Forum Discussion

mumflo's avatar
mumflo
Member
11 years ago

Tamoxifen timing

Hi, I had my final chemo on Friday yay but now I'm facing up to the Tamoxifen. When I first saw my Oncologist I thought he said I'd start the Tamox after my Radiotherapy but the registrar on my final chemo day said to start a week after chemo. I'm weaning off Prednisone and will start the Tamox the next day. I was hoping for a few weeks reprieve,  It seems to me that the chemo side effects will just become the Tamoxifen side effects. They also suggested an oopherectomy is that suggested for everybody. I couldn't face more surgery not yet. . When did you start taking Tamoxifen  was it before or after radiotherapy. 

Thanks Fiona.

radiotherapy
tamoxifen

4 Replies

  • mumflo's avatar
    mumflo
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thank you for the replies. I spoke with the breast care nurse who followed up with the rad n onc docs I start the Tamoxifen when they said a week after the chemo. So don't want to I was hoping for a bit longer before starting, but it is so good the chemo is finished. 

  • Chris_P's avatar
    Chris_P
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi there! I finished chemo at the beginning of May, the had lumpectomy 22nd May. I was put on tamoxifen last Monday by my medical oncologist and have not yet started radiation ( I'm getting measured up for that on Thursday and should start in 4 or 6 weeks).
  • Chris_P's avatar
    Chris_P
    Member
    11 years ago
    Hi there! I finished chemo at the beginning of May, the had lumpectomy 22nd May. I was put on tamoxifen last Monday by my medical oncologist and have not yet started radiation ( I'm getting measured up for that on Thursday and should start in 4 or 6 weeks).
  • Deanne's avatar
    Deanne
    Member
    11 years ago

    I started tamoxifen a week after radiotherapy (had 18 weeks chemo, 3 weeks break, 5 weeks radiotherapy). But I have heard of another lady on here who started tamoxifen before radiotherapy. If you are worried though check with your breast care nurse if you have one or with a doctor.

    I was scheduled to start radiotherapy 11 days after chemo but had never heard of anyone having such a little break. My medical oncologist said this was too close and offered to ring the radiation oncologist to reschedule. I then started at the 3 week mark, so sometimes it pays to speak up and ask questions.

    I found that the side effects of tamoxifen were much easier to cope with than the chemo, but we all different. I have now been on Tamoxifen for 8 months and don't have any major problems. Best wishes and take care. Deanne xxx

    PS no one discussed an oopherectomy with me either. I always ask them to explain the benefits of any treatment or procedure so I understand why it is necessary for me. We all have different circumstances and different treatment needs but we have a right toI understand the reasons for this.