Delaying Tamoxifen Medication

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sha1912
sha1912 Member Posts: 1
edited June 2014 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

I am 30 years old and was diagnose with DCIS last April of 2010 and underwent mastectomy on the left breast by June 2010. I have no other recommended treatment not until my breast panel result came out just this January 15, 2011. My doctor said i have to take tamoxifen for 5 years. But after researching and  knowing the adverse effects of this medicine, i am now having a second thought of taking the medicine. Is it really required to take tamoxifen for DCIS diagnosed? Can i delay my medication just to give me ample time to decide? Can this also affect the kidneys and liver when taken for long period?

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  • calgery
    calgery Member Posts: 1
    edited February 2011

    i think u need to consult a doctor

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  • bdavis
    bdavis Member Posts: 6,201
    edited February 2011

    Tamoxiden is usually taken for 5 years, no longer... but I agree, ask your doctor.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2011

     You have to talk with your doctor and weigh all the risks and benefits of taking tamoxifen for your particular situation. Some with DCIS  need to take it, some do not, depending on their specific situation. Tamox doesn't affect your kidneys that I'm aware of; my oncologist did do regular blood tests to check liver function tests I think (I took it for 5 years without any liver or kidney issues at all, and so did my mother).

    anne

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  • J9W
    J9W Member Posts: 395
    edited February 2011

    Sha1912,  I agree with the others - talk to your doc - but also talk to everyone you can on this site. Some people handle the drug well and others have a hard time. As you'll notice throughout this site, the journey is different for each of us. I did the T for 11 months before stopping - my bones hurt - but, had I given it a thought, I might have asked to cut the prescription in half.  Don't know if that would be allowed but I didn't even think to ask. Now, my follow up includes a mammo each august and an MRI each february. Hugs to you.

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  • mollyinco
    mollyinco Member Posts: 71
    edited February 2011

    Sha1912, i agree with everything said, i've been on tamoxifen since november and besides some crazy hot flashes/night sweats i'm doign well on it, no other side effects, it is my understanding that my liver functions will be watched regularly also, my onc did put me on a daily baby aspirin becuase the risk of a blood clot is there, but otherwise it's been a pretty easy transition for my body, i dotn look forward to years of the med but if it helps me stay cancer free, then its worth it, acupuncture has helped with the night sweats btw

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  • Annabella58
    Annabella58 Member Posts: 2,466
    edited February 2011

    Hi Shari, I took it for 5 years.  I felt great, lost weight, no problems with my liver/kidneys (your onc will do regular 6 month blood work just in case, but it's not all that common.)  No hot sweats, no issues at all.

    In fact, I kind of felt like that little white pill was my "insurance".

    Since you are so young, you want it all in your arsenal.  Tamoxifen has been out there for 30+ years, well researched and a very safe drug.  Your worries about the SEs are not really big issues at your young age.  PM me if I can help you further.

    Good luck!

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