Tamox. for ADH

teachermomfl

I was diagnosed with ADH in December. Excisional biopsy in February showed no additional ADH, or anything more concerning. I will be closely monitored with alternating mammo, US and MRI every six months. My surgeon mentioned tamoxifen. When I hedged, he asked me to at least talk to the oncologist to get all the facts, and then make my decision. I feel that Tamoxifen for ADH seems rather drastic, especially when I will be so closely monitored. I'm also concerned about the risk, albeit small, of uterine cancer. I had a D & C and endo. ablation three years ago. Polyps were removed,but found to be benign. I'd like to hear some of your thoughts. Thank you in advance!

sm627

Hi Teachermomfl,

I understand how you feel the worry about side effects. I have ADH too and it took me a good two months to make up my mind on weather to take it or not. There were somethings that helped me make my choice to take it.

1. Along with being diagnosed with ADH I also had a less common kind of breast cancer in my right breast and I had to have a mastectomy. I don't ever want to go through that again! It has been emotionally and physically challenging to heal from.

2. My Medical oncologist said it would be worth it to try taking it to help reduces my chances of getting breast cancer again. She told me "You don't want to get breast cancer again if you don't have too."

3. This is what made me feel good about trying it my oncologist gave me a choice she said, "If you take it and you don't like how you feel on it you can stop it and not feel bad about it."

So here I am 5 months into taking Tamoxifen and I can say I can live with the side effects they are not always fun and some days are a little harder then others but over all it is not that bad. It has helped change my life for the better I walk more and drink a lot more water then I ever did before. Which helps make my side effects easier to deal with. Tamoxifen gives me peace of mind knowing that I am doing everything I can to reduces the chances of having to go through BC again.

Wishing you all the best in the choice that you make that is the right one for you!

Sending you lots of support and Hugs,

Sara