Lovely ladies I feeling very apprehensive about starting Tamoxifen… was diagnosed with a small cancer in the right breast last October-had a lumpectomy radiotherapy (ended end February) and Tamoxifen, but I cannot bring myself to start this medication. Back in 2015 I had a mastectomy on right side was prescribe Letrozle after 4 years and feeling very ill for most of time decided along with my oncologist to stop the medication. At the moment feeling I can put myself through this again,
Letrozole and Tamoxifen are quite different medications. For example Letrozole can cause bone thinning and joint issues whereas Tamoxifen doesn’t. Yes you may well get hot flashes and yes some women experience other side effects but research shows it not only provides protection while you take it (by reducing the risk of recurrence) but also for an extended period after you stop taking it.
I was diagnosed in spring 2014 and got my first packet of Tamoxifen, was so concerned about starting taking it I stuck it on a shelf in the kitchen, eyeballed it everyday, until eventually I took the plunge. I did get quite severe hot flashes but found taking sage supplements helped reduce these (I think you need to check if you have high blood pressure before taking). My oncologist had suggested sage.
What made me decide to start taking it? Knowing it reduced the risk of recurrence and that the highest risk of this is during the first few years after active treatment, I thought I should at least try taking it, and even if I could do a couple of years it would be better than not taking it at all. I persevered, last year was my 5 year Tamo Tamo anniversary! Now carrying on with it for a few more years given it reduces risks.
If you try it and get bad side effects you can always speak to your oncologist to see if they can suggest anything that may help and consider stopping if it really causes significant issues. However if you don’t try it, you will never know if it my have been okay/manageable (on the side affect front), with all the benefits of reduced risks of recurrence.
I hope the above helps - I suggest you stop staring at the packet and give it a go. You really have nothing to lose by trying it (you can stop), but potentially a lot to gain!
Hi Tili, just adding my experience in case it helps. I have used letrozole and anastrozole in the past, and now, after a recurrence am on tamoxifen. It is definitely different and much the best for me , hardly notice any side effects. It’s entirely your choice of course but, as said, you can always try it and see how it goes. Good luck, love Mo x