BMX and need for tamoxifen

RosieMjdtrt

Does anyone know why my BS and MO want me on tamoxifen for 10 years even though I chose BMX?

Warrior_Woman

Hi Rosie,

Tamoxifen has done more to reduce recurrence risk than almost any other treatment introduced in recent years. A BMX reduces the risk of a local recurrence but the bigger concern is a systemic recurrence and tamoxifen should reduce that risk. They've found that 10 years is more effective than 5 years. I had a BMX too and I'm taking tamoxifen. In my case, I'll be taking tamoxifen for another year and then be switched to the AIs as I should be sufficiently post menopausal by that time. I really have little in the way of side effects from tamoxifen. For me it's not a big deal and I feel I have a bit of protection.

RosieMjdtrt

Thanks so much for the quick response Warrior. I've been on it since early June and have been tolerating it ok. Just seems like I'm always hot and have night sweats now. I guess I'm still getting off easy (no chemo). I just assumed there would be no need with my choice and having no node involvement

Warrior_Woman

Yeah, I wish that were true, Rosie. My nodes were clear too and I'm still scared chitless.

RosieMjdtrt

I am sorry Warrior. I don't know why, but I'm just not that worried. What will be, will be and worrying will only affect my quality of life. I never was a worrier my whole life. I see you have been thru the ringer with surgeries, I am sorry for that. My first few days post-op I felt like Wonder Woman. These last two weeks not too much. I don't even want to think about being healed finally and then having to deal with more surgery. Do you mind me asking your age? Was that the reason for chemo, or did you have once scoring

Aisara

Hi, I have had Brest cancer two years ago, had lumpectomy, chemo radiology.just want to voice my concern about increasing chances of cancer of the uterus by being on tamoxifen. Should I look to alternative therapy?

Moderators

Dear Aisara,

Welcome to the BCO community.

You may find this article insightful on cancer of the uterus and tamoxifen.

Endometrial Cancer

We hope you get the answers and support you need here.

Kind wishes to you,

From the Moderators.

ksusan

What my GYN just said to me was, "Endomitrial cancer is a rare side effect. Your odds of a recurrence without tamoxifen are worse than your risk for endometrial cancer on it. Also, we can address endometrial cancer more effectively than breast cancer."