Hello,
I am currently trying to decide whether to take Tamoxifen or not. My consultant said that after a meeting the team decided that, on balance, they would recommend I took Tamoxifen as a belt and braces approach to my breast cancer treatment. I had a mastectomy January 21st and the results were DCIS in about half the breast with a small amount of it having turned into Grade One Invasive cancer, no spread to lymph nodes and other breast seems clear. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not needed which was great.
I have only recently got married, am 32, and am dreading the idea of menopausal side effects, which although I realise do not happen to all, seem very common. I also have M.E. (which is worse at the moment after the surgery) and have been told by someone with M.E. that when she took Tamoxifen the joint pain she experienced was unbearable and she had to stop taking it. Most people with M.E., including myself, have increased sensitivity to drugs.
Has anyone been in the position where their cancer was a low grade and so they decided not to take Tamoxifen?
Thank you for reading.
Hi Emeraldgreen
Whilst you wait for the other users to reply with their knowledge and experiences you might find it helpful to talk things through with a member of staff on the BCC helpline. Here you can share your feelings and cocnerns with someone who will offer you a listening ear as well as emotional support and practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and lines are open weekdays 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Hi Emerald Green. I had stage 2, grade 1 invasive ca and DCIS , a bit like you. Just a mastectomy (just!) and no rads or chemo. Just to reassure you, I am on tamoxifen and tolerating it very well. I take it at night. I have had the very occasional hot flush, but nothing to write home about. My periods seem to have stopped, which has helped my anaemia. Not sure I if they have permanently stopped, I started tamoxifen in September, had a period in October and one in December. Otherwise, I wouldn’t know that I’m on it. I think we hear so much about side effects and bad experiences, I just wanted to reassure you that it’s not all bad. There is very strong evidence for its use in reducing the risk of recurrence. I would chat to your oncologist and breast care team. Actually my surgeon was more helpful than my oncologist.
Good luck
Z