tomoxiphen

kmudmop
kmudmop Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I had a modified Radical with 15 nodes removed (negative) on Feb. 16, 2004, and the surgeon said I may be a canidate for tomaxiphin. I have had a real problem with endrimetrial thickening previously and am already regullarily going through the uterine biobsy bit for checking for uterine cancer. I don't need a higher risk. Has anyone gone through this treatment with that kind of problem and what was the results? I'm 56 so the menopause thing is not a problem but this is. thanks.

Comments

  • Watercolor
    Watercolor Member Posts: 45
    #2
    Hi, I'm on Tamoxifen, but don't have those conerns as I had hysterectomy 14 years ago. I would recommend another website Hyster Sisters (www.hystersisters.com) which is primarily a group of message boards related to hyst and ensuing problems. One of the boards is Cancer Concerns. I know ladies have posted about cancer possibly due to Tamoxifen. The boards are very active with many women giving support and information.

    Good luck. Mary D.
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #3
    Tamoxifen, according to my oncologist, is still "the gold standard" for ER positive cancers. My situation was similiar to yours. I also had a family history of uterine cancer so I did my research. I was comfortable choosing Arimidex over Tamoxifen. Although it comes with it's own set of side effects (bone density loss for which I take a Fosamax once weekly), I feel less threatened not having to worry about uterine cancer or blood clots in my legs. The fourth generation of aromatase inhibitor is also now available (Femara). Early results are even more promising than Arimidex. While these aren't an option for premenopausal women, they are for you. I'm certain your oncologist would have comparative information to help you with your decision. Good luck.
  • SweetSue
    SweetSue Member Posts: 217
    #4
    I chose Arimidex over the Tamoxifen.
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
    I've just been given the choice of Tamoxifen or Armidex. Both have unwanted side-effects so how to choose? Tamoxifen "may allow" the vagina to be normal and allow intercourse whereas Armidex causes bad atrophy in that area - very painful sex, which I was told does not recover after finishing the course of treatement. The bones will be better with Tamoxifen but the bad side is the 3% higher chance of cancer return and small possibility of uterus cancer also. At 52, I don't know which way to turn but have gone for Arimidex at the moment. Any other advice out there?
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #6
    unknown said:

    I've just been given the choice of Tamoxifen or Armidex. Both have unwanted side-effects so how to choose? Tamoxifen "may allow" the vagina to be normal and allow intercourse whereas Armidex causes bad atrophy in that area - very painful sex, which I was told does not recover after finishing the course of treatement. The bones will be better with Tamoxifen but the bad side is the 3% higher chance of cancer return and small possibility of uterus cancer also. At 52, I don't know which way to turn but have gone for Arimidex at the moment. Any other advice out there?

    I've been taking Arimidex for the last 9 months. No atrophy yet. My main complaint is weight gain which doesn't happen to everyone. I can live with it.
  • LucieB
    LucieB Member Posts: 12
    #7
    With your history of uterine problems, not sure why your doctor isn't recommending arimidex over tamoxifen. Recent trials have also shown arimidex to be the superior drug and with fewer side effects. Of course, it's only appropriate for postmenopausal women, so not an option for everyone. I would discuss the two alternatives with your doctor. Good luck to you!

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