Tamoxofin - who has taken or still taking..

Woods

Hi stage 1 breast cancer mixed. Have had lumpectomy and margins are positve so surgeon will be taking one more centimeter out of breast. He said then radiation. Then tamoxofin for 5 years??? I have heard horrible things about this drug. Can someone share how this drug affected them? Or has anybody chosen to NOT take any drugs after radiation? Thank you!

Captroynsteph1

I have been taking since January with no major side effects to speak of. Everyone reacts differently, but I take in the evening and aside from a little temperature regulation issue--nothing! I hope you have the same experience!!

123JustMe

Thank you Captroynsteph1!

Warrior_Woman

Woods - I'm taking it and grateful for the risk reduction. I have no side effects. Remember that those who do are far more likely to post on threads as they look for help and support.

grammakathy

I have been taking it since December and have had only slight heat flushes. I am grateful for this drug that suspends the estrogen so it can't feed stray cancer cells. Best wishes for an easy time.

Bellis

I have been taking it for 3 years now and hot flushes are the major side effect. It hasn't really changed but you get used to it. I am also very grateful for the risk reduction. Think about all these cancers where you have no possiblity for risk reduction- Best wishes

lizbr98

Hi Woods, I was Very worried upon hearing that I would bet taking Tamoxifen for 10 years after radiation. I had heard horror stories about it! I am happy to say I have had no side effects and have since learned of many other women with almost no side effects. Hope you will have the same outcome :-)

ALittleBitBritish

Been on tamoxifen since 2011, hot flashes for a month or two then fine, 10 years is my plan and my oncotype test result score for reoccurrence is based upon taking tamoxifen.

As I didn't have chemo I feel this is my only line of defense. Hope that helps!

KMSMason

Took Tamoxifen for a year after double mastectomy and chemo. I have recently just stopped taking it. The side effects have been awful and I just thought I would stop.

I have read different thoughts on that. Any suggestions or thoughts on stopping.

Moderators

KMS-

Most doctors suggest taking tamoxifen for 5 years, to decrease your chances of recurrence. Did you discuss stopping with your doctor? You might want to head over Hormonal Therapy forums, there's lots of information there: https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/78.

The Mods

Lmcqueen

I am taking it and haven't had any problems other than it messes with my sleep and gives me hot flashes.