Tamoxefin

tarabrown
tarabrown Member Posts: 14
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
With one more treatment to go I realize I am nearing the end of this ordeal. I have been told by my oncologist that the next step is the discussion of Tamoxefin. I'm looking for any feedback on the drug, it's side effects and the risks of the treatment. Please help me out guys. Thanks

Comments

  • Celticia
    Celticia Member Posts: 1
    #2
    Hi; I just started on Tamoxefin three weeks ago, and what they told me is...report any vaginal bleeding right away because this can be a sign of uterine cancer, there is also lots of information on this drug at website (go to home, an search) Hope to hear from you, and good luck :)
  • cammie
    cammie Member Posts: 102
    #3
    I started on Tamoxefin about 2 1/2 months ago. My reactions have been no more menstral cycle and deep depression. I am now on Zoloft for my depression which has helped a great deal. I feel a sense of security being on Tamoxefin. I am still doing something in the fight of breast cancer. Without the Tamoxefin - What would prevent it from coming back? Cammie
  • reece
    reece Member Posts: 20
    #4
    hello.
    I've been on tamoxifen since end of March. So far, I have had no side effects except I do get chills(go figure, hot flashes are what most folks get). I did have some irregular bleeding at the beginning and my OB did an Endometrial biopsy just to be sure - it was normal. So, I agree with Cammie - I feel like I'm doing something to prevent a recurrance, and I get a bonus, my periods only last 1 day!!
    Reece
    ps- I am only 38 - premenopausal before chemo/tamoxifen - not sure your age
  • cammie
    cammie Member Posts: 102
    #5
    reece said:

    hello.
    I've been on tamoxifen since end of March. So far, I have had no side effects except I do get chills(go figure, hot flashes are what most folks get). I did have some irregular bleeding at the beginning and my OB did an Endometrial biopsy just to be sure - it was normal. So, I agree with Cammie - I feel like I'm doing something to prevent a recurrance, and I get a bonus, my periods only last 1 day!!
    Reece
    ps- I am only 38 - premenopausal before chemo/tamoxifen - not sure your age

    I am only 37 - periods have stopped all together. Yea!!!! Cammie
  • sdevilbiss
    sdevilbiss Member Posts: 41 Member
    #6
    I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years in one of the first protocol groups by the American Cancer Institute--Tamoxifen with no chemo. I had very few side effects. A few hot flashes and some night sweats. After my protocol was completed in 1994, I received a letter informing me that the survival rate for women with no chemo and tamoxifen only, was as good as with chemo and tamoxifen for my group--estrogen receptive and no lymph nodes involved. I'm still kicking and with no breast ca recurrences. Just like with all medications, it totally depends on the person and the person's response to that drug. So good luck, whatever your decision is.
  • marytres
    marytres Member Posts: 144
    #7
    I took tamoxifen for 2 years until I learned about Arimidex doing research on the web. I asked my oncologist about it and he did switch me over to it. It has fewer side effects and I was worried about uterine cancer too being on the tamoxifen. So, ask what your alternatives are since tamoxifen is not the only drug out there. Depends on the individual too. Good luck and God bless. Hugs, Marie
  • reece
    reece Member Posts: 20
    #8
    There are several different drugs, besides Tamoxifen, including Arimidex. However, my dr. told me that Arimidex has not been proven in any studies on pre-menopausal women, whereas, Tamox. has. I suppose if I were having a problem with the Tamox., he would let me try the Arimidex, but, Tamox. is the first choice of drugs for pre-meno women.

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