Tamoxifen

Question

I have recently had double mastectomy. My Dr had initially prescribed Tamoxifen. After surgery and after putting all the data into the system it showed my survival rate after 5 years only increased by 0.2% and after 10 years 1% by taking Tamoxifen. My doctor has left the decision in my hands- seeing as the results aren’t significant. Is anyone else in my position? I’m undecided whether or not to take a drug that may be unnecessary?

ray · Answer

Thank you both for replying. It definitely is a quandary. If my numbers were 5% then I think I would take it. But for 1% I’m still unsure. I did take it for 10 weeks pre-op. Relatively little side effects- strangely my hands ached a little and I struggled to open jars etc. I haven’t been back on it post op as that’s when she crunched the numbers and gave me the choice. I do know that there can be other “unseen” side effects with increased risks of other nasties. But do risks outweigh the benefits for 1%?? Gosh it’s a tricky one. Merry Christmas to you as well ❤️

iserbrown · Answer

https://www.bcna.org.au/resource-hub/podcasts/episode-38-hormone-blocking-therapy-balancing-quality-of-life-and-risk-of-recurrence/A podcast to listen to in assessing where you are atTake care

cath62 · Answer

Hi @Ray,&nbsp; I wasn't in your situation and I continue my treatment. However a friend of mine had a single mastectomy at 40 and chose not to take tamoxifen. She had bx in the remaining breast at 50 and subsequently removed that breast. She is now 61 and doing fine.&nbsp; Best wishes with your decision.

arpie · Answer

Hi @Ray - sorry to see you join our select little group xx.&nbsp; &nbsp;It is a bit of a quandry with the low numbers ..... should I or shouldn't I?&nbsp; &nbsp; (I think my numbers were fairly low - around 5% .... and I continued on the meds for 4.5 years ... and am currently considering tapering off them over the next 12 months ...)You could always just 'try them' for a few months to get that added bit of protection - See if you get any side effects, and fingers crossed, you don't! ...... But if you do, you may then choose to stop taking them, knowing that you gave them a good go.take care, all the best in making your decision &amp; I hope you have a great Xmas xx

milly21 · Answer

That interesting,I have taken tamoxifen for 5.5 years in total now,with a few breaks,what is the system that works out how beneficial tamoxifen is in a percentage,I don’t think a doctor has done that for me?

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