Confusion

I have had 2 surgeries and finished 33 treatmets of radiation.  My Oncolgist put me on Evista last
week and then called last night to say he had made a mistake........and I should be on Tamoxifin (tamoxifen).
anyone ever had an experience like this?  I think I will find another Oncolgist!

[SueYoung55]

Did your doctor do hormone testing to see if you were perimenopausal or postmenopausal? It makes a difference in what medication they give you after treatment for breast cancer.
I have one female oncologist out of the group of male oncologists I go to that is rational about me being on tamoxifen until my hormone levels change. The "men" in the group (no offense to any men on here) all want me on postmenopausal medications, even though my hormones say otherwise. The wrong medication for someone who is ER positive like me over a long period of time could be a death sentence. I'm not sure if one week would be detrimental. I wouldn't think so but then again I am not an expert. But when I argued my case with the one oncologist and asked him what would happen if he did put me on the wrong medication, he simply said it wouldn't work. I thought, yeah, ok.. it might not work but the estrogen would run rampant!
Be vigilant and proactive with your treatment. Best of luck :)

[susan169]

Sue,
Many thanks for your informative response.  I am postmenopausal.  I feel confident
that Tamoxifin (tamoxifen) is the one I should be on----------I am shocked the Dr. made a mistake.
I live in Atlanta,ga------he is with a good group--------I do think I must find another
oncoglist due to lack of confidence in this young man,  Are you on Tamoxfin and
have you had any side effects?

[SueYoung55]

Susan,
I am on Tamoxifen and yes, I have side effects. I am perimenopausal and honestly as soon as my hormones tests show that I am postmenopausal I will come off of Tamoxifen since it's not the best choice for me at that stage. I believe that there are better drugs out there to complete my treatment without the dangerous side effects that come with Tamoxifen.
You are the only one who can decide along with your physician what is best for you. I always encourage people to research as they go on. There are a lot of studies out there to help you learn what you need to know. Knowledge is power and you are your own best advocate for your treatment.
I am also 100% for working with a doctor that you can talk to, listen to and trust. If he's not the one, move on. Too much is at stake Susan for you not to be comfortable with your doctor. Best of luck :)

[ladonna40]

Hi there -- I'm a breast cancer survivor - 5 years this month and just came off of Tamoxifen.   It has always been my understanding from both my oncologist and my extensive research that if you are postmenopausal that Taxmoxifen IS NOT the one you should be on.   Please do your homework and speak with another oncologist.   Good luck to you.   I just recently found another lump (opposite breast from before) so could be starting all over again!