discontinuing Tamoxifen

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Sharonaj
Sharonaj Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
In Nov. I will discontinue taking Tamoxifen, after five years. A friend who completed the five year course of Tamoxifen last year, had a recurrence, in the other breast. This has concerned me, as my five year stop date approaches. Has anyone else had this experience? I wonder if I shoud go on Arimidex, after the Tamoxifen, although my oncologist doesn't think this is necessary. Thanks for any help anyone can give.

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  • sassysally
    sassysally Member Posts: 150
    #2
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    I had a reoccurence on tamoxifen, an have now been on arimidex four yrs. If I had not had a reoccurance, my oncologist believes that you should stay on taxmoifen if it is working for you forever... now being on arimidex, his sentiment is the same. No harm, no foul, no cancer.... hope this helps.
  • tkd
    tkd Member Posts: 5
    #3
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    I'm new to this group sort of thing so pls forgive me if I don't come off right. I have nothing but the best intentions. I agree with the reply from Sally. I took tamox for 4 yrs. In 4th yr I lost 45 lbs. I knew something was wrong but couldn't convince my onc. I quit the tamox cause I didn't think it was working for me and I did not think it was helping my mental state. I just wanted to flush out the chemicals. I had done the wrong thing and given up cause onc wouldn't listen. Should have gotten a new onc. Had a follow up 1 yr after quiting tamox. Doc still insisted I looked good and bloodwork looked good. As I got up to leave I sort of screamed because I got a sharp pain in ribs. Finally doc ordered a bone scan and there it was. Sorry. Can't focus well these days. What I really wanted to say is, if it is working stick with it as long as you can tolerate it. Doc says the mets to bone have been there a long time.
    Tamox wasn't working for me. If you are not getting scaned, insist on it. Bloodwork alone doesn't tell the whole story. I just finished rad to spine and am now taking aridea (a bone hardener) and arimidex. Wish you the best.
  • roxanne53
    roxanne53 Member Posts: 154
    #4
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    sassysally said:

    I had a reoccurence on tamoxifen, an have now been on arimidex four yrs. If I had not had a reoccurance, my oncologist believes that you should stay on taxmoifen if it is working for you forever... now being on arimidex, his sentiment is the same. No harm, no foul, no cancer.... hope this helps.

    WOW~I am on arimidex for a year so far. So we can be on the drug forever and not just the five years?
    I have not been on tomax at all. Just hit me (again) reading these postings that meds are not the cure all. I have always known this but reading about others' experience reminds me of how fragile life really is.

    GBY
    Roxanne
  • roxanne53
    roxanne53 Member Posts: 154
    #5
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    HI
    If you are ER+ & PR+, it appears that it would be wise to be on the arimidex or something similar to it. It blocks the estrogen growth.
    Of course, that is the dicussion to have with the Oncologist. You can look up Arimidex on MedLine Plus website regarding the drug itself.

    GBY
    Roxanne
  • lindatn
    lindatn Member Posts: 229
    #6
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    tamoxifen and the sister like drugs help in some cases to stop cancer. As far as taking them forever many studies have been done that after four years tamoxifen probably is no longer working, they leave us on it for five years but after that it is probably only making the drug company money. It is to soon to know on the other class of drugs how long they will work. At present they seem to be working better always bear in mind these studies have been done by the companies making these drugs. A lot of Drs after five years of tamoxifen are putting us on one of the newer drugs. Don't depend on drugs alone watch your diet, excercise, relax and pray to whatever or who ever you believe in. I have been on tamoxifen two years still not sure if I will even go another year, it makes me ache all over and I wouldn't know if the cancer was back or not, bone scans don't tell much until it is fairly advanced likewise CTs. God Bless Linda
  • nancys
    nancys Member Posts: 323
    #7
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    Hello Shar, I am just starting my fifth year with Tamoxifen and have done well with it. I am ER/PR+ and Her-2neu 3+. After the 5 year period on Tamoxifen, my Onco will put me on Femera for another 2 years. Providing that all goes well and my health remains the same. It is my understanding that after a 5 year period on Tamoxifen,the Tamoxifen gives no benefit. I do believe that arimidex seems to give better protection than Tamoxifen but I have chosen to stay with what is working for me. Good luck and will look for updates from you. Hugs, Nancy

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