Tamoxifen?

Question

I had a lumpectomy with Sentinal node removal about 2 months ago. Lymph nodes were negative and I'm receptor positive. I'm half way into my 33 days of Radiation. The Oncologist wants to put me on Tamoxifen, after radiation. I heard blood clots are a side affect of the drug. My mother died of a Stroke. Cancer doesn't run in our family. My cousin knows of two women(one in her 30's, the other early 40's)both had non-invasive cancer, like mine. Both went on Tamoxifen, BOTH died of massive strokes within 4 months of starting the pill. They were diagnosed 7 years apart. Does anyone else question taking this drug, when you have non-invasive, cancer? I don't want to risk a stroke.

Answer 1

My wife had breast cancer and was on tamoxifen for five years without adverse reaction. I would suggest to you that there are other therapies available to you and if you have problems with tamoxifen you should talk to your oncologist about alternatives. Also, do not be afraid of getting a second opinion, it is your right.

Answer 2

Last year, I found out I had breast cancer and because I was only 26 there was some agressive treatment for me. As far as I know I am free and clear. I have heard numerous things about Tamoxifen, none of them good. The only thing I will say is that doctors will always recommend a drug that they think will work. The only problem with that is they always recommend a drug. I would strongly suggest that you get some very deatailed information about the drug ask as many questions you can think of and if you are not satified then please don't do it. I have nothing against doctors, they just tell you what they think you ought to do and I don't think they take the time to consider what they're saying. I had a very remote and seemingly unfeeling oncologist and I eventually decided that I wasn't going to take everything he said as the truth. I would also suggest a second opinion. As patients we see doctors the same way we see most authority, all-knowing, infallible, gods. It's not true!

Answer 3

If you are worried about tamoxifen, there are other choices, Femara and Arimidex. Tamoxifen has been on the market for a very long time and has been used by many, many BC survivors. It has certainly proven to have a very high benefit compared to risks. But Femara and Arimidex are good drugs, too. Some studies show some extra benefit over tamoxifen but really hasn't been studied enough. (Nowhere near as much as tamoxifen) Talk to your doctor about risks and benefits. In the end though, it is up to you. Just make sure you know how the risks apply to you. BTW, I'm a 7.5 year BC survivor (Stage III - 5cm tumor, estrogen neg. 17/20 positive lymph nodes). Take care and trust that your decision is the right one for you.

Answer 4

I had surgery and radiotherapy 4 years ago for breast cancer. I have been on Tamoxifen for 4 years now and apart from a few hot flushes and some joint pain I have been fine. I think if you are not at high risk of a stroke to start with you will probably be ok. Speak to your GP about alternatives to Tamoxifen.

Edit: I did have some vaginal bleeding after about a year which required a hysterotomy. This was due to Tamoxifen but it was a minor problem.

Answer 5

What does your oncologist say about your family history? Does he know about it? I was on tamoxifen for 5 years and did just fine with it. I also have a friend and she was on it for 5 years and nothing happened to her. Maybe your oncologist can prescribe something for your blood if you are a high risk patient.
Your oncologist will monitor your blood every 6months and would be able to tell if you have a blood clotting problem.

Answer 6

While Tamoxifen can increase the risk of a stroke, it also decreases the risk of your cancer recurring.

In my own case, it reduces my risk of recurrence from 40% to 30%. I hate some of the side effects (hot flushes etc) but am willing to put up with them for the benefit it gives.

Talk to your Dr about our own risk factors, then you will be in position to make a decision. It is your disease in your body and no-one can make you take medications, they can only tell you what they recommend to improve your chances.

Answer 7

My mom had breast cancer about 18 years ago and took Tamoxifen for 5 years afterwards. She has never has a reccurence. She is almost 88 now. She never had any problems with the drug.

Answer 8

*The risk of blood clots from Tamoxifen are rare. I'll tell you the side effect list and precautions. See the"Know your source?" section of this page for the reference source.

Tamoxifen aka Nolvadex: "Women taking Nolvadex should have routine gynecological examinations and report any abnormal vaginal bleeding, change in menstural periods, change in vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain or pressure to the doctor immediately. Even after Nolvadex therapy has stopped, any abnormal vaginal bleeding should be reported at once.

Common side effects: Hot flashes, nausea, vomiting
Less common side effects: Bone pain, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, skin rash, tumor pain, vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge
Rare side effects: Blood clots, depression, distate for food, dizziness, hair thinning or partial loss, headache, light- headedness, liver disorders, swelling of arms or legs, vaginal itching or dryness, visual problems

Remember, each case is different. YOU may do well on Tamoxifen/ Nolvadex.