Bitter sweet Completion of Tamoxifen after 5 years

redlessi · March 2019

Hi, I saw my med onc Dr. Today and Im at the bitter sweet completion of tamoxifen after 5 years. The recommendation was to stop taking the tamoxifen for at least 6 months and consider starting Arimidex for the next 5 years. I am so excited about no having to take tamoxifen but feel some anxiety about not having something still fighting to prevent re-occurrence. I know there are no guarantees even with taking the hormone therapy medication but it did give me some sort of protection at least in my mind. So I now have to decide if I want to start this new medication and possibly have to deal with all the new side effects. Looking to hear from some that may have this same situation and how you dealt with it.

mellee · March 2019

Did you take the Breast Cancer Index test? It helps determine whether 5 years is enough for you or if you'd benefit from 10 years. It might help you make an easier decision: https://www.breastcancerindex.com/

Peregrinelady · March 2019

I agree. Find out if taking meds for 5 more years is worth it for you, before subjecting yourself to the side effects. BCI is based on your tumor characteristics, much like Oncotype. Some women here have received results stating that extended therapy will not decrease their chance of recurrence.

redlessi · March 2019

I did have the breast index test done, benefit without additonal 5 years is 13, with it 9.

Peregrinelady · March 2019

That is a tough one since 4% benefit doesn’t seem like that much of a difference. Mine was like 29% vs. 9%, so I am definitely committed to continuing. It wouldn’t hurt to try Arimidex to see if the side effects aren’t too bad for you. You can always quit. In my experience, the side effects were worse at the beginning.

kec1972 · March 2019

is the BCI a text your MO has to order

Peregrinelady · March 2019

Yes. It is expensive, but I didn’t have to pay anything.

new2bc · March 2019

Does insurance pay for breast cancer index test? Do they test the original tumor to get results? How much is it without insurance?

redlessi · March 2019

yes my insurance paid for it. Yes they used my original tumor. Temple University Hospital saves the tissue/specimen for 7 years. Without insurance it it quite ex

Bitter sweet Completion of Tamoxifen after 5 years

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