Decision to stop Tamoxifen use Ovestrin or use both

Thank you SuzieQ I'm glad you found a solution. I'm very unsure of my new BC Specialist Doctors advise so I am continuing with Tamoxifen & Ovestin cream. I have the other concern of HPV so I don't think this treatment would be safe for me. But this may be a Godsend for others. 

I am also under the care of a Gynocologist who has told me she hasn't had any Breast Cancer specialists say Ovestin is unsafe so in her I place my trust I guess. Take care SuzieQ :-). Lene 

Hi, my cancer was 99% estrogen; 70% progesteron.  So, of course have to be on hormone therapy (Aramatose Inhibitors) or Tamoxifen for 5 years.  However, I tried them all and had I continued I would have ended up with serioous mental health issues and a total crazy kook!  (I think the drugs built up in my system) which is why I had such terrible side effects after about six weeks.

Physical problems such as constant and persistent urinary tract infections, bloating, vaginal atrophy being the worse etc.  I asked various GPs and Specialists and they ALL said "NO" to topical estrogen based creams for the vagina.  In the end I made the decision to cease all of these drugs and take my chances by being happy and healthy.  It is a risk but a risk I decided to take.  I realise my chances of getting secondary breast cancer is increased but I believed quality of life, for me, is more important . It is a personal decision that cannot be taken lightly.  I am 3 years post surgery and physically and mentally fantastic.  Post drugs I was left with vaginal atrophy, low sex drive, dryness etc.  There is a new treatment I have just posted about.  I would absolutely advise this against any estrogen creams.  I have appointment with my Gynechologist who uses this treatment.  For me, it is a "no brainer".  Good luck.  Here is link:

https://cosmeticsurgeryforwomen.com.au/monalisa-touch

SuzieQ

Hi Purplehazlenut

This new Dr thinks because my tumours were small and the lymph nodes were clear it's an option to stop the Tamoxifen I've decided I'm so close to the 5 years I will persevere. Thanks for your comment Lene??

Thanks Paula it's all knowledge & helps??

I had oestrogen/progesterone positive cancer. My oncologist is fine with me having ovestin while I'm on Tamoxifen, but if I was on Exemestane or, worse, nothing he definitely wouldn't be fine with it.

I'd seek the opinion of an oncologist if at all possible. I'd also call the Cancer Council and ask their advice as to which direction to take in getting appropriate care. My understanding of the current research is that 10 years of Tamoxifen is the best outcome (prior to that it was 5).  Obviously I don't know your specific situation, but given this Dr wasn't an oncologist I'd be very careful about stopping after only 2 or 3 years.

Hi there,

I debated for a very long time about taking ovestin and my cancer was triple neg!! However in the end the repeated UTI's and dry itchness that I felt down there nearly drove me insane.  Both my GP and Rad onc have told me I am fine to take it.  That said my cancer was not hormone positive so I am not in the same boat as you.  I think at the end of the day its about weighing up the risks againt the relief from the ovestin.  Sorry I probably have not been much help.

Welcome to the group.

Paula x

Hello Pam

Thank you for your reply??. I've never had an Oncologist and now have all new Doctors so new advise, guess I'm just a little uncertain  as differing opinions from Dr's on Tamoxifen. It's good to know the Ostevin is so popular puts my mind at rest a little.

Hi  and welcome. I'm absolutely no expert on this, because I haven't taken Tamoxifen. I know that some oncologists/drs prescribe Ovestin along with Tamoxifen, because the Tamoxifen 'mops up' any estrogen from the Ovestin. I also understand that a miniscule amount of estrogen is absorbed from the Ovestin, so even without Tamoxifen it maybe perfectly ok. But BC is a very imperfect world, and even if you do find info online, it's often conflicting. Can you talk to an oncologist about your concerns? Sorry not to be of any more help - I hope that others may be. Best wishes, Pam