I am strggling with the decision about If I should take Tamoxifen or not.

Hi,
I am struggling with the decision of  whether I take Tamoxifen or not. I was diagnose with breast ca. on Feb. of 2010. I had surgery right after. lymph nodes were removed, one out of eleven had infiltration. I went through chemo and radiation, I finished those treatments, but my oncologist prescribed Tamoxifen. I do not want to take it. I read about it, I also asked for advice. I need to mention that I have a family history of breast cancer from my mother's side, however I did the genetic test and I am not a carrier. My pathology report indicate that my breast prognostic profile is: ER-71.82%; PR--64.92%; HER2/NEU-Neg.
I need advise. Thanks

[bluebutterfly2222]

You have already had ER+/PR+ breast cancer with lymph node involvement.

Use of tamoxifen as adjuvant therapy has shown to markedly decrease the risk of cancer recurrence in patients with hormone receptor positive breast cancer.

It can have some unpleasant side effects. But then, a recurrence of cancer isn't pleasant either...

Have you discussed your concerns about and objections to taking this treatment with your oncologist, as well as reading about it?

[SueYoung55]

Yes, I think you should take it.  As unpleasant as it can be for some women, it's benefits are worth your time. If you find you have serious issues with side effects you can always discuss this with your doctor.

I did it for 2 years and am glad that I did. I feel I gave it my best shot.

Best wishes.

[Cheerpul]

I have been taking tamoxifen for almost a year and have 2-3 hot flashes a day for less than 2 minutes each.  There are people who have much more side effects, but many like me.  You have a strong ER/PR profile and would be very likely to significantly reduce your risk taking tamoxifen.  I noticed that you are 44, so you were probably premenopausal when you were diagnosed.

Many oncologists will put their ladies who were premenopausal on tamoxifen for a couple of years and if their ovaries are no longer working (often happens to ladies who are approaching menopause and go through chemo) will be switched to aromatase inhibitors (often fewer side effects) for another 3 years of treatment.  AI's do not work with premenopausal women.

Remember as you research, you see the good, the bad, and the ugly on the internet.  But you and your oncologist need to decide what if the best course for you and your particular situation.  If you try tamoxifen, you may have few side effects, or be able to mitigate more annoying ones and get the benefit of this proven drug.  You won't know how you will react until you try it.  I am thinking of you.