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Cancer medications yes or no? Tamoxifen as prevention?
I was diagnosed with pre-cancer calcification on my left breast and had surgery on June 11 2020. On my follow up I learned they removed 2 cancer tumors. So I was schedule for a second surgery on July 13 2020. I am cancer free now and my oncologist wants to put me on cancer med Tamoxifen. Because of all the side effects I'm wondering if I really need this? Thank you for listening.
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There are many items that go into decision about taking AIs. Not everyone has adverse side effects so it is worth trying. If you have problems with one AI, your provider may suggest trying a different one. I tried 3 different ones over year and half and at end decided against taking AI.
Some of the factors effecting AI include:
- Type of breast cancer and if any lymph nodes were positive
- Age
- Treatments received (chemo and / or radiation)
- Side effects and do the side effects limit your quality of life
- And I am sure there are others
I discussed with my oncologist the survivor rate and recurrence rate with and without Ais.
Each person has to evaluate their situation and make decision.
Laurie
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4 ReactionsHi @cora61, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I added your message to the Breast Cancer group (https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/breast-cancer/) as well as Women's Health. Like @roch, there are several members here who have experience with Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors.
@cora61, After my lumpectomy, I was placed on Arimidex in 2019, but I couldn't tolerate it. After a year and a half I tried 2 others, but have now been on Tamoxifen since December of 2019. I am able to tolerate it much better than any of the others. I want to stay on it for the full 5 years (2023) to lessen my chances of recurrence. Best of luck with your decisions.
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1 ReactionThank you and God luck to you on your journey as well.
Thank you Laurie
Has anyone had leg cramps at night as a side effect of Tamoxifen? I'm trying to see what on Earth is causing this.
@sparklegram
Not to frighten you, but if I was having leg cramps, I would check with the oncologist just to make sure what you are experiencing is not a blood clot. I've recently been treated for stroke to the brain and recouping from that, however, I am not on tamoxifen but exemestane. If it's simply leg cramps, magnesium may help with it, but please check with the medical expert to make sure. We want to keep you healthy!
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3 ReactionsI have been on Tamoxifen for almost 7 years this November. It was decided that I would stay on it for 10 years as I have had no side effects really. I have noticed I bruise a bit easier but may be an age thing. Also have on occasion had leg cramps in thighs and calves. Not sure if that is related or not. Started a magnesium regimen and they went away. Probably worth trying the Tamoxifen. Good luck to you whatever you decide.
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2 ReactionsI just had surgery for a ductile cancer size 2.4 cm. I will take tamoxifin either 5 mg or 10 mg. I had a possible clot so I might take the 5 mg. My mom had a l cm but left the duct. The other side effect is that it increase bone density.
Hi everyone. I'm back! I've mentioned before that I've been taking Tamoxifen since December 2019. Currently I'm experiencing intense pain in the top of my foot, making it difficult to walk. I've had it for over 3 weeks First it was diagnosed as an infection. Nope. Then Gout. Nope. I'm waiting for a video appointment with a podiatrist next week. Today it occurred to me to ask if anyone else on this site who is taking Tamoxifen has experienced this.