Tamoxifen - Yes or No?

Hello, I am a 48 year old who has recently started taking Tamoxifen, to date it would be about 5 weeks since I started. I too was anxious to take it especially knowing the side effects. I had a similar breast cancer diagnosis to yourself.  I fortunately did not have the cancer spread to my lymph nodes(5 removed) also a left breast mastectomy after an initial lumpectomy (two lesions removed - one cancerous with DCIS and the other borderline LCIS) and the only treatment I have now is the tamoxifen. I was so thankful and lucky to not have to have chemo and radiation therapy.

My breast cancer was high hormone receptor positive for estrogen and progesterone and Her2 negative and because I am pre-menopausal the tamoxifen was a given. What I have noticed in myself since starting the treatment - mood swings - more than just PMT but more extreme.  I do feel I am "more down" than normal - some days I feel quite flat but I do take an anti-depressant called Lexapro and it does not clash with the tamoxifen so I can keep taking it. Some other anti-depressants can clash though.  I have uterine fibroids so I have to be watched carefully for any changes to my periods before and during- they have been heavier and more painful since I started taking the medication. Other things to be aware of - poss blood clots, risk of stroke, uterine cancer (these are extreme side effects but are known) risk of cataracts, hot flushes, nausea and vomiting, constipation, headaches, dark urine, aches to joints and bones, general pain across the bottom of stomach (area of uterus and ovaries) - be sure to ask your oncologist for a list of common side effects before you start taking, I have just been back to see mine today and of all the concerns I had... he said - yes all related to taking the tamoxifen...he assured me they would settle down after the first three months or so... Great... but if it stops me from getting breast cancer in my right breast of course, it will be worth it. 

If you google "side effects of tamoxifen" it will give you a bit of a list as I have noted above. I have experienced the more common side effects but I think you will find most women who take this will relate and agree they have also.

Ask your GP about some tests to use as a base line measurement - that can be referred back to if you experience any side effects in the future - for example a pelvic internal ultrasound and bone density scan -  a full blood test never goes astray, no doubt you might be having these regularly anyway. 

Good luck with your decision making, you have to do what is right for you and your body. Ask lots of questions to help weigh up if this treatment is right for you. 

Kind regards and all the best :-)

Michelle Taylor