TIA - Mini Stroke while on Tamoxifen

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jojo2373
jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
edited February 2017 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

2 days ago i suffered a TIA (Transient Ischemic Attack) also known as a mini stroke or pre stroke. I have been on Tamoxifen for almost 4 years now. I will start cholesterol meds and daily aspirin and will consider stopping Tamoxifen. In discussing this with a stroke specialist at the hospital, i learned going through cancer, chemo, and being on hormonals significantly increases our stroke risk. Now that i have had a TIA mine goes up much more.

Anyone else have a similar experience?

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  • keepthefaith
    keepthefaith Member Posts: 2,156
    edited February 2017

    jojo, sorry to hear this. It has been a fear of mine, though. I started taking baby aspirin shortly after I started Tam. I initiated it, not my MO. Too bad they don't recommend it as part of the treatment protocol. I am also considering decreasing or dis-continuing my Tamoxifen after 2.5 yrs. I have read that a smaller dose may provide a similar benefit , but with fewer SE's; studies not complete. I can't remember where I saw that. Since Aspirin can reduce inflammation, it is also believed that it may provide some resistance to a recurrence. Good topic!

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  • dtad
    dtad Member Posts: 2,323
    edited February 2017

    Hi guys...Most MOs don't warn of the potential serious SEs of anti hormone treatment. Would be nice if they did and also took precautions to avoid them such as daily baby aspirin. Time for us to speak up for better treatment options! So sorry for those of you that have already suffered. Good luck to all navigating this disease.

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  • spendygirl
    spendygirl Member Posts: 231
    edited February 2017

    Two months after finishing 5 years of Femara, found myself getting two iliac stents due to clogged arteries. Now on cholesterol med, bp med and a daily aspirin. We're alive, for which I am so very thankful, but there certainly is a price to be paid for treatment. Also, both carotids are 60% blocked. They haven't looked at my heart, my primary tells me the hope is to prevent further progression with the meds

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  • jojo2373
    jojo2373 Member Posts: 662
    edited February 2017

    Glad to hear from all! I know we get so focused on Cancer we forgot that all these treatments have altered our bodies forever as well. Previous to this TIA i have had a few other neurological incidents too. I will be going to Hopkins for additional evaluation soon.

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  • Goodie16
    Goodie16 Member Posts: 446
    edited February 2017

    So scary jojo!

    My MO started me on a baby aspirin when I was on Tamox and recommended I continue taking it now that I am on Arimidex. I have a family history of stroke, too, so before starting any hormonals he sent me to a hematologist to have a variety of tests run. This info helped to determine if I was at increase risk of a bleed due to the hormonals. It found that I was not, so I began taking them.

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  • obsolete
    obsolete Member Posts: 466
    edited February 2017

    JoJo, so very sorry about your stroke. I hope you have a successful recovery.

    While on Tamoxifen, I also suffered DVT blood clots in my legs, heart & both lungs (pulmonary embolism) after a car accident. Docs say one must have inherited a PFO hole in the heart for blood clots to progress to brain attack or stroke. All tamoxifen patients should be thoroughly tested, especially given any family history.

    Daily baby aspirin has caused macular degeneration in one of my eyes. Please be careful.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited February 2017

    JoJo- my mom had a TIA 14 years ago on the tale end of her 5 yrs on Tamoxifen- we naturally assumed it was from the drug, but no- cardiologists discovered a whole in her heart and were able to repair that-- they said probably born with it.

    I'm about to see my MO so reading through all of these things- I want to be semi- educated as I'm sure Tamoxifen is going to be suggested. I recently had a blood clot in my arm after last round of chemo too...so wonder if that's going to be a factor.

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