Tamoxifen as preventive?

I was kind of in your situation. At age 49,  I had numberous biopsies, 5 lumpectomies, the latest coming back as atypical lobular hyperplasia, also dense breasts, very lumpy.  My mom had breast cancer at age 60, cousin and aunt also with bc.  The oncologist wanted me to take Tamoxifen, surgeon agreed with close minitoring (MRI yearly), she said be prepared for more biopsies. Had genetic counseling (mom negative for BRCA), my risk was figured at 40% chance of getting bc over my lifetime.  After careful consideration I had nipple/skin sparing masectomies May 2010.  I was tired of the worry every time I had to have a mammo, biopsy etc.  I have been very happy with the results. Not sure how you feel about that, but you could discuss it with your surgeon, mine agreed with me.  Good luck and hugs, Valerie

mommafox--I had ADH 14years ago and had a lumpectomy.  Fast forward and had IDC.  Tamoxifen was not offered 14 years ago as preventative.  If it had been I would have rather taken it for prevention that to have to take it for BC which is what I am doing now. Just my take on it.

Although the screening regimen that the onc is recommending is standard for high risk women, you're very young to have a mammo or MRI every six months for the rest of your life -  40+ years.  That's a lot of cumulative radiation which is a risk factor itself.    Prophylatic mastectomies are another option that can get risk down very low - 1-2%.  If you are not already at an NCI center you might consider a 2nd opinion - they typically have a high risk program for young women, genetic counselors, etc.  None of the options are easy but at least you can weigh the pros/cons of choices. 

Mammafox,

I am in the same situation.  I am 43 and was had a diagnosis of ADH after an excisional biopsy last year.  My surgeon is suggesting Tamoxifen which I haven't done yet due to the fact that I had to have knee surgery last year and they didn't want the increase chance of blood clots.  I went back for my first 6 month visit in Dec and had a mammo which was clear.  I am due for my next visit the end of this month and I am starting to get nervous again.  I have read so much about the Tamoxifen that I really don't want to take it.  But then again, I feel like "what if" it prevents me from betting BC.  What did you decide to do?

Sherry, thanks for responding and I am sorry about your Dx.  In your opinion then, I should take it to lessen my risk?  I think I would with no hesitation if not for the other problem I have with the endometriosis.  I already had one surgery with that and had to have one ovary removed.  I am just hoping for another clean mammo come the end of this month.

So you went 14 years with ADH and nothing until this past year?

MVspaulding-I had a lumpectomy 14 years ago for the ADH.  Either they did not get it all or I had more come back not sure which.  I had a bad hematoma after the lumpectomy and ended up with lots of scar tissue.  This last year they were looking at micro-califications and could not get a good biopsy so I had a MRI to rule out cancer and that is when they found the IDC behind the scar tissue.  It was 1.6cm so had been there awhile. I don't know your age and uterous thicking is kinda common.  I had a hystorectomy in 1994 at the age of 32 so I have not had to worry about that.  With your endementrious you would want to talk to your gyno about doing regular vaginal ultrasounds.

LindaM i noticed you said you take Celexa.  Have you asked your MO about taking it.  As far as I know Effexor is about the only antidepressant that you can take with Tamoxifen as the others react and lessen the effect of Tamoxifen.  I think I have had just about every SE but thank goodness they have all worked themselves out.  I had terrible insomnia for the first 2 months but now am sleeping really good.  I also had really bad neasea and had to be put on prilosec.  I have cut down from 2 pills a day to 1 but have not been brave enough to try to cut it out yet. 

mvspaulding if I were you I would go for the hysterectomy and tamox instead of the luprone shots.  At least with a hysterectomy you would still have one working ovary and you would still have estrogen being produced which is good for us.  The tamox acts as a barrier so estrogen cannot get to cancer cells but it does not keep us from producing estrogen which is good for us in so many other ways.Then your body can go through menopause when it is ready too.  I still have both of my ovaries but one does not work very well. I had a hysterectomy for a condition called adenomiosis which is kinda like endometrosis but inside the uterine muscle.  It was very painful and the hysterectomy was one of the best things I ever did.  Don't worry about expressing your self here.  You can never worry too much about trying not to get cancer. Prevention is better than treatment.

mvspaulding so glad you talked with your sister.  How handy.  Good luck with what you decide.  All we can do is gather information and then make the best choices that we can and feel good about. 

Let me know if new doctor recommends Tamoxifen as preventative as well.  I go to my Dr. next week too.