Taking Tamoxifen for over 10 years

[Jaxxi63]

Thanks Corrina, everything was kind of going to plan, meant to start rads yesterday and machine broke down so appointments changed twice! Bit out of sync now, smallest things and all that, Hopefully start today now. Thank you for advice, water and cream at the ready. Hope you are ok, not too many SE! Take care xxx

[Corrina]

Thanks Jaxxi63 hope your Rads go ok.. you will need plenty rest and lots to drink xx

[Corrina]

thanks Bluejay x

[Jaxxi63]

Hi Corina. I’ve just started taking tamoxifen a month in, so far nothing major, hot flushes quite frequent during the day, but doable! I have noticed the skin on my legs has been itchy the last couple of evenings with restless legs, but not sure if that’s medication or just just me or the central heating ha. I’ve a new pack to start next week a different make, which I heard can have an effect on some people, will keep you posted, starting rads on Monday so lots of things going on with our bodies, bound to have some effects. Take care and good luck x

[Bluejay]

Thanks Corrina.  I've had the waking up at night boiling hot but am kind of used to it now.  Nothing else besides that.  There was research around which evidences benefits for 10 years dependant on type of cancer when I reached the 5 year mark.   I have read all sorts of doom and gloom about Tamoxifen but I have had no problems to speak of.   I eat healthily as have married a man who is interested in nutrition, so maybe that has helped with no weigh gain etc.  Good luck with your treatment Corrina  and I wish you all the best xx

[Corrina]

hi Bluejay amazing you have taken Tomoxifan fr 10yrs with no side effect!! SORRY CANT HELP AS ONLY STARTED TAKING IT MYSELF A FEW DAYS AGO. WORRIED ABOUT SIDE EFFECTS AS READ LOTS OF BAD REPORTS T GOOD TO HEAR FROM you saying you didnt have any. I am going to give it a try ..Im guessing you might worry if  you stop taking the tomoxifan the cancer might come back and if yourr getting no side effect you might aswell carry on taking it but I guess they dont know if its safe to keeptaking it after 10 years as probably havnt had trials yet for any longer.. Take care xx

[Bluejay]

Hi all,  

I had breast cancer in 2008;had a mastectomy and have been on Tamoxifen for 10 years, with no side effects luckily.  Recently had some spotting, had tests and a polyp removed, nothing nasty lurking thank goodness.  I am waiting on an appointment to discuss how long I take it for.  I know years ago women took it for the rest of their lives.  I'm 62 nearly and it would feel odd not to take it.   I guess if there is no research showing any advantages to taking it for longer than 10 years, they will suggest I stop.   Anyone else at a similar stage in life?