Tamoxifen treatment for preventing recurrent Ovarian Cancer?

BFLA09
BFLA09 Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Ovarian Cancer #1
Hello...
My name is Brad and I am posting this on behalf of my mom, who is currently about to start Tamoxifen as a "preventative" treatment.
After being diagnosed with stage III cancer in 2007 she has been in remission since October of that year. In December after her regular 3 month check up, her CA125 test was 32. Her gynecologic oncologist told her he would test it again in January. January 24 her CA 125 was at 76. She was immediately scheduled for a PET scan.
Today, she got the results of her PET scan. Completely clear. Her doctor said there was no abnormal indications from the scan, but he was concerned about the rise in CA 125 and wanted to put her on Tamoxifen to see if that will make her count go down...if not, then regular treatment is to begin.

I guess I'm a bit confused myself. Clearly above the normal 35 level, I was assuming the worst, but now not sure what to think since the scans were normal.


My mom, who is now jumping with joy is under the assumption that she does NOT have cancer again.

My questions..

1. Is anyone familiar with this sort of preventative treatment...or is this more of an intermediate treatment because there is no clear indication of cancer growth yet; to avoid the harsher treatments right away?
2. Is this really a preventative treatment or more of an alternative treatment, again to regular chemotherapy?

I feel like my mom is rather naive and just lives and breathes the words of her doctor and does not ask realistic questions. I'm trying to figure out exactly what is going on, and because I live 500 miles away, I am not able to ask these questions to the doctor myself.

Any help, advice or insight would be very much appreciated.

Warmest Regards,
Brad

Comments

  • lindaprocopio
    lindaprocopio Member Posts: 1,980 Member
    #2
    Tamoxifen was kicked around for me in November.
    I have a rare form of aggressive recurrant uterine cancer that mimics ovarian cancer in prognosis and treatment. I had a similar CA125 spike (actually 'spikeier' than your mother's: My CA12 went from 11 to 155) in November, and not really definitive CT/Pet scan results. But my gynecologic oncologist also suggested Tamoxifen as a possibility to 'hold' me until after Christmas when we could re-test and see what is really going on. My chemo-oncologist preferred to put me on a 1/3 strength dose of taxol, given weekly, as his choice for an 'easy chemo' that would "hold any cancer steady" during December and allow me to feel good over the holidays with minimal side effects. As it turns out, the weak taxol dose began to take my CA125 down, and so I have remained on it and I am still getting it weekly. (My CA125 is now 44.6). But I thought it might be reassuring to you that Tamoxifen was also suggested to me as a 'maintenance' drug, a security measure for 'just in case' the cancer is coming back. CA125 is a very imperfect measurement for so many women. I actually did have some small areas light up on my Pet Scan, although none that could be safely confirmed by biopsy, so your mother is in a stronger position for being optimistic than I am.

    One more thing: about your mother's belief that she may indeed still be cancer-free:
    I allowed myself to totally believe 100% during my initial 5-month remission that I was CURED and it allowed me to live each of those precious days with absolute unrelenting joy. I needed that break from reality, perhaps. Even though being diagnosed with a recurrence was heartbreaking, I honestly see NO advantage in being emotionally prepared for that possibility. I would never trade the joy I felt those 5 months for the 'preparedness' and dispair of always believing my cancer would return, just to save myself from the sharp blow of disappointment I felt when my cancer returned. Please don't worry too much about your mother putting her hopes and belief in a perhaps unrealistic long-shot possibility of continued remission or cure. In the deepest part of her heart I'm sure she knows what she is up against. As long as she is not refusing treatment, let her believe and hope.
  • Barbara53
    Barbara53 Member Posts: 652
    #3
    been there doing that
    Brad,

    Like yours, my Mom was put on tomoxiphen with an above-average CA-125 but no clear indication on the CT/PT that her 3-C cancer was active. I did quite a bit of research, and what Tmxphn does is buy time for patients who are in the “wait and see” phase. It wrings the last estrogen from cells, sometimes causing menopause-like side effects, but by doing so slows the growth of the cancer. This therapy has long been used in breast cancer, and in ovarian it’s a useful tool for patients who may not be good candidates for more aggressive treatment. In trials, it has been found to buy between 4 and 11 months of good time, sometimes much longer.

    And by the way, there's no telling what her doctor actually said. They choose their words carefully. I was there when my Mom's oncologist gave his report, which was pretty positive but made no promises. By the time we got to the house, she had declared herself cancer free and in complete remission, and told all her friends and family that's what the doctor said. So, I know what it’s like to see your Mom declaring herself cured when she’s not, but so what? It frees them of a tremendous burden.
  • groundeffect
    groundeffect Member Posts: 639 Member
    #4
    I took tamoxifen for almost
    I took tamoxifen for almost two years after my CA-125 started climbing. The tamoxifen brought my level down (after peaking at 284), but plateaued in the 40's before a small tumor of OVCA origin was found. Tamoxifen can be used in this way for estrogen-sensitive OVCA, but is not actually treating the cancer-it cuts back the supply of estrogen, which helps feed the disease.

    I admire you for stepping in and asking questions for your mom!
  • saundra
    saundra Member Posts: 1,370 Member
    #5
    Femara
    I took the anti estrogen Femara for 10 months which gave me a break from the constant chemo. No side effect except hot flashes and it slowed the growth of the CA125. I started chemo when my CA125 was 434 and a lymph node appeared on the physical and CT scan.
    I would do it again..... Saundra

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