Forum Discussion

LisaO's avatar
LisaO
Member
8 years ago

Holiday or no holiday??

I have been on Tamoxifen for the past 2 months with side effects minimal.  However on Monday I see my oncologist to start my monthly Zoladex ovarian suppression injections. (Im 51 an pre-menopausal). My "treatment plan" is to stay on Tamoxifen for a further two months, coupled with Zoladex, then I will be switched to an AI on the 25th November.

I will be asking my onc on Monday if I can stay on Tamoxifen for a further two months till the 25th Jan.  Why?...Well hubby and I have a holiday house booked on the ocean for two weeks in Jan (booked before DX).  The plan was to go on long ocean walks. Another reason is the fact that I have just returned to part time work which has been just the medicine I have needed for the mind.  My work is very busy just before Christmas and I was actually looking forward to getting my mind off BC and being busy in the real world. Gee, when I read what I have just put in writing, it sounds self centred and irrelevant when my "treatment plan" is treating cancer.

I'm obviously worried about starting a new medication, new "possible" side effects...right before Christmas, right before both my oncologist and my GP go on their festive holidays.  Obviously if my onc insists that my changeover date is not negotiable I will respect and follow his instructions...

Can I have thoughts on this please.  
  • socoda's avatar
    socoda
    Member
    8 years ago
    Hey @LisaO, I too was diagnosed 51, premenopausal and put onto Tamoxifen, I've been on it for 14 months, saw my oncologist yesterday. Had blood tests to see if its kicked me fully into menopause and if it has I might be being changed to an AI because I've had two bouts of vessels bursting in my eyes and they don't know if its the Tamoxifen. So off to the opthalmologist and then decision will be made on 5/10. So thing is nothing is written in stone, each person is an individual and their treatment plans are tailored to their needs. So I actually wouldn't be asking I'd be telling as you will still be on medication and a couple of weeks is really nothing in the big scheme. GO FOR IT!!! And have an absolutely sensational time. Wooohooooooooo - I think I'll have a swim by proxy ;-). Have fun xoxo
  • Zoffiel's avatar
    Zoffiel
    Member
    8 years ago
    Holiday! Yeah, do it!
    TBH, I haven't found AI to be that bad, but you've had a fair thrashing, so if you think stressing is going to wreck your plans talk it through with your onc.
  • Romla's avatar
    Romla
    Member
    8 years ago
    We had a trip booked to Cairns plus I also had major dental beforehand and I did not want to start AI until after so waited 6 weeks. I was not on any hormones until we got back. Had the impression from medical oncologist that takes about 3 months before bone thinning problems occur - this may also apply to other major side  effects not sure - worth discussing with your doctor though. I have been on AI for 7 plus weeks and not too bad this far - bit of joint pain which corrects when I get moving but admittedly noticeably more tired.
  • Mrs_H1's avatar
    Mrs_H1
    Member
    8 years ago
    There's no harm in asking the Doc's. I would tell them your reasons and see what they say. Good luck. Jen. 
  • Molly001's avatar
    Molly001
    Member
    8 years ago
    I know that AI meds are considered more effective than tamoxifen, but tamoxifen is also considered very effective, especially in the first few years. I can't see it'll make much difference to wait a couple of months to switch. I do not think you're being self centred at all. You're entitled to look forward to things and enjoy yourself. If life's not enjoyable what's the point of treatment? Of course, your oncologist may have specific reasons for your treatment plan and you should, without a doubt, trust his/her judgement on it. I hope you thoroughly enjoy your festive season either way! All the best xxxooo