Tamoxifen started while on Herceptin?

1982M

I’m wondering if anyone who is ER+ and Her2 positive had tamoxifen started while still on Herceptin? Or has anyone had it explained why not?

Just curious as I wait for more information and more appointments.

Redcanoe

Yep! Started Tamoxifen at the beginning of August and I'll be on herceptin until January or so.

1982M

Good to know! Thanks Redcanoe

I want to start it all because the sooner I start, the sooner I'm done. I'll definitely ask my MO about taking it while on Herceptin

illimae

I started tamoxifen when radiation finished and remained on both for years (stage 4 stay on Herceptin forever or until it stops working). Herceptin only targets the HER2, so you’d typically have something to deal with the estrogen as well if you’re also ER+ (5-10 years). I think there’s still some debate if 5 years is good enough or if some should be on it longer, possibly due to menopausal status.

1982M

Thanks illimae.

illimae

1982, just a quick FYI about tamoxifen, joints will likely hurt but glucosamine works well and I found the symptoms mostly reduced or became more tolerable over time. The odd SE I wasn’t prepared for was the sudden tamoxifen rage. I’m super mellow, so boiling over about my husband’s beard trimmings on the sink or not throwing away an empty food bag was new to me. That got better too and he knew it was only temporary but it’s worth mentioning in case someone makes the mistake of telling you to “calm down” during an episode, lol

1982M

That is good to know! I’m mostly mellow too with a touch of irrational anger. Lol. Perhaps it will be a seem less transition for me.

ARmom4

I started Tamoxifen when I finished chemo but still had like 8 months of Herceptin left.

ElaineTherese

I began Aromasin + Zoladex after surgery, during both radiation and Herceptin. It was fine.

1982M

Thanks everyone!

I saw my medical oncologist and he didn’t want to discuss tamoxifen until I was done the 12 weeks of chemo. I’m hoping he will let me start it sooner then later.