Apologies this topic has probably been raised before. I ve had SMX due to DCIS (beginning of Jan 25 so still a few weeks post surgery). I m still waiting for my surgery and sentinel node biopsy results (hopefully will get these next week). Should these be all clear (
) I’m expecting to be discharged to the oncologist.
Is there anyone here who has been in the same situation as me and chosen NOT to have tamoxifen (or similar) for next five years? Up until now I have felt totally confident with all my treatment. With all the reading and research I’ve been doing I just don’t feel that tamoxifen (or equivalent) is the right way forward for me and want to go to my next appointment as well informed as possible. Any help, suggestions or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. I am post menopausal if that helps. Thanks 
x
Hello and welcome
You’ve not said what type of DCIS you have/had but will assume it was hormone positive? I believe an AI (aromatase inhibitors] is more favoured for post menopause. So you may be offered something like Letrozole, anastrozole, Exemestane. It may be worth researching those.
It’s your choice if you take hormone therapy. I was put off my so many negative posts…some people have a difficult time with them but you need to consider there are many that do not. We humans (myself included) are more likely to write about something if it’s causing us a problem, not so much when it is going well….if you catch my drift.
Since it was a key part of my treatment, I’ve decided to give it a go. I was on Tamoxifen for 3 months, with some minor side effect over a few weeks, nothing that would put me off. For other reasons, I have been moved to Exemestane, and not had any side effects (yet), which does make me wonder if the tablets are working! It’s early days and maybe in six months I might have a different take on them, but I need to atleast try first.
Best wishes, and hope you come to the best decision for you x
Hi!
I am 36, and had a SMX due to moderate-high 10cm DCIS only. My lymph nodes were clear. I was unsure for a while whether to go on Tamoxifen, as I’ve had to also undergo egg freezing treatment should I want children in the next few years.
I decided to try tamoxifen to see how it affected me. Everyone is different. I had symptoms of fatigue, and some hot flashes in the first 6 weeks, but they have now eased off. I get hot flashes at times, but they are managable.
Tips ive followed: try to stick to one brand only if you can, take at bedtime so if you do get symptoms it happens over night. I’m lactose intolerant so have asked for a lactose free brand, which means I can have the same brand every time. I’ve been taking Taurine and Magnesium supplements for tiredness which has helped loads. I’m also on a supplement called Salvestrol (read into it).
I decided I didnt want to risk reoccurance of my cancer, but I wanted to see what side effects I got to make an informed decision whether I could cope on Tamoxifen. You read all the horror stories about it, but women rarely repoet back when they have an okay experience. Everyone is different and everyone’s risk tolerance is different too.
Hope you can make the right decision for yourself 
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It’s really a personal choice and everyone has a different reaction to the drug. my friend has finished taking her tamoxifen for 5 years and with no adverse effect. When I first started taking tamoxifen (20mg per day) 2 years ago, I almost gave up one month into the treatment. I was feeling so fatigued that I didn’t dare walking to the supermarket which was a 10 minutes walk. After discussing with the oncologist, we decided to cut the dosage to 5mg a day. I don’t know if this will cause any issue down the road but this is the compromise I’m willing to make.
So in addition to taking or not taking tamoxifen, there can be more options.