Does everyone experience bad side effects from Tamoxifen?

Just checking in to see if you know what your course of treatment will be. And are you pre or post menopausal? Has tamoxifen been suggested for you? Personally I've been on letrozole as post-menopausal, with no problems. My younger sister and a close friend both took tamoxifen without problems--one for 7 years, and one for 5 followed by a course of AI. They both tolerated it quite well, but many women cannot. I think it is about 50/50. So I'd say bad side effects are certainly not inevitable but possible. As a rule, I gather women try it and then find out if it works for them. Do you have more information? For example, you might ask if tamoxifen provides you with a significant reduction in recurrence. I found all these choices daunting at first, but with some time and thought figured out what felt best to me. Keep in touch if you feel like it!

Thanks Miriam.
I am 64, and have been on hormone replacement pellets for 10 years, my mother had estrogen sensitive breast cancer at 70 and survived- she is 92. I am otherwise very healthy- good weight, good diet, exercise regularly, and good mental health.

Mayo has recommended that I stop the hormone therapy, and consider the following medications: Raloxifene, Tamoxifen, Exemestane/Anastrozole.

What is AI?

Thanks, Alicia

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) lower estrogen levels but work somewhat differently than Tamoxifen. They tend to be prescribed post menopause. I've been on letrozole, an AI, for about 19 months. Does your oncologist feel one of the drugs you mentioned is the best for you? It is heartening to hear about your mom!

I'm 53 and was pre-menopausal when I was put on Tamoxifen. It put me into menopause after 2 months and I have had quite a few side effects - night sweats, chills, some emotional issues. My mom was in her late 50's and post-menopausal when she was put on it and had little to no issues. Unfortunately, every person's body chemistry is different and I'm not sure if its possible to tell how each person will react until they are on it. I will say that I've decided to stay on it, even with the side effects.