Tamoxifen: to take or not to take?
One of my tumours (i have multi focal) was e+ by only a small amount, so I am borderline for tamoxifen. Professor of Gynecology (who i met about genetics and risk of gyno cancer due to family history...
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My oncologist has told me that the results long term are better with Arimidex, especially after menopause. I am a big googler and have also found articles to back this up. One article said that in the first few years the gap (difference between people taking Tamoxifen and Arimidex) was small but with every year that passes the gap of positive outcome gets slightly bigger. The problem is that these studies take years, sometimes decades for results.
Even after menopause our bodies produce hormones via fat cells and adrenal glands. Arimidex shuts down the body's ability to make estrogen, whilst Tamoxifen blocks estrogen's effects, slowing tumor growth. As my onco says, we will turn that garden hose off totally. Arimidex has osteoperosis issues, so I have had a bone density scan prior to my op. My calcium levels were ok, unlike Vit D. I am assuming the scan was ok and will be a measuring tool whilst on Arimidex.
My bff has assured me if I grow a mo she will let me know (thats if she can see it) Oh dear!
Cheers Viv