over treatment

TrishyG
TrishyG Member Posts: 40
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hi, I am so glad to have stumbled on this discussion board. I am 39 years old(38 when I was diagnosied). I have just finished the bulk of my treatement. I had a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction on April 30, 2009. That wasn't so bad. Previous to surgery I had neoadjuvant chemo in a clinical traial. My pathology report came back with zero cancer after surgery I saw my oncologist last week and she prescribed tamoxifen. I am not excited to take this drug because I have been reading so many negative comments about it. I will most likely have my ovaries removed in the next year because I tested positive for BRCA2. I started exercising again and that feels good. I have already lost 5lbs(chemo weight sucks). I am very happy to be on the road to health again. It's interesting that everyone wants you to be as you were before treatment. Anyone out there feel the same.

Comments

  • jgridley
    jgridley Member Posts: 169
    #2
    Road to recovery
    Trish, Let me first say, Congads...there is no cancer!

    In regards to tamoxifin (sp), if you think about it there are a lot of negative side effects from any medication that you take. How long are you going to be on Tamoxifin? and if you have no ovaries, you might be placed on ameridex. I had a hysto, and I am on ameridex. There were
    so many side affects that I too almost scared myself from taking it.

    However, if it stops the cancer from coming back, then I am all for it.
    I take mine at night when I get ready for bed...one side affect was upset stomach.
    Didn't want that at work....

    Hope this helps

    Julie
  • RE
    RE Member Posts: 4,591 Member
    #3
    Welcome
    Hi Trishy, sounds like you have had a lot done in a short time glad most of it is behind you. My sister was on tamoxifen for 5 years without any bad side effects, she too was BRCA2 positive. It runs in my family so I had a total hysterectomy as well to avoid ovarian cancer which eventually took my mom. It is great news that your path came back with zero cancer, we always love to hear that! I agree that those who do no know what is it like to battle cancer simply cannot understand that we can never really go back to the pre-cancer person we were. We see things in a different light now, for me I hear my mortal clock ticking far louder than they do. It is okay though as I would not want this for them.

    My best to you,

    RE
  • mimivac
    mimivac Member Posts: 2,143 Member
    #4
    Hi, Trishy. I am close to
    Hi, Trishy. I am close to your age: diagnosed 6 months ago at the age of 34. I think, in general, Tamoxifen is a drug that is well worth the side effects. Of course, that depends on the side effects and the efficacy of the drug for you. But don't be frightened off by the negative stories. They are over-represented on messages and chat boards. People who have an uneventful experience (and there are many of them) simply do not write about it on discussion groups. There is less reason and incentive to. You may have side effects or you may have none. On the other hand, Tamoxifen will most likely benefit you tremendously. Talk to you doctor about the risks and benefits for your particular situation. Ameridex or Femera may also be an option after oompherectomy (sp?).

    Yes, people do expect (and desperately want) you to be "back to normal" after treatment. My mother kept using this phrase until I told her to stop. They can't really understand the profound changes that have taken place. Don't expect them to. Just go at a pace that is right for you. No need to apologize or explain.

    Mimi
  • TrishyG
    TrishyG Member Posts: 40
    #5
    Thank you
    Thank you so very much for the commets. I feel a bit better about taking the drug now. I am all for the cancer not coming back. Trishy
  • Christmas Girl
    Christmas Girl Member Posts: 3,682 Member
    #6
    Hi, TrishyG
    Welcome to the group. Congratulations for NED (no evidence of disease) status - a real cause for celebration! It's what we all work so hard towards - good for you!

    There are definite risks with ALL medications - including over-the-counter products like simple Tylenol (which most people never even think about). As my own onc often counsels me, it's important to weigh the risks - one against the other. Since your onc has prescribed Tamoxifen - please, at least try it. Provided you adhere to your follow-up appointments schedule - including your ob/gyne (who should be informed of the Tamoxifen), not just your onc - you'll be OK. I took Tamoxifen for 2 years with no side effects at all.

    Best wishes to you.

    Kind regards, Susan
  • jnl
    jnl Member Posts: 3,869 Member
    #7
    Christmas Girl said:

    Hi, TrishyG
    Welcome to the group. Congratulations for NED (no evidence of disease) status - a real cause for celebration! It's what we all work so hard towards - good for you!

    There are definite risks with ALL medications - including over-the-counter products like simple Tylenol (which most people never even think about). As my own onc often counsels me, it's important to weigh the risks - one against the other. Since your onc has prescribed Tamoxifen - please, at least try it. Provided you adhere to your follow-up appointments schedule - including your ob/gyne (who should be informed of the Tamoxifen), not just your onc - you'll be OK. I took Tamoxifen for 2 years with no side effects at all.

    Best wishes to you.

    Kind regards, Susan

    I just wanted to add my
    I just wanted to add my congratulations Trish! There are a lot of side effects to the hormone treatments that the oncologist's prescribe. I think it is an individual decision as to whether you take it or not. I am till undecided as I am still in radiation and they won't let you take it while you are having radiation treatments.

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