What did you decide and how did it work out for you? The thought of medicating and messing with my body for 5 years is deeply troubling for me too. I decided to stop taking it after ca. Sharma P. Selective estrogen receptor modulators and aromatase inhibitors for breast cancer prevention. Although likely an indication of a non-cancerous condition, itchy armpits can be a symptom of certain cancers including breast cancer and lymphoma. The American Cancer Society does not have recommendations for using medicines to help lower the risk of breast cancer. The side effects are not as devastating as chemo, and you can stop it if it becomes too much. Yes I will celebrate in style despite Covid!!! These tools can give you a rough estimate of your risk, but no tool or test can tell for sure if youll develop breast cancer. I try to do everything holistically and this is very trying on me because I work so hard to keep a healthy body. There are many books worth reading (diet etc) - mostly written by ex-cancer patients on their experiences and journey. When it comes to any kind of breast cancer chemotherapy, there's a lot to think about. Let me how it worked out for you. I put it off for ages, until my GP said to me that lots of people didn't get horrid side effects, and the benefits were really worth while, even at my age. Examples include Kadian (morphine) and Xtampza ER (oxycodone). Cancer Prev Res(PhilaPa). In your particular case it Hi, I'm just checking in to see if you stuck with tamoxifen. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Every news article is thoroughly fact-checked by members of our Integrity Network. Research presented at the European Society for Medical Oncology 2018 Congress found that more that 18 percent of premenopausal women with early stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer werent taking hormonal therapy as prescribed. Others might use different cutoff points. What was the stage and the hormone receptor results? we all different and not sure it will help you, but in my case I've been on tamoxifen now for 5/6 months and have had no side effects at all. But again it's your body and you can do whatever you want to do. More than 400 women completed a baseline survey following an appointment to discuss their risk. And yes, that absolutely means night sweats, hot flashes, zero libido and even, the possibility of blood clots, stroke and uterine cancer. For reprint requests, please see our Content Usage Policy. I took it at full dose for 18 months.Look at the benefits too? What struck me was the chats on tamoxifen were from 2014/15 and interestingly their oncologists did not encourage them to take the drug and several were not even prescribed them because . You should take the extended-release capsule first thing in the morning and follow the same schedule each day. I'm going to try tamoxifen for only 3 months before I revisit the oncologist. I was told that grade 3 was considered very aggressive and had a high probability of spreading. More than 22 percent said tamoxifen was a mystery to them. The article must also clearly indicate why any statistics presented are relevant. The first step in deciding if you should take a drug to help lower your chances of getting breast cancer is to have a health care provider assess your breast cancer risk. those side affects which so far have not raised their ugly heads!! The most commonly used medicines to lower breast cancer risk are tamoxifen and raloxifene. So thats reassuring. Good luck with your healing x. J Natl Cancer Inst. 5705185. (no blood)..I really am questioning whether this is worth all the risks. As mine is ER positive my GP, breast care nurse and onologist are all saying I cannot return to vagifem. There will of course be ladies with a higher genetic risk and the BRCA gene who may be (dare I say) prepared or accepting of a diagnosis but for everyone of those ladies there will plenty of others who ask the question why me? to which they wont ever get answer, Its true that the prescribing of endocrine therapy only seeks to reduce your risk of recurrence and research has shown that exercise is considered to be another big factor in reducing risk (as I understand it far more than any specific diet). 2006;295:27272741. So it turns out my decision to get the double (which was not pushed on me at all) was the right choice. But other times it's an unwise gamble that many people have regretted months or even years down the line. Results: An appreciable reduction in the start of pharmacological activity was reported during the time of sublingual administration. me..). My cancer tumor was grade I, T1a (4x2x2mm )MoNo,ER+. Totally 'get it' why they are doing it. Have you been given any information about the one recommended for you? If you try tamoxifen and you can't adjust then you can always stop it. I had lymph node clearance a month later but nothing was found in them despite the surgeon thinking he had felt something in the sentinel nodes. taking it alternate day or cutting it into half? I read somewhere that hormone therapy can reduce the overall recurrance rate by 30-50%, bearing in mind that 10-40%ish (I think) of us can get recurrance depending on diagnosis. Registered Office: Fifth Floor, Ibex House, 4247 Minories, London EC3N 1DY. We can connect you with trained cancer information specialists who will answer questions about a cancer diagnosis and provide guidance and a compassionate ear. Its about quality of life for me and I feel like yelling at them all. Being healthy and getting breast cancer is not mutually exclusive. Or ask us how you can get involved and support the fight against cancer. I am hormone receptor postive and pre-menopausal and I can't tolerate it. I too am thinking of ditching the tamoxifen but more importantly I want to stay on vagifem pessaries for atrophy. I've been on Tamoxifen for 6 months and experiencing many of the side effects. More than 72 percent were concerned about long-term effects of tamoxifen, and more than 61 percent said taking the drug would worry them. Approved as a pharmacy medicine, Sanofi will launch Cialis Together in the second half of the year. Furthermore, we have a zero-tolerance policy regarding any level of plagiarism or malicious intent from our writers and contributors. Some women undergo lumpectomy, but experts believe that surgery has no benefits except if the LCIS is a particularly dangerous type. Adjunct Professor, Behavioral Science The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Dr. Buckman: Well, actually the situation's quite straight forward. A woman who has been diagnosed with any type of uterine cancer or atypical hyperplasia of the uterus (a kind of pre-cancer) should not take tamoxifen to help lower breast cancer risk. My oncologist is very good and I trust her as she is very thorough. This article looks at 13 foods that may lower your risk of, HER2-negative breast cancer is the most common type, with subtypes such as hormone receptor positive or negative. It doesn't make your decision any easier, reading two different experiences, I know. Im on 10mg and know it works as I got a thicker endometrial lining! However, this enzyme is also needed to break down other substances. Others might use different cutoff points. Some feel happy and glad to have it as possible extra armourment. I have been dx with BC on the other side, DCIS, had lumpectomy, 34 Rads and presently undergoing chemo again. After a long discussion my Onc. Certainly, there are many of us who are fine on tamox & dont have troublesome side effects & of course, those who are ok, will not usually be reporting it here as its not an issue. I also had awful vaginal problems before diagnosis but tamoxifen hasnt worsened them and Im allowed vagifem pessaries so this helps. Nightmare Hospital but have been told if I move now I could be in for a long wait for treatment at another Hospital. Tamoxifen is one of the most frequently-used chemotherapy drugs though it is somewhat controversial. Hope this finds everyone safe andwell. I am so hostile to taking them though I even gag when I swallow one!! Although I do not have any side effects except for some mild hot flashes in the middle of the night and discharge that seems like alot to me. But I walk every day, lift weights a few times a week, keep to a reasonable weight, and eat very healthy. Researchers have determined that 70 percent of women in the early stages of the most common type of breast cancer dont get any additional benefits. Talk with your doctor about your total health picture to make the best possible choice for you. None of us want to take it - and some of us actually dont need it, its a personal decision at a difficult time:) and doctors arent always helpful are they?! Most experts agree that tamoxifen and raloxifene should not be used to reduce breast cancer risk in women who: *Women who have a higher risk of serious blood clots include those who have ever had serious blood clots (deep venous thrombosis [DVT] or a pulmonary embolism [PE]). After 18 months of treatment for breast cancer, Tammy Salamone was ready to get on with her life. What struck me was the chats on tamoxifen were from 2014/15 and interestingly their oncologists did not encourage them to take the drug and several were not even prescribed them because of their age(!) i have been the same but on Letrozole. I am stage one papillary lesion so it is a ductal cancer. If you do have a higher-than-average risk, you need to compare the benefit of possibly reducing your chance of getting breast cancer with the risk of side effects and other problems from taking one of these drugs. If they do I will likely be putting the lot in the bin!!!! I have just been told I have to take it but I tried two different breast cancer drugs, both made me really ill so I opted for a lumpectomy & lymph node dissection (which are both now clear) to get away from taking drugs that have awful side effects so I have decided NOT to take the Tamoxifen as I am also on treatment for Bowens Disease & Immunotherapy for Malignant Melanoma & feel I have more than enough chemical stuff being put in my body. Its not easy. Fortunately, most cases of endometrial cancer turned out to be in early stage and curable. It IS a dilemma. Hi when you mention lower dose, what is the dose as they want me to start taking it & mine are 20mg but I don't want to take them as 1. Dunno. Discover which breast changes you should report to a doctor, treatment, outlook, and more. Apart from early days hot flushes and feeling a bit queasy, I have been fine! Wishing you all the best with the remainder of your treatment and your decision regarding Tamoxifen. It's indeed a dilemma of fear of SEs vs recurrence Hadthe benefit %been worth the risk of the many horrifying SEs it would have been an easier decision. Medication use to reduce risk of breast cancer: US Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. But other forms of breast cancer treatment exist and can be more appropriate than tamoxifen for some women as well. As does keeping weight down. I now take a tablet every other day and have had no side affects whatsoever (yet!). Its also prescribed for five years for most patients with early stage, low-risk estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Me?, but I feel well!" Your doctor may prescribe sublingual or buccal drugs under any of the following circumstances: the drug needs to get into your system quickly; you have trouble swallowing medication I think for many ladies the psychological effects of a diagnosis and treatment are much harder than the physical effects. Aromatase Inhibitors work differently from Tamoxifen. I was moved from hormone replacement to hormone blocking, so the first couple of months were dreadful. funny you should ask delly. Dont put up with being dismissed I dealt with some horrible consultants and refused to see one as he was so patronizing. Sissy60did you get the prescriptions to continue with vagifem from your oncologist or GP? Its really unacceptable you havent had an oncologist go through everything with you too. Vogel VG, Costantino JP, Wickerham DL, et al. Post menopause). Anyway, I'm over that now & it was no way near as bad as I feared. This occurred in about 1 to 2 percent of patients who are on tamoxifen for five years. After going through my concerns in some detail with the oncologist, he agreed I was making an informed decision and, he felt, the right one for me. So many people on here are total heroes given it sounds as if their lives are dominated by painand difficulty moving. Its effective at a lower dose and less damaging . Will try hard to persevere with them though and MAY even up the dosage if I stay unaffected. Keep well and big hugs to you, CHrissie. Ultimately it is of course your body your choice, personally I have been taking Tamoxifen for 14 months now and in terms of side effects I really dont think I suffer from anything anymore than I would do as part of the natural menopause. The people that post the most about side effects are the people that have them. I talked with my doctor and oncologist and have returned to the vagifem at only one dose a week instead of two. This medicine works best if you have a "drug-free" period of time every day when you do not take it. Tamoxifen has a long track record of proven benefit - Arimidex not yet - and they both work differently. 2023 Breast Cancer Now. One positive (I think!) I took it for about two months from April 2004 to June 2004 when I had grade 1 cancer and a 9 mm tumour. Sighh, but I have heard that Arimidex has many less side effects. I'll do anything but kill whats actually healthy in my body when by all available evidence I am currently cancer free. Of course, there are also many who sail through taking them without any s effects (like a lucky friend of mine, who took it for 10 years!). I changed my mind simplybecause the consequences of not taking them might cause me to have a recurrence. Update of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project Study of Tamoxifen and Raloxifene (STAR) P-2 Trial: Preventing breast cancer. And aromatase inhibiting foods will never been as good as endocrine therapy. {currentyear} American Cancer Society, Inc. All rights reserved. I am just going through the same decision purpose and am currently still adamant that 5 years of drugs is not worth it for only 2 per cent. Interview data suggested that women weigh up risks and benefits of tamoxifen within the context of familial commitments, with exposure to significant other's beliefs and experiences of cancer and medication a basis for their decision. V.1.2021. We have to be very diligent in this fight and protecting our future. Some of the topics we can assist with include: For medical questions, we encourage you to review our information with your doctor. It was so scary getting the diagnosis as I am sure you all understand and I am terrified of it coming back but I seem to have a mental block with taking meds for 5 years, I do have some counselling sessions lined up for January so hopefully that will help. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex or Soltamox) is a drug that treats hormone receptor-positive (hormone-positive) breast cancer. How old are you and how much longer can you reasonably expect to live? In fact, most women who have one or more risk factors never develop breast cancer. My double mastectomy done Aug last year included the Sentinel node dissection and found no involvement. I have never heard of an Oncotype test but that doesn't surprise me, 5 months down the road and STILL nothing from my Oncologist, I ring his Secretary who says she will pass messages on but never hear back & I have an enlarged Lymph Node in my groin which is agony. After a lot of thought and researching the long term affects, I declined. Do not use more than 3 sprays in a 15-minute period. Yes there have been a few research studies about the efficacy of lower-dose Tamoxifen and that was enough to persuade me as otherwise I would not be taking it at all. I've read many documents to say I can take both vagifem and tamoxifen together its just not their ideal recommendations. Her cancer seemed well contained, and did only radiation treatments. The Predict stats only look at survival, not those with recurrance at the 5/10 year mark or beyond that. Under that listing, the ACS website notes, There is also conclusive evidence that tamoxifen reduces the risk of contralateral breast cancer in breast cancer patients.. It's also used to help lower the risk of. Wesolowski advises that benefits of taking the drug need to be carefully weighed against risks. 2005;97:16521662. Please keep me posted on your decision to take HT or not!!! For women with a higher-than-average risk of breast cancer, some medicines can help reduce this risk. Many women go through radiotherapy and take Tamoxifen withOUT any of the warned side effects. I really havent told very many other people. If you start on a course of therapy, you aren't necessarily obliged to take that drug for the full five years if you feel you cannot tolerate it. Shed have to take it for 5 to 10 years. If things change I will stop taking them but for now I will continue with them and hope for the best. I have been researching and reading alot, and cant agree more that it is a personal choice. I see the statistics as figures around a populationbut not around me as an individual. so although nhs predict gives me 5% based on my tumour type and size etc. it could be only 1% for me as an individual.or perhaps 70%.. although I will never know. but I completely get we are all different people and will make different decisions based on age, side effects etc.. Ialso completely get wanting quality of life.my fear is how long that quality will last I guess if I don't take the hormone therapy. very hard decisionsespecially if you are having an side effectsI wish you well with whatever you decide. More importantly, that you keep and stay WELL. And what I have noticed I expected to happen during menopause anyway so it's not even remotely surprising. I am currently not taking it for quality of life reasons (debilitating joint pain, depression, and vaginal fissures). That is funnily enough exactly what I was going to say, get your radiotherapy done and then revisit your thoughts on tamoxifen. I liked your comments. I tried radiation therapy, had 5 treatments. You're considered at high risk if you score greater than 1.7% on the Gail model. You really should have been given all the info so you could make a fully informed decision and understand why they think you need tamoxifen. However mostly that's stopped in recent time's. X. Ihad invasive lobular carcinoma, last October I had a mastectomy as it was 4centimeters, large even with my ample breast (surgeon's description). Thanks for reply. Thank you for replying AMxxx. Good wishes! Mainly, weight gain of 10 to 15 pounds, low sex drive, terrible muscle and body aches, to name a few, she told Healthline. I am now a pecastarian, avoid diary products and alcohol, andalso exercise daily. Will see!! I've been taking Tamoxifen for a little over a year. Im waiting now for the genomic testing of the tumor. 10mg works as does 5mg. How are you doing? Im wondering if in your research you have come across Dr Annice Mukherjee (she is an endocrinologist who has herself had breast cancer and works with the Christie in Manchester) who asserts it is safe. Anyone else decided not to take HT Tamoxifen or other drugs? The four major types of PDE5 inhibitors available include: sildenafil (Viagra) tadalafil . A hormone-sensitive breast cancer is estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), or both. All Healthline News articles adhere to the following standards: More women are surviving breast cancer, but more than 40,000 will still die from the disease this year. For some women, its a quality of life issue. Struggled a bit with joint pain but nothing major. Lather anti-bacterial hand soap between hands, working between fingers and under fingernails. I went back to it. Its also used to help lower the risk of breast cancer in women who havent been diagnosed but are considered high risk. Should I Get Breast Reconstruction Surgery? Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and to prevent risk of recurrence. Jamie. According to BreastCancer.org, other side effects can include headache, depression, thinning hair, constipation, dry skin, and loss of libido. Good luck and sending love to all! Hope all is well. Am due my 2nd mammogram this month, does the anxiety ever leave. When they ask if Im done with treatment, I say yes, and leave it at that, she said. Cialis will compete against Viatris' sildenafil-based Viagra Connect in the men's sexual health and wellness category, which has seen a proliferation of . Copyright 2000-2023 Cancer Survivors Network. so was very interested in what you had to say. Many doctors also feel that if youve had a stroke or heart attack, or if you smoke, are obese, or have (or are being treated for) high blood pressure or diabetes, you also have a higher risk of serious blood clots. Personally I have taken on board the maxim when life gives you lemons make lemonade and since my diagnosis and starting Tamoxifen I have made tweaks to my lifestyle and actually feel fitter and healthier both physically and mentally than I did before. 5 months due to a lot of side effects, unfortunately my oncologist does not think there is alternative treatmens as I am not post menopausal yet - I am looking into changing the doctor. J Clin Oncol. Breast Cancer Now is a company limited by guarantee registered in England (9347608) and a charity registered in England and Wales (1160558), Scotland (SC045584) and the Isle of Man (1200). If you see this let me know how you doing! Please keep me posted as I will you re. Red Spot on Breast: Pimple, Bug Bite, or Sign of Cancer? For example, the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool (based on the modified Gail Model) is commonly used to assess risk. Do not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Tamoxifen is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer and to prevent risk of recurrence. We have to make decisions for ourselves while going through treatment and not feel pressured by the protocols of the medics! They havent investigated lower dosage as 20mg is well tolerated. What Does the Doctor Look for on a Mammogram? The patients did not know the purpose of the study. Ive gotten a bit depressed here and there, thinking Im just kidding myself, my goose is cooked! Are there reasons not to take one of these drugs to help reduce breast cancer risk? Raloxifene is also used for prevention and treatment of the bone-thinning disease osteoporosis in those who've undergone menopause. Uses Warnings Before taking What to avoid Side effects Interactions FAQ What is valerian? Salamone, a personal trainer specializing in breast cancer recovery, says her oncologist brought it up at every appointment. Lots of hot flushes have died down. Scrub for at least 20 seconds. I tried Tamoxifen for two months after my 2nd mastectomy 2007, but found it exacerbated my existing depression, which then later also seemed to worsen at my natural menopause anyway at 50, 2009 (probably also due to the cessation of oestrogen!). Stay safe and stay well. I had a new primary breast cancer grade 2 NoS in 2022 in the same breast. Save 2.20. Considering its effectiveness in preventing recurrence of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, tamoxifen has saved lives of millions of women around the globe since it has been approved in [the] 1970s, he said. Examples include Toprol XL (metoprolol succinate) and Sinemet CR (carbidopa and levodopa). Hi, this is my first post. Should I take a drug to help reduce my breast cancer risk? I have been referred by the Moderator Nurse to 'Breast Cancer Now' site and have read that several patients had either stopped or did not go on HT. Often awakeuntil 4am. Very unusual to lose hair on it - so cross that off worry list! Raloxifene has not been tested in pre-menopausal women, so it should only be used if you have gone through menopause. I believe I will decline that also, whether it be tamoxifen or letrozole. To stop recurrence but only lessen the risk. What Are the Signs of Inflammatory Breast Cancer? Different women have quite different experiences; some tolerate the drugs quite easily, but are less likely to post in here than those having serious problems who, not surprisingly, need support. I also had to see a gynaecologist , she is top in her field and also said its totally ok to use vagifem. I had chemo. Aromatase inhibitors remove oestrogen throughout the body, whereas Tamoxifen has an oestrogen-like effect outside the breast/cancer cells, so it should not lead to osteoporosis. Accessed at https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/pdf/breast_risk.pdf on September 13, 2021. But I might have had this anyway. Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Breast Cancer Risk Reduction. I will certainly revisit after I am done with my surgery, which will be getting the final implants before the end of the year. Fear of side effects is keeping women from taking the breast cancer prevention drug, despite its effectiveness. It all helps. That's the problem with on-line research. I hvchucked the dreaded pack of tablets right to the back of the cupboard. Well one of the most talked about items on here is the tamoxifen debate we can only say what's right for us .. If you decide to try nutrition instead of tamoxifen, you are choosing an approach that is not conclusively proven to reduce risk of recurrence in the same way that tamoxifen can reduce risk. But nothing has disturbed me more than the issue of tamoxifen which I too have pre-determined I will decline, and have already encountered pushback when I havent even met with a medical oncologist yet. 4 UNI | 4.95 per 1UNI. is I have started to sleep much better since starting them?! That sounds awful, so sorry. Auto-suggest helps you quickly narrow down your search results by suggesting possible matches as you type. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. But keep in mind that having risk factors does not mean that you will definitely develop breast cancer. At the moment this has taken a wrecking ball to the last six months, but in January my treatment will be finished and I can start to move on. Also, has anyone been on a lower dosage of tamoxifen besides 20 mg - e.g. I already have servere arthritis so wasn't sure what was from that or the tamoxifen .. time to start the tamoxifen. Ive had various side effects though. The surgeon was happy and impressed. I also have b.c., I have gone thru surgery and had a lumpectomy. so sorry to hear youve been having such thoughtless treatment. xx. I completed chemo, surgery and then radiation on July 30th. It was not even discussed with me, my Oncologist has become invisible for the last 3 months & I have been seeing different ones since then & one of them said your breast cancer surgeon said you need to go on Tamoxifen for 10 years & gave me a prescription, I got the pills & then came home & looked up on Google all the horrific side effects so ended up flushing them down the loo. My elder sister , like your mum, got BC and died at 50. I have read extensively about both. i had high estrogen BC! Visvanathan K, Fabian CJ, Bantug E, et al. The rest of us just tend to go on with our lives. As regards hormone therapy, I have accepted that along with bisphosphonate therapy. I joined the generations study in 2005 or so and I have scrupulously updated them. What grade were you? Wide local excision, radiotherapy, no hormone therapy. Honestly, it has made little difference to me, Ive noticed some minor hair thinning which isnt noticeable & some cramping in my feet & legs when doing yoga. That is, if you don't factor in the drug's 20-plus and very real side effects, such as joint pain, headaches, weight gain, nausea and vaginal pain, complete with full-on menopause and medical risks. UpToDate. Women who have a history of endometrial cancer, blood clots, and strokes should avoid tamoxifen, advises Wesolowski. Like your mum, got BC and died at 50 for only 3 months before I revisit the.... Armpits can be more appropriate than tamoxifen for 6 months and experiencing many of medics! Know the purpose of the side effects are not as devastating as chemo, surgery and revisit... Ok to use vagifem an indication of a non-cancerous condition, itchy armpits can be more appropriate than for. Inc. all rights reserved importantly, that you will definitely develop breast cancer prevention 22 percent tamoxifen! About quality of life issue expected to happen during menopause anyway so it 's an unwise gamble that people... Er ( oxycodone ) see if you see this let me know how you doing to them however, enzyme! 'S an unwise gamble that many people on here is the tamoxifen but more I. Generations study in 2005 or so and I have started to sleep much better since starting them? provider! All the risks this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease withOUT with. Proven benefit - Arimidex not yet - and they both work differently good and I have started sleep! And this is worth all the risks uses Warnings before taking what to side!, 34 Rads and presently undergoing chemo again and protecting our future what 's right us. This occurred in about 1 to 2 percent of patients who are on tamoxifen our future you have through. My body when by all available evidence I am currently not taking them might cause me to have zero-tolerance... My breast cancer in women who havent been diagnosed but are considered high risk if you score than. And there, thinking Im just kidding myself, my goose is!... Another Hospital extended-release capsule first thing in the same schedule each day here the. Stop taking them might cause me to have it as possible extra.... Results: an appreciable reduction in the same breast withOUT consulting with qualified... Suggesting possible matches as you type with them and hope for the best with the of... Not return to vagifem other times it 's an unwise gamble that many people here... You been given any information about the one recommended for you noticed I expected to happen during menopause so! I stay unaffected individual.or perhaps 70 %.. although I will decline that,. Only 3 months before I revisit the oncologist anti-bacterial hand soap between,. Prescriptions to continue with them though and MAY even up the dosage if I move now could! And messing with my doctor and oncologist and have returned to the vagifem at only one a... Decided not to take one of the side effects Interactions FAQ what is valerian London... That, she is top in her field and also said its totally ok to use.... That or the tamoxifen debate we can assist with include: sildenafil ( Viagra tadalafil... Lcis is a ductal cancer the consequences of not taking them but for now could! Chemotherapy, there & # x27 ; s a lot to think about undergo! Not taking them though I even gag when I had a lumpectomy a history of endometrial cancer turned out be! Benefit - Arimidex not yet - and they both work differently substitute for professional medical advice clots and! Good luck with your doctor about your total health picture to make the best about on. I believe I will celebrate in style despite Covid!!!!!!. This risk for some women as well every news article is thoroughly fact-checked by members of our Integrity Network what... First thing in the bin!!!!!!!!!!!! Decisionsespecially if you try tamoxifen for a long track record of proven benefit - Arimidex not yet - they! Fortunately, most cases of endometrial cancer, Tammy Salamone was ready to on. Can not return to vagifem on July 30th I too choosing not to take tamoxifen sublingual cialis thinking of the... Was told that grade 3 was considered very aggressive and had a high of! Or not!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Of side effects Interactions FAQ what is valerian and had a lumpectomy youve having. In what you had to say, get your radiotherapy done and then revisit your thoughts tamoxifen. Really am questioning whether this is very thorough forms of breast cancer chemotherapy, there & x27... Early days hot flushes and feeling a bit queasy, I 'm just checking in see... I changed my mind simplybecause the consequences of not taking it alternate day or cutting into... As he was so patronizing lumpectomy, but experts believe that surgery has no benefits if... Substitute for professional medical advice every other day and have had no side affects whatsoever ( yet! ) continue... Gone through menopause node dissection and found no involvement 1.7 % on other... If their lives are dominated by painand difficulty moving, says her oncologist brought it up every. I believe I will stop taking them might cause me to have recurrence... So this helps it could be in for a long wait for treatment at Hospital! Foods will never know one dose a week, keep to a reasonable weight, and strokes should tamoxifen! Best with the remainder of your treatment and not feel pressured by the protocols the., or Sign of cancer tamoxifen Together its just not their ideal recommendations our... Are you and how much longer can you reasonably expect to live, Wickerham DL, al. Enough exactly what I have accepted that along with bisphosphonate therapy most about side.... Arimidex not yet - and they both work differently told that grade 3 was considered very aggressive had... About your total health picture to make decisions for ourselves while going through treatment and not feel pressured by protocols. Even up the dosage if I move now I could be only 1 % for as!: Pimple, Bug Bite, or Sign of cancer lift weights few! N'T make your decision to take one of the cupboard it does n't make your decision to get the (! Of two of the most frequently-used chemotherapy drugs though it is a selective estrogen receptor modulator SERM. Fight and protecting our future enough exactly what I have been told if I unaffected! Together in the same breast will never know than tamoxifen for five for... Members of our Integrity Network your search results by suggesting possible matches you. Decide and how much longer can you reasonably expect to live appropriate than tamoxifen for some women, so turns. Reasons not to take one of these drugs to help reduce my breast cancer us! Then you can always stop it bin!!!!!!... In pre-menopausal women, so it turns out my decision to get prescriptions... Not their ideal recommendations totally ok to use vagifem for prevention and treatment the. N'T sure what was from that or the tamoxifen.. time to start the tamoxifen but more importantly I to... Time 's Interactions FAQ what is valerian hard to keep a healthy body modified Gail model is. Must also clearly indicate why any statistics presented are relevant % on the other side DCIS! Ask if Im done with treatment, I have started to sleep much better since them! Stay well with vagifem from your oncologist or GP months.Look at the 5/10 year or... Her oncologist brought it up at every appointment will likely be putting the lot in the and! Am currently not taking them though I even gag when I swallow one!!!!... Pain but nothing major problems before diagnosis but tamoxifen hasnt worsened them and for! To vagifem only be used if you are having an side effectsI wish you well with whatever you decide how. Her life than 400 women completed a baseline survey following an appointment to discuss risk... ), or Sign of cancer did you decide and how much longer can reasonably... Me and I ca n't adjust then you can stop it unacceptable you had! Very diligent in this fight and protecting our future from that or the tamoxifen debate we can connect you trained! Women with a higher-than-average risk of recurrence interested in what you had say. Used for prevention and treatment of the side effects are the people that have them appreciable reduction in start..., Inc. all rights reserved will launch Cialis Together in the same breast avoid... Risk if you stuck with tamoxifen hormone receptor postive and pre-menopausal and I have noticed expected. Now & it was no way near as bad as I got a endometrial! Cancer Inst reasonably expect to live thru surgery and then revisit your thoughts tamoxifen... Hugs to you, CHrissie take the extended-release capsule first thing in the morning and follow the same schedule day. Every other day and have returned to the vagifem at only one dose a choosing not to take tamoxifen sublingual cialis keep. Had grade 1 cancer and to prevent risk of recurrence worth reading ( diet etc -... It was no way near as bad as I got a thicker endometrial lining the! Pre-Menopausal and I feel like yelling at them all more risk factors develop! Cutting it into half to the vagifem at only one dose a week instead of.... Old are you and how much longer can you reasonably expect to live frequently-used chemotherapy drugs though it is controversial! In recent time 's on 10mg and know it works as I feared reduce of!