Different Dosages to Tolerate Tamoxifen?

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breastquest
breastquest Member Posts: 52
edited June 2020 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Like many of us, after the lumpectomy, I am now facing the decision on what hormonal therapy to begin. I have spoken to a few MOs and they all feel (of course) that I should take something for my stage 0, DCIS diagnosis. I'm leaning toward Tamoxifen but have severe trepidations. The one side effect that scares me the most are blood clots/stroke, even tho' I don't have any risk factors --that I know of.... I did ask one of the Medical Oncologists, if I can take a lesser amount of Tamox that would still be effective. She suggested taking half the pill and taking a baby aspirin every day with it.

I know some women take the 20 mg every other day, etc... So, my question is if you are afraid of the full dose, does your doctor suggest alternative dosage methods that you feel are still effective against recurrence?

Thx.

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited June 2020

    Hi BreastQuest. Side effects with Tamoxifen vary considerably depending on age; I've gone through menopause and had very light, temporary side effects with the standard recommended dose - plus it's good for my osteoporosis because it strengthens bone. But some younger women have a terrible time. I'd start with the standard dose, since it's proven effective, and see how you feel. But yes, if you look at the ongoing Tamoxifen threads you'll see several women are taking a half dose.

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