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Alternative to Tamoxifen other than AI
I had lumpectomy and radiation for invasive ductal carcinoma stage 2. Went through both very easily. Then I was told to start Tamoxifen. Nothing easy there. I'm miserable so taking a break after two and a half months. I should not take AI because of osteoporosis. And I've read that Tamoxifen results are all the way from 40% to 80% effective to keep cancer from recurring. Which is it? And surely there are other similar drugs to Tamoxifen? Anyone?
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OMG! What did they do about the growth in the uterus? The best thing you've said is great mood with the Anastrozole. I'm so angry and grouchy on this Tamoxifen. Not myself at all. I have not taken it for 11 days now and still have the side effects. My skin is on fire. I am 86. It's quite possible I won't live another five years with or without. If it is 50/50 chance and someone can show me the facts from a reliable study then I will take nothing. I've pretty much decided even though I have not heard back from oncologist after a page long email discussing my concerns and my miserable side effects. I didn't take prolia because the side effects can last for years after you quit taking it. Thanks for listening. And good luck to all.
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1 ReactionMy gynecologist before BC surgery, My first cardiologist before and after surgery and my ongoing medical oncologist all said not to take calcium tablets.
I have arrhythmias.
The calcium tablets can cause obstruction in blood vessels and the heart as they can stay there and form calcium deposits.
I did not want a mastectomy.
Some people have complications with mastectomy such as iron bra syndrome or more of a chance to get lymphedema which can still happen in the remaining tissue after mastectomies or armpit or in arms. Maybe not everyone.
But I have come in contact with those with these problems.
The tamoxifen can cause mental health issues in some women and have to be stopped immediately.
Anxiety and anxiousness is a symptom.
Some lucky women have no side effects with the aromatase inhibitors.
I am successfully taking Toremifene a serm of tamoxifen and doing much better than I did on anastrozole.
Hi. Was your cancer HER+?
Depending on how long you have been on Tamoxifen it can take two months to clear.
HER Negative
Sorry - HER2 negative. I don't really know what that means
Oh. When I googled the medicine you mentioned, it said it is used to treat HER2 +. But, I didn’t dig too deeply into it. If I remember correctly, HER2 is another hormone that some cancers have receptors for. I know I was happy mine was negative because it would’ve meant chemotherapy. Not fun!