show)
Profile picture for leeann66 @leeann66

Hello, when I was first diagnosed in June 2020 it was already stage 4 with Mets to my bones.

For the first 2 1/2 years, I was on three different treatments that ultimately stopped working, then November 1, 2022, I went into clinical trial for a new chemo (that is just coming available on the market now).

Since April I have been on a break from chemo because the cancer is stable, and have just been on to Tamoxifen .

I get scanned again in August so we will see how things are going! 🤞🏻

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Hi! @leeann66:

How have you been since July? Are you still on Tamoxifen?

We pray that your recent imaging scan in August showed encouraging results for you with much better progress under the current treatment plan, and you have been feeling healthy and well.

Better journey ahead to enjoy your loved ones!

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leeann66 | @leeann66 | Sep 22 2:18pm

Hello and thanks for reaching out! I just came from my follow up with my oncologist and all remains stable! My last
Chemo was April 8, I started Tamoxifen in July and will continue Tamoxifen until next follow up and scan and of December.

I am Feeling so much better and stronger, it is really nice!!!

Hope you are also well!

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luckbme | @luckbme | Sep 25 8:38pm

I am happy to report after stopping tamoxifen three months ago, my side effects have been gone for at least the past week. I only took the tamoxifen for 10 weeks. I'm 86. aka post menopausal.

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