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June1952's avatar
June1952
Member
11 years ago

Shall I ? Shan't I ?

When with my Oncologist last Friday we (specialist, husband and I) all agreed that I would not proceed with further treatment (i.e. Tamoxifen) due to side-effects and other medical conditions.  Big brave me said that I would deal with whatever happens, if it happens, and have the same surgeon chop 'leftie' off .........

Now, 4 days later the Breast Care Nurse says "Oh, but what if you get more cancer ?  You might regret not taking it !".

NOW I AM CONFUSED ABOUT MY DECISION !

Is it worth taking Tamoxifen for up to 3 months, seeing what side effects happen and then go off it if needs be ?

I don't really want to go back to the menopausal symptoms (which I have finally finished) but I am afraid of other side effects such as blood clots, cataracts, etc.

Has anyone any ideas how I can come to terms (or not) with the decision of 4 days ago ?

Hope all are having a good day with good weather, good health and happy times.

Summer  :-)

4 Replies

  • It is lovely to hear from you again.  I have read recent replies you have sent to others and, as usual, you have been most helpful.  I think lots of ladies hope for a reply from you and/or Deanne !

    Thanks for your input.  I knew the cancer would not reappear in the other breast .  I had got the impression that there are no statistics to prove a new cancer would or would not occur in the other breast at some stage.

    I am not going to worry now, what will be will be, and the surgeon will no doubt deal with it if it happens.  In the meantime I will put my trust in the specialists and then the radiographers etc in 12 months.

    As is often said, every cancer patient has different circumstances.  I am still waiting for some pathology results so once they are in I will see if my oncologist is still of the same opinion.

    Hoping you are going well.  Keep up the good work as you are an amazing woman, a friend to all of us.

    With love and best wishes

    Summer  :-)

  • Once again your sensible reply to my post - it has made me more comfortable with our original decision.

    I knew that I would have lain awake most of the night with my mind in turmoil !  Yes, remembering that I have followed my oncologist's recommendation will sustain me now.

    Trying it for a while is silly, really.  If it were only the 'menopausal' side effects then that would be OK but the more serious ones could happen during that trial period anyway.

    Thanks a lot once again.  It is great to hear your thoughts.  I so respect your opinions as you always express them very well without emotion.

    Lots of love - Summer  :-)

     

  • Your oncologist is best qualified to know what is best for your particular situation. While tamoxifen can be of benefit to reduce a person's chance of recurrence, if your oncologist thought that for you the risks out weigh the benefits then feel reassured that you are following the best medical advice.

    As we all know, there are no guarantees with any treatment, but if you do all that is recommended then I think you can feel comfortable with that. None of us want the cancer to come back but there can be so much to consider with any treatment that we are best guided by our doctors. Maybe you could contact your oncologist and just check with them about the idea of trying it for three months just to put your mind at rest.

    I am sure that your breast care nurse was just trying to help but it is a shame that it has unsettled you. The thought of recurrence can be hard to come to terms with but it helps me to think that I have followed all that my doctors recommended and I live a healthy lifestyle to further reduce my risk. I don't think you need to think you will regret following the specialists advice. That is the best we can do. Take care. Deanne xxx

  • Your oncologist is best qualified to know what is best for your particular situation. While tamoxifen can be of benefit to reduce a person's chance of recurrence, if your oncologist thought that for you the risks out weigh the benefits then feel reassured that you are following the best medical advice.

    As we all know, there are no guarantees with any treatment, but if you do all that is recommended then I think you can feel comfortable with that. None of us want the cancer to come back but there can be so much to consider with any treatment that we are best guided by our doctors. Maybe you could contact your oncologist and just check with them about the idea of trying it for three months just to put your mind at rest.

    I am sure that your breast care nurse was just trying to help but it is a shame that it has unsettled you. The thought of recurrence can be hard to come to terms with but it helps me to think that I have followed all that my doctors recommended and I live a healthy lifestyle to further reduce my risk. I don't think you need to think you will regret following the specialists advice. That is the best we can do. Take care. Deanne xxx