Forum Discussion

Keep_Dancing_Ma's avatar
Keep_Dancing_Ma
Member
14 years ago

to take Tamoxifen or not

I have enjoyed reading all the questions and asnwers regarding Tamoxifen.  I was diagonised in Jan 2012 with DCIS and undergone surgery and just completed 25 Radiotherapy treatments.  Now I am to see the Oncologist in a months time to decide about the next phase of treatment.

Like most of the other ladies who have posted Q&A's I have my doubts about Tamoxifen.  I am pleased that there is this site for all of us who are going through this journey and need answers to questions about these therapies.  I do not like the idea of adding more toxic chemicals to my body. 

I will keep researching and asking questions until I am convinced that I am getting the treatment that is correct for me.  Like most of you I believe that a healthy diet, exercise plan and a positive attitude will get me through it. 

I have the added problem of having a mother who had ovarian cancer so I am very wary of these hormone treatments and their side effects.

Keep postivie and enjoy your life to the very best of your ability

 

16 Replies

Show More
  • sillysam83's avatar
    sillysam83
    Member
    14 years ago

    you cant have radiation twice in the same location of your body. if that makes u happier lol... 

    my friend always says that you should be happy that u have a drug to take. she is hormone negetive and she cant take anything. so she thinks were lucky we get the Option! 

  • Keep_Dancing_Ma's avatar
    Keep_Dancing_Ma
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hi Sillysam83,

    Thank you for your thoughts and info on taking Tamoxifen.  It is so scary and I feel a bit overwhelmed with all the literature I have been given in the last few months.  I guess I can only ask the questions and then if it sounds as if it is the way to go I can try it and see what happens.  Yes, like you I really don't wanrt to go back for more Radiotherapy and that was easier than what I have seen and read about he chemo treatments.

    As you say I can always stop it if it makes me feel bad.  I worry about my family and how they will be if I do nothing and it comes back again.  I worry a lot because I have daughters and don't want them to suffer this either.

    Guess it makes you realise how much you have to lose if you don't take the drugs.  I just hate the thought of putting another drug into my body.  Guess at present I just feel a little bit fragile.

    Thanks again for your thoughts and good luck with the future.

    Keep Dancing Maria

     

     

  • Julia44's avatar
    Julia44
    Member
    14 years ago

    Hello Maria,

    I have been having Tamoxifen since January-was very scared to start it, but I have found it to be not too bad at all.

    I do get hot flushes, but dont know if this is the drug or just that chemo sent me into menopause.

    So I would suggest that if the oncologist thinks it will improve your chances of no more cancer it is worth it.

    Good Luck,

    Julia

  • DansBoobs's avatar
    DansBoobs
    Member
    14 years ago
    I don't think any of us like the poison we have to use to get through this awful disease, but for me I will do whatever it takes to keep it away. I think the key is to eat well and exercise in addition to the crap they throw at us to keep your body in tip top condition so it can cope with the crap. What a road! *sigh*
  • DansBoobs's avatar
    DansBoobs
    Member
    14 years ago
    I don't think any of us like the poison we have to use to get through this awful disease, but for me I will do whatever it takes to keep it away. I think the key is to eat well and exercise in addition to the crap they throw at us to keep your body in tip top condition so it can cope with the crap. What a road! *sigh*
  • sillysam83's avatar
    sillysam83
    Member
    14 years ago

    I had DCIS and declined tamoxifen and had a reoccurance within 12 mths. However theres no proof if I took it I wouldnt have had a reoccurance. 

    If you are worried about side effects (as I was) you could always take it and see if you get them (some ppl do some ppl dont) you can always go off it. 

    Im going to take it this yr now...Im gonna do everything I can to try to stop this coming back again. 

    Every story is different and everyones body is different. I think its a very personal choice and your the one who has to live with it. Good luck with your decision. 

    Here if you have any questions