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Need Advice

shemiya
shemiya CSN Member Posts: 17
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a mastectomy in August 2003. My cancer was er and pr negative and an overexpression her2. I had 6 chemo treatments . I am not sure the benefit tamoxiphen would offer would be worth the risk of its side effects.. Has anyone else this type and what has been recommended for you?
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Comments

  • DeeNY711
    DeeNY711 CSN Member Posts: 476 Member
    #2
    In order to make an informed decision, you have to gather the information you need in regard to comparison of recurrence with and without tamoxifen. Speak with your oncologist and your gynecologist. Research empirical data obtained through controlled studies. http://google.com is a good search engine to use for finding scientific data. Lastly, the question you have to ask yourself has to do with accepting the consequences of your choice. If you had a recurrence, would you regret not having even tried the medication to assess how it affects you?
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  • LucieB
    LucieB CSN Member Posts: 12
    #3
    Obviously I'm not a doctor -- but it's my understanding that tamoxifen is generally not prescribed for women with ER negative tumors. I think I read this in Dr. Susan Love's book ...ER positive tumors are those that grow in an estrogen-rich environment; the tamoxifen blocks the estrogen from bonding with receptors. This doesn't appear to be the case for you -- but just to be sure, check with your doctor on this. Good luck!
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  • live42day
    live42day CSN Member Posts: 64
    #4
    My cancer was er neg and I was told that tamoxifen would not help. Did your Dr. recommend the tamoxifen? I would talk to him about it.
    Janet
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  • LucieB
    LucieB CSN Member Posts: 12
    #5
    Oops! Sorry...I may have misread your question or given some poor advice. Are you saying that your doctor has recommended tamoxifen and you're not sure you want to take it? Just wondering...I started on it reluctantly about 10 days ago. My doctor convinced me there was no harm in trying it. So far I'm having many more hot flashes than before but no other side effects.
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  • jeancmici
    jeancmici CSN Member Posts: 665 *
    #6
    ER and PR NEGATIVE patients do not take tamoxifen - who mentioned it to you?

    If your oncologist did, you might ask him about this because it would be not the normal follow-up.

    Good Luck,
    Jean
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  • hummingbyrd
    hummingbyrd CSN Member Posts: 950 Member
    #7
    jeancmici said:

    ER and PR NEGATIVE patients do not take tamoxifen - who mentioned it to you?

    If your oncologist did, you might ask him about this because it would be not the normal follow-up.

    Good Luck,
    Jean

    Jean's right.....tamoxifen is not indicated for ER-negative breast cancer.
    Look into a substance called Indole-3-Carbinol, you can find info at www.pdrhealth.com
    Also recommend investigating CoQ10 at www.mdanderson.org/departments/cimer go to the Drug Interactions and FDA Advisery link.
    As always, before you take any medication, check with your doctor first.
    God bless. hummb
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  • banker
    banker CSN Member Posts: 317 Member
    #8
    Hi, I am ER neg.also, Tamoxifen is not recommended. Best wishes ((hugs)) emmi
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