I’ve had a 17mm tumor, HER2 Neg, ER Pos, grade 3 removed. Lymph nodes clear, but not clear margin as there was high grade dcis as well. Had second excision and now clear.
My stress levels were quite reasonable at this point, knowing the worse was over. But my oncologist, while reading my report told me I had cancer cells in blood vessels. Radiotherapy and hormone are the follow-up treatments.
Alarm bells now ringing and all I can think about are rouge cancer cells floating around my blood stream that won’t get zapped by radiation.
I addressed this with Oncologist and she sold the concept that Tamoxifen will take care of those, plus Zoldex, as I have PCOS and produce higher level of Estrogen.
I’m still worried, as Tamoxifen is described as inhibitor to stop cancer growth but doesn’t say anything about killing cancer cells, and I know from some studies they can live a long time. So what happens in 5 years when I stop taking it? Couldn’t get clear answer from Oncologist, she avoid the question like an MP!
Your thoughts and positivity are welcome.
Thnx
Sal
I was on Tamoxifen for at least 6 years (secondaries DX from start stage 4, 13 yrs down the line) I always understood that Tamoxifen blocked cancer cells from feeding on estrogen, it’s a blocker, same as herceptin which I’m also on for life, they block the cells from feeding inhibiting growth. Tamoxifen is a really good drug a tried and tested drug that works. I honestly don’t think it kills the cells. That’s chemos job to kill both good and bad cells. I hope this helps x
Yes Tamoxifen does appear to do it’s job well according to research. I hope I can see the full 5 years through without too much trouble. But having said that I will persevere if needed as it is too important not to (I say that now, but only just started and I don’t know what’s to come)
It’s after the 5 years that bothers me more, especially since ER+ patients seem prone to later recurrence plus my mind is on floating cancer cells laying dormant (no chemo for me).
Having ovaries removed at a later date was mentioned - I’m quite prepared to do that, I don’t need or want them, and having PCOS has caused me many upsets during adulthood.
Glad your treatment is keeping the evil “C” controlled. It’s inspiring to read and comforting to know these drugs do make a difference. Take care.
I guess this is a case of having to trust the medication and all of the research there is to back it. It’s always going to be a worry at the back of our minds about recurrence but my view is that sticking to a treatment plan gives best possible protection against that. I understand Tamoxifen continues to offer some protection beyond the 5 years prescribed but, for all of us, the risk will never entirely go away and that’s something we have to learn to accept.
I’ll be interested to hear your experience of Tamoxifen with PCOS. After many years of battling for it, I was finally diagnosed with the condition and Tamoxifen seems to have really helped with it. I’m having regular periods for the first time in my life at 46. It’s almost as if Tamoxifen has regulated everything, which may be the case as I’ve since read it is used on a very short term basis to treat infertility for those with PCOS.
I’ve also had ovaries removed after a long time on zoladex injections that shut them down. There are a lot of drugs around today that can keep us going for longer and in the meantime new drugs are being developed. It’s really hard I know but try not to worry about the future after Tamoxifen, 5 yrs is a long time in scientific research and development. Also I was told if your on it for 5 your covered for 10, and whose to say that it will come back. X
Thank you for your reply. Only on day 6 with tamoxifen. Too early to report anything significant yet, except a few brief moments of nausea and very mild tummy ache. Dr waiting after rads to organise Zoladax (not got date yet, they said it be a min 6 weeks post surgery). With regard to PCOS, this might be a small benefit in the scheme of things. Take care x
in the scheme of things. Take care x