Tamoxifen

Diagnosed with breast cancer Recently diagnosed with breast cancer
1

Hi lovely people, 

Does anyone have any experience with tamoxifen?

My histology report says it will have a 3% benefit for me. Seems a very small percentage to risk the possible side effects that the drug can bring??

Xx

2

Hi Martj, I’ve been on Tamoxifen for a couple of years.  As I was 8/8 ER+/PR+ it had a higher chance of success for me.  I had muscle and joint stiffness and hot flashes in the beginning but with a plant based diet and regular exercise this slowly improved over time.  Lifestyle alterations can also lower your risk such as body mass index (BMI) below 24, not drinking alcohol or smoking,  regular exercise and eating a healthy diet.

Here is BCNs leaflet on Tamoxifen:

breastcancernow.org/information-support/publication/tamoxifen-bcc20 

3

Hi 

I was prescribed tamoxifen and delayed starting it as I was very worried about the side effects. My oncologist suggested I try it for 3 months in the first instance just to see how I get on. I’ve been taking it for 11 days now and all good so far… I’m hopeful :slightly_smiling_face:   I was already having hot flushes and they haven’t got any worse. And I’m actually sleeping better - maybe I was worrying too much about it. But I appreciate it’s early days. 

4

Dear Martj, I have had similar dilemma but so far so good. The hot flashes are slightly different from what I had expected; a bit like going to Eden Project dome but not horrid at all. It is of course such an individual decision and our risk taking profile differs so much from person to person…Whatever you decide, I hope it will give you reassurance and if you go with Tamoxifen, I hope the side effects won’t be too bad! With best wishes, Anna 

5

Hi,

I bet you have started on tamoxifen by now. How’s it going? I’ve been taking it for 18 months now. Ate the begging I had plenty of side effects, but thankfully they were all gone in a few weeks. About three months ago my period got messed up, but I’m not sure if it has something to do with tamoxifen yet. 

Best wishes,

Kim

6

Hi,

I was also advised that it would be of little benefit to me, so I decided not to take it. This was following a DCIS diagnosis, 2 lumpectomies and a course of radiotherapy. I still wonder if it was the right decision as I am ER / PR 8/8+

7

I everyone, I also had a 3% benefit from tamoxifen (using NHS predict).

I’m 35 so taking tamoxifen was a big decision as I wanted to start a family. In the end I decided to take tamoxifen for 2 years, take a break to try to get pregnant and then continue for 8 years.

The reason I chose to take it, is the 3% is just the survival rate for 15 years. When I found out Tamoxifen cuts recurrence and secondaries in half when taken for 10 years (the ATLAS study) it seems worth it.

Thats how I made my choice anyway. I’m in week 2 so long way to go!!!

8

 I was prescribed 20mg daily Tamoxifen and have decided for several reasons to take it at a reduced dose. I would be interested to hear from anyone else who might be considering or already doing this.