Forum Discussion

Janet_A's avatar
Janet_A
Member
11 years ago

Tamoxifen confusion

Hi,

I really need some advise on whether to take tamoxifen.  I have been advised by my surgeon and oncologist to take this to assist in the possibility of reoccurrence.  My receptor to this drug is 10 % initially they weren't concerned about me taking it. Now they are insisting, any resistance brings reminders from them of it may come back, I am wondering why the sudden turnaround.  When i finished treatment my team said after doing chemo and radiotherapy that gave me 96% success, now they say taking tamoxifen will give me 20% success to ensure it not returning, do the math it doesn't add up. Are they just pushing drugs or do they just want to confuse me, does this ever finish? 

The side effects i have read scare me. What to do. Janet

11 Replies

Show More
  • rivergum's avatar
    rivergum
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Janet

    Perfectly understandable to be concerned but if you have your health professionals encouraging you to start Tamoxifen I would do so. Their job is to look at your pathology results and go with the treatment guidelines that are recommended to them based on research. Right now, your pathology results suggest to your surgeon and oncologist that tamoxifen will be a good choice for you.

    When you look at that 10% number, it is not telling you the whole story. When you try and weigh up the advantages and disadvantages we overweight short term advantages (not taking meds) over fuzzy but important long term advantages (better health/life outcomes). This is why I go with professional advice over trying to "game" the system.

    I have a friend who was diagnosed with cancer which was low hormone sensitive but she is on Tamoxifen, caring for a family, setting up a business and running a cancer support group while getting back into running. 

    So many people are on Tamoxifen and find that the side effects are not noticeable especially if they keep active. I'm one.

    Keep talking to your breast care nurse and hang out with breast cancer support groups where you can share with fellow survivors IRL. You'll be surprised at the range of stories, good and bad, but on the whole, pretty good.

    Love and hugs