Stopping Tamoxifen
Today is 5 years and one week since I started taking Tamoxifen. It was to be for 5 years but then they said it is better to take it for 10 years. At my appointment 6 months ago the doctor put my deta...
Forum Discussion
I know how you feel... I am het To have my Chemo and Radiation but Tamoxifen for 5 to 10 years afterwards is "on the board" for me too.
Interesting thing is that when I spoke with the oncologist she suggested that by the time I was done with my 5 years of Tamoxifen vhance is that it would be only 5 as they would have more information and research completed by then as it appears that 10 is not making much if any difference than 5 but for now accepted oractice is 10...
Having read about Tamoxifen and considering I will be having AC chemo and both carry increased risks of Uterine cancer which even though is not supposed to be hereditary does run in my immediate family I went the ither day to speak with my Gyno who is also a reproductive endocrinologist and very involved with BC as he is on the multidisciplinary BC panel at one of the major Sydney Hospitals. He and his practice do a huge number of research projects in womens health so I do trust him as he tends to years ahead of normal accepted oractice as he really keeps abrwast of lates wold wide research.
He suggested there are alternatives to tamoxifen for those of us that have hormone receptive BC. You must be prepared to say 'bye' to fertility though but there are other meds that can helpshut down the ovaries andnaccording to him be just as effective potentially.
He is going to consult my Oncologist and the team that will be looking after me to consider the best teatment for my particular situation.
I know exactly how you feel wanting that "you do not need to take tamoxifen" advice. I went to him wanting him to say exactly that and then the moment he says it huge relief and now that it has been said rhere is fear and doubt if going outside of "stock standard" treatmwnt for BC I would not be making a mistake and risking it all come back...
Hang in there I reckon, trust your gut and maybe, if you are really ready to let go of fertility, do have another chat with them and see what alternatives are there to stop the production of hormones.