TNBC but being offered tamoxifen

Hi ladies, this is a long one… I’m hoping someone can shed some light and/or past experience on this. I need some help with making my decision on whether to go on tamoxifen or not.

Background - I’m 27, was diagnosed in June with TNBC, from the biopsy it showed 1-10% ER. But my entire treatment plan was based around being triple negative. 13 rounds of chemotherapy, surgery and now radiotherapy.
I have had a complete pathological response to chemo and there was no evidence of any disease in any of my lymph nodes or breast tissue that was removed in surgery. Radiotherapy is now just as an extra precaution and as there was cancer in the lymph nodes in my neck which couldn’t be operated on.
Given my diagnosis and response to treatment I was surprised when my oncologist still has offered tamoxifen.
I know I should be ‘happy’ as it’s a way of preventing reoccurrence and if I was completely TN I wouldn’t be offered anything. But I just can’t help but think that I’m so borderline (3/8) ER that will it even make a difference? And if I was to go on it, can I still get a reoccurrence anyway? And that my oncologist has said that I should give it a go and I can come off it if the side affects are bad… but why test it out and put up with the side affects if he’s so open to me coming off it…
I just really want my life back and to start thinking about having a family. I would love to also know will my periods come back, I was unable to have any fertility treatment in place before chemo due to the aggressiveness of my cancer so I’m very conscious of that as well I would like to take advantage of my youth and start a family as soon as, so I feel like going on tamoxifen is just delaying that even more…

I don’t really know what I’m directly asking but just if anyone on here of a similar age has been in this position of response to chemo and type of cancer, what you decided on and your outcome?

Any responses are greatly appreciated, feel like every time I overcome one hurdle there’s another one lined up…

Welcome to the forum, where none of us expected to be, but now feel wrapped in warmth and acceptance!
I understand your dilemma but can’t comment as I didn’t have the same or similar, but I’m sure there will be someone who has similar experience.
Speak to the breast cancer nurses, as well, so you are as informed as you can be. Did they do a Predict assessment, or use the tool to predict recurrance according to the type, and your age, family history, etc? Good luck with your research, and keep dipping into the forum, and let us know what you decide.

I’m confused, if your triple negative then you are not hormone receptive.
But you state you are hormone, receptive to.
I didn’t think you could be both.
I’m on tamoxifen ,I am hormone receptive, I’m est- 7/ pro-4.
Tamoxifen does nothing if your triple negative., you don’t take any hormone therapy as far as I’m aware.
Tamoxifen, has been ok for me, just acid reflux/ fatigue, I thinky ovary suppression is worse side effects.
Hope this helps,

Hi @michaela1

I am sorry to hear what you’re going through with your treatment.

You may find the Younger Women’s board helpful for finding people with a similar experience to you.

Please also know that our nurses are always here to talk these kinds of things through. You can drop them a line here on the forum on the Ask our Nurses your questions or over the phone 0808 800 6000.

Sending our warmest,
Lucy