Forum Discussion
Tamoxifen I want to say no
Hi, just curious if anyone has said no to taking tamoxifen??. I am terrified of the idea of taking it and cannot see past the array of side effects it can inflict..I mentioned to the onco that I wasn'...
@millie - mine was also only 1% chance of reduction of recurrence as well, but because my cancer was aggressive and is known to recur and even come back as Metastatic Cancer - I decided to try the AIs for at least a year & see how I went. I lasted 6 weeks on Letrozole, 6 months on Exemestane and am now on Arimidex (2 months so far.) My side effects from Arimidex is way less (so far) than the previous two mes - but Exemestane took 6 months to 'work up' to the same as Letrozole in 6 weeks.
My surgeon said he would respect my decision to go off it, if it was causing extreme discomfort - as quality of life IS a very important factor. Right now, I am also taking medicinal cannabis oil (with the knowledge of my Onc) that reduces my side effects, making it more bearable - so I will continue taking the meds for the time being, being checked again in 2 months by my Onc.
Having said that - some people have no side effects on Tamoxifen, Letrozole or Exemestane - everyone is different.
As @melclarity says - it is more about giving it your best shot in case of a recurrence, and you may beat yourself up if you hadn't given it a go.
I figure, even if I give it 1-2 years, it would be better then not taking it at all.
Good luck in your decision making xx
My surgeon said he would respect my decision to go off it, if it was causing extreme discomfort - as quality of life IS a very important factor. Right now, I am also taking medicinal cannabis oil (with the knowledge of my Onc) that reduces my side effects, making it more bearable - so I will continue taking the meds for the time being, being checked again in 2 months by my Onc.
Having said that - some people have no side effects on Tamoxifen, Letrozole or Exemestane - everyone is different.
As @melclarity says - it is more about giving it your best shot in case of a recurrence, and you may beat yourself up if you hadn't given it a go.
I figure, even if I give it 1-2 years, it would be better then not taking it at all.
Good luck in your decision making xx