Advice please/tamoxifen

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Nancy2581
Nancy2581 Member Posts: 1,234
edited October 2017 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

So I have been taking tamoxifen for about 2.5 years. Last May I had a pap smear that was abnormal. I had atypical squamous cells and atypical, but benign endometrial cells. The pathologist could not rule out HSIL (ASC-H) whatever that means on the squamous cells. That led to a cervical biopsy and endometrial biopsy which came back fine only inflammation. I repeated the pap smear on September 13. Same results only the squamous cells came back ASC-US this time which is better. At this time I had a transvaginal ultrasound which came back fine though my uterine lining is slightly thickened at 5.8 mm. I quit tamoxifen at this point as nobody knows what is causing this. My MO says to stay on it. Hate to be defiant, but . . . My ob/gyn is a nurse practitioner so I have been referred to an ob/gyn who I will see on Monday. I can either wait 6 months and repeat pap and transvaginal ultrasound or have a D & C. I'm leaning toward the D& C.

I am struggling because I am not on tamoxifen, but I feel it's creating whatever is going on so damned if I do and damned if I don't. Would you go back on tamoxifen at this point? Would you do the D&C or wait 6 months? My MO did say to stay on tamoxifen, but I wonder if something sinister could be brewing.

Just looking for what others think of my situation.

Thanks

Nancy

EDIT: want to add that I am postmenopausal so could switch to an AI. Should I do that? Blah I hate this so much

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited October 2017

    I had my uterus and ovaries removed before starting an anti-hormonal. I have never been healthier. I also take 50,000 units of Vitamin D per week, per prescription. You can see what the obgyn has to say, probably do the dnc, weigh your options against your age/child bearing years ahead and see what the pros and cons list looks like. Since you had a positive node, I would lean toward taking the medication or switching to another medication in the short run. My kids are 19 and 21, so child bearing was in the rear view mirror for me.

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  • Nancy2581
    Nancy2581 Member Posts: 1,234
    edited October 2017

    Thanks Michelle. I am postmenopausal. My MO wanted me to take tamoxifen for 5 years and then an AI for another 5 years thanks to that 1 node grrr (that sucker also bought my ticket to chemo), but I could switch just keep hearing side effects not good on AI. I know people tend to post more when they are having problems so I need to keep that in mind.

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited October 2017

    I am glad that I had uterus and ovaries removed, and am thrilled to be able to take Tamoxifen without major side effects. I plan to take Tamoxifen long term.

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  • Nancy2581
    Nancy2581 Member Posts: 1,234
    edited October 2017

    bump (sorry I am already on the 3rd page lol)

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  • ShetlandPony
    ShetlandPony Member Posts: 4,924
    edited October 2017

    Nancy, why not give the aromatase inhibitor a try? It would give you the comfort of knowing you are doing something to ward off recurrence. You can always quit IF you get unacceptable side effects. Good idea to see a gynecologist for a second opinion on what to do about your test results. Take the time to get your questions answered.

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited October 2017

    Hi Nancy!

    As you know, I'm on an AI (Aromasin). It's OK. Well, I did get osteoporosis, for which I now take another drug (Fosamax). Other than being at a high risk of bone fracture, all is well!

    I hear your frustration. None of these meds is perfect; I sometimes wonder whether Tamoxifen would have been better than Aromasin. Let us know what the OB/GYN says!

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  • Nancy2581
    Nancy2581 Member Posts: 1,234
    edited October 2017

    thanks shetlandpony. Yes I'm leaning toward an AI now. Going to follow through with an ob/gyn and see what she says. Also going to call my MO next week as she's been out of th office until the

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  • Nancy2581
    Nancy2581 Member Posts: 1,234
    edited October 2017

    bump

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