Forum Discussion
Tamoxifen better for 10 years?
Hi! I was diagnosed with bbc, ER+ PR+ HER2-. I had bmx, chemotherapy and I'm taking Tamoxifen. I'm waiting for having breast reconstruction done. I'd like to know if you were told to have Tamoxifen for 5 or for 10 years? What side effects are you having? What do you do with them? Have you had any recurence while taking Tamoxifen? What about your periods, are they gone? Thanks.
19 Replies
Oh Lucy, I wish I could give you a hug. I feel exactly like you described. Diagnosed at age 39, My mastectomy, lymph clearance, chemo and radiotherapy done and dusted and I just got back to work trying to find a new normal but feeling totally different, insesecure, worried, tired of side effects of horomone therapy etc . Then about after 3 weeks back at work I was diagnosed with BRCA2 gene mutation. Its been 3 weeks now since my hysterectomy and I have full blown menoupause, sleepless nights, infection in my wound and bladder, new painful cording under my arm from radiotherapy scarring.... I just can't seem to get off this roller coaster ride called breast cancer! So when people 'are happy for me that it is all over' i just look at them blankly and smile. They really have no clue.....I am so happy I am alive and survived this year, but it does get me down that with ongoing hormone treatment, early menoupause and side effects from this means that we will be on this road for quite some time where initially we all looked forward to 'finish' with breast cancer. We'll have to find joy in life again, with little things and dig deep to find positives on days when we are overwhelmed. I just turned 40, I love my husband and children and my life in general. I really want to find my new normal soon. Hugs to you and all the best with your treatments. Trusting that we both get back on the 'horse' soon and cope better as time passes xxx
Yes, Breast Cancer does change you, things can never be the same as I have found after 3 months since my left breast mastectomy...not just physically but mentally so much re-adjustment. I feel like I am a different person. Now dealing with the side effects of tamoxifen which I have been on for 2 months and wish my aching joints and bones would just go away. This including the mood swings, the hot flushes, decreased libido, feeling itchy and irritable not fun. loss of cognition and feeling vague..and when I raise them with my breast care specialist and oncologist...their reaction is...yes that will be the tamoxifen...like you know there are side effects stop complaining and suck it up...do you want to get Breast Cancer again or not? My Aunt had Breast Cancer, took Tamoxifen and ended up dying of Uterine Cancer, I am concerned this could happen to me too, again told not to worry...the chances are low and if I am still concerned (I have uterine fibroids also) they can do a hysterectomy and I wont need to worry anymore! aagghh! I am 48 and pre-menopausal. I was lucky I dodged the chemo and radiation - but lost my breast instead. Now it is tablets for the next 5 years. One day at a time..and trying to find some semblance of normal again. I wish everyone well and thank you for sharing your stories as I quite often feel very alone in this breast cancer journey.
