tomox question??

Hi, there,

Have you asked your oncologist about this? At one point, mine did mention having an oophorectomy, BUT this was only after I'd tried tamoxifen for over a year. If I'd had that surgery, I would have also had to take Arimidex afterward. Upon further discussion, we decided that this surgery was not appropriate treatment for me. This was partly because of another medical condition and partly because of the risk of osteoporosis and raised cholesterol. It is definitely something to discuss with your oncologist, because there is no one right answer about this.

Tamoxifen seems scary, I know, but most people do fine on it. I didn't, but most people do. The risk of stroke is small (unless you have other risk factors). Most side effects of tamoxifen are not serious. They may be annoying, even to the point that you would want to stop taking the drug, as I did. But you will most likely not be permanently harmed by taking tamoxifen, even if the side effects force you to quit. It seems extreme to go directly to surgery without at least trying less invasive treatment, but again, only your doctor can answer this for you.

It is not an easy process. Be sure to let your doctors know how you feel. They should be able to help you find the treatment that is right for you.

62192--I was diagnosed with LCIS almost 5 years ago--had lumpectomy, am very closely monitored with mammos and MRIs, do frequent breast exams and take tamoxifen. My SEs initially were mild hot flashes. Unfortunately, I developed a large ovarian mass which turned out to be ovarian cysts which ruptured and I ended up with a total abdominal hysterectomy.  I don't say this to scare you (or anyone contemplating taking tamox); I think it may have been a very rare SE and I just got the short end of the stick. I mention it only to suggest to  others that a yearly transvaginal ultrasound is a good idea to monitor both the uterine lining and the ovaries.  I actually firmly believe it is a very good preventative medication and I still take it even having been thru major surgery and immediate surgical menopause; (The AIs are not indicated for use with LCIS as they have not been studied with LCIS long enough) as there is still estrogen being produced by the adrenal glands, skin and fat. AS others have said, you can always try it and stop if you don't tolerate it well. The serious SEs (endometrial cancer and blood clots) are reportedly very rare, less than 1%; and it does decrease your risk by 40 to 50%. I like knowing I am doing something proactive to try and prevent an invasive bc (I have further increased risk due to family history--mom had ILC)--it is a very personal decision.  Talk with your oncologist about all your risks and benefits of taking tamox.

Anne