Taking a Lower Dose of Tamoxifen?

Posted by vivi1 @vivi1, Oct 6, 2021

Given the risk of endometrial cancer from tamoxifen, which apparently increases with dosage, length of use, and the age of the patient, is anyone taking a lower dose in order to extend adherence and soften side effects?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

@astaingegerdm

@sequoia - I understand your misery. 29 years ago I had a mastectomy and chemo. My oncologist wanted me to take Tamoxifen after chemo.
Within a few months I had to stop. It caused problems with my bile flow- no gallbladder then- and had a lot of pain.
Anastrozole could cause problems like you have.
I wonder if you have had a bone density scan yet? We are also at an age when we are prone to get osteoporosis.

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@astaingegerdm thank you for your comment. I had a bone density in May 2021 and it showed osteoporosis. I had already been on Anastrozole for about 1 1/2 years and no on e mentioned osteoporosis treatment. I had my first Zometa infusion in September of this year. I’m wondering how long it will be if im off of Anastrozole that some of this side effects will subside. Im 68. Thank you again.
Hope you are doing well.

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@sequoia

@astaingegerdm thank you for your comment. I had a bone density in May 2021 and it showed osteoporosis. I had already been on Anastrozole for about 1 1/2 years and no on e mentioned osteoporosis treatment. I had my first Zometa infusion in September of this year. I’m wondering how long it will be if im off of Anastrozole that some of this side effects will subside. Im 68. Thank you again.
Hope you are doing well.

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Great! You are on the right path!
The infusions will help strengthen your bones and the other side effects with muscle pain and spasms probably will subside fairly soon- I’m just judging from my side effects waning.
The last few bone densities have shown osteopenia in my lower spine- until the last one! Miracle?
I have been off steroids for a long time now and I’m taking Vit D3 daily.
Wish you well!

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@astaingegerdm

Great! You are on the right path!
The infusions will help strengthen your bones and the other side effects with muscle pain and spasms probably will subside fairly soon- I’m just judging from my side effects waning.
The last few bone densities have shown osteopenia in my lower spine- until the last one! Miracle?
I have been off steroids for a long time now and I’m taking Vit D3 daily.
Wish you well!

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I also take D3+ K 5000 units. Calcium too but am making sure my eating habit are good. If I’m going to stop Anastrozole, then I’m going to do everything I can to keep cancer from coming back. I like wine and would have a glass on the evening before dinner. I’m going to only have if out to dinner or “maybe” on weekend. I only have 1 glass , & sometimes 2. There is a connection between cancer and wine. I don’t know how big of a risk it poses but I’m in control.
Congrats on 29 years!!

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After 9 mos on Tamoxifen, I had to stop last week , Dr is keeping me off for 8 weeks until my final reconstruction surgery. She will try Arimidex next though she didn’t use it originally because I’m a massage therapist & was worried about joint pain. I am angry that after 24 rounds of chemo , 30 radiations and removal of breasts , this little pill seems to hold the cards of my fate. I am currently taking 2 natural estrogen blockers an Intergrative oncologist recommended I am praying I can tolerate Arimidex but really if it side effects are as bad as tamoxifen, I will stop. Some women on my BC support group say Dr added anti depressant to help with side effects !!!! Why would I want to add another drug to tolerate another drug ??????? I am baffled by this whole thing

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@brinacarmen what are these natural estrogen blockers you mentioned? I’d be interested, as I’m getting side effects fro Anastrozole. Like you o don’t understand why a doctor would prescribe a med to counteract side effects of another. My doctor also said she could prescribe me an antidepressant for my side effect of not sleeping when taking Anastrozole. No Thank You!

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@sequoia

@brinacarmen what are these natural estrogen blockers you mentioned? I’d be interested, as I’m getting side effects fro Anastrozole. Like you o don’t understand why a doctor would prescribe a med to counteract side effects of another. My doctor also said she could prescribe me an antidepressant for my side effect of not sleeping when taking Anastrozole. No Thank You!

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They are Estro Balance by Natures way (one a day only ) and oncoplex by Ximogen , read the clinical studies on both of them !
Oncoplex you can only get thru a health care professional that carries it , but company will let you know who that is in your area
I managed to get it thru a company in Atlanta not sure if I am allowed to post that here but they both come highly recommended

I feel you !!!!!

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@sequoia

@brinacarmen what are these natural estrogen blockers you mentioned? I’d be interested, as I’m getting side effects fro Anastrozole. Like you o don’t understand why a doctor would prescribe a med to counteract side effects of another. My doctor also said she could prescribe me an antidepressant for my side effect of not sleeping when taking Anastrozole. No Thank You!

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Oncoplex 3 capsules a day. I take them all at once

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@sequoia

Thank you. Blessings

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And to you !!!

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A couple question :
When have you start to feel side effects from Tamoxifen?
Days, months. Years?
Talking about natural
approach-I learn about Mistletoe
injection to prevent cancer return.I am going to integrated holistic oncology treatment centre, and will discuss this and yours info.
I am in Canada and the holistic medicine can be (if available) acquire only through
designated doctors
By the way, to communicate our thoughts and experience , shouldn’t be restricted!
That is the nature of this group
And our depression shouldn’t be treated by med.
The individual treatment approach would help to reduce depression.

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