LCIS

ritajo2014

I was diagnosed with LCIS in Dec 2012.  In March 2013 I had an lumpectomy on my right breast.  As soon as I found out I wanted to have a mastectomy on both of my breasts.  However, my doctor said no that it was not necessary.  Also, since I had a heart attack in Dec 2008 and have a stent in my heart the doctor said I could not take Tamoxifen.  A month later I changed to a different cancer doctor and he had the same recommendations.  Last week I saw the doctor and have been told that I have to make the decision on whether I want to take the Tamoxifen or not.  The doctor is concerned with blood clots.  Has anyone else taken Tamoxifen but also have had a heart attack?

Moderators

You may be interested in reading about Tamoxifen on our page here: http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/ser...

Side effects of tamoxifen

Tamoxifen's selective estrogen activation effects can cause some serious side effects, including blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer. If you and your doctor are considering tamoxifen as part of your treatment plan, tell your doctor if you smoke or have a history of blood clots or heart attack. If you're taking tamoxifen, call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:

• abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• pain or pressure in the pelvis
• leg swelling or tenderness
• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• weakness, tingling, or numbness in your face, arm, or leg
• difficulty speaking or understanding
• vision problems
• dizziness
• sudden severe headache

The most common side effects of tamoxifen are:

• increased tumor or bone pain
• hot flashes
• nausea
• fatigue
• mood swings
• depression
• headache
• hair thinning
• constipation
• dry skin
• loss of libido

Hot flashes or night sweats from taking tamoxifen can be troubling. But a 2008 British study suggests that women who experienced hot flashes and night sweats while taking hormonal therapy medicine were less likely to have the breast cancer come back (recur). Knowing that this side effect might indicate a reduced risk of the cancer coming back may help some people stick with treatment despite the side effects.

Some women on tamoxifen have reported memory problems while taking the medicine. While no definitive results are available yet, the ongoing Co-STAR (Cognition in the Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene) trial is looking at the effects tamoxifen and Evista (chemical name: raloxifene), another SERM, have on memory and thinking.

MelissaDallas

Are you menopausal? The aromatase inhibitors don't have the clotting risks that tamoxifen does. I can't take tamoxifen because I had a pulmonary embolism.