Is Tamoxifen suggested for use after double mastectomy

I have early stage invasive lobular carcinoma in both breasts. It is estrogen positive. I am 55 years old and perimenopausal. My doctor and I have discussed options and I am pretty sure that I want the double mastectomy, with some immediate  reconstruction (no implants). Do you suggest taking Tamoxifen? I'd like to avoid it if possible, since I already get headaches, hot flashes, insomnia, mood problems, etc.

[lhughes]

It is my understanding that most of the time tamoxifen will be recommended for any breast cancer patient whose cancer is ER/PR+ to help prevent recurrance.  Even with a double mastectomy, there could be some breast cells left that could cause issues.  

If you can tolerate Effexor XR, it does help with the hot flashes and mood problems.  However, it will give you a horrible headache/ill feeling for the first week.  Once you are on the medicine, it works really well.  Getting off the medicine is equally horrible.

I'm 2 years into tamoxifen, just weaned off Effexor in early March after a year and a half on it.  Hot flashes are returning, but not as bad as they once were (at least not yet) and the mood swings are returning (also not as bad... i call it the "little miss sunshine has left the building and the ***** is back" syndrome).  Of course when I started tamoxifen, I was post-pregnant not even 5 months.

Effexor does a good job, it has it's bad side, though.  Talk with your docs about your alternatives.  There may be something you can do besides tamoxifen since you are close to menopause, like Arimedex or the other newer drugs for menopausal women.

[kathy146]

Would eight weeks of radiation be advised for me now that I plan on a double mastectomy? At the time I visiting the radiologist I was planning on a lumpectmy, but the MRI showed cancer (ILC) in my pother breeeast as well, so I've switched gears. I
thought that perhaps it might not be needed now...this is early stage, but I still have no idea regarding the lymph nodes and won't till surgery...everything is so confusing, and I find this on-line experience so helpful...

[japdip]

After your surgery you will be seeing an Oncologist who will have reviewed all the Pathology reports regarding your particular case. He/She will then recommend what treatment comes next, if any.Treatment is always tailored to each individual case.