More Tamoxifen questions...

Cometsmom

So I saw the oncologist yesterday - this after a recent excisional bx to remove ADH on the right.  Had the same procedure on the left side 3 years ago (also for ADH).  I'm 49, no family history of BC and otherwise very active, good weight and incredibly healthy.

He is recommending Tamoxifen for 5 years.  I will be going back to see him in 2 weeks to further discuss questions that I have come up with and deciding on what to do.  He will be following me every six months.  I'll have f/u with mammograms and US every six months and MRI once a year.  He explained (as best I could understand) my risk of developing BC as being 1/5 compared to someone never having had ADH as 1/9.  

Some of my questions are:  Based on those numbers, because of the fact that I've had it now on both sides, does that mean my risk is double that (as opposed to if I'd only had it one time, in one breast?

Even if I take the Tamoxifen, will it prevent further masses or calcifications from occurring, or if they do and I end up having to have them biopsied, will they more likely be B9 because the drug is working? Probably can't answer that one until that situation arises but I guess my point is, if it's not going to flat out stop these problems from popping up, why bother?  

I'm sure I'll come up with more questions as I have time to digest this, but if anyone has any thoughts, I'd really appreciate hearing them (or any other questions I should be asking).  Thanks for your input!

Lynn

Petitegal127

Hello:  I hope you get more responses because I am curious about this as well. You have a very good question.    I was just told I have ALH, they are removing it end of month. I was told I can very well get it in other breast.   Tamoxifen did come up but only if they found cancer cells after this next path results.  She said he has lots of side effects, which I already read about on this site.  I understand your point!  

Cometsmom

Thanks for you reply.  There do seem to be lots of side effects with it.  As much info as my oncologist put together for me, I'm terrible with percentages but I think I understood him to say even tho I'm at higher risk there is still realistically a 97% chance that I won't have it in the next five years!  That's my dilemma. I just don't know what to do.  I'm glad he suggested the return visit in 2 weeks to get my thoughts together.