Too Many Drugs - Herceptin and Tamoxifen?

Is there such a thing as too many drugs, too soon? I am 42 years old pre-menopausal. I found a lump in April, had surgery in August to remove a 1 cm Her-2 tumour, no nodes.  I completed 4 doses of chemo in early December, started Herceptin late December (every 3 weeks for a year), just starting Radiation (one full month), and my oncologist has prescribed Tamoxifen, but I haven't filled the prescription yet. I am concerned about taking Herceptin and Tamoxifen together, and whether my body can handle everything, particularly side effects. I was quite nauseous during my first Herceptin treatment, and I'm having my second dose this coming Monday. My periods have always been irregular (one reason why I stayed on birth control until this summer), and I've started having hot flashes. I got my period between each chemo treatment (every 3 weeks), but haven't had one since the end of November. My husband is very worried that I am taking too much. Any insight whether there can be too much? Is Herceptin and Tamoxifen right for me? I'd appreciate your help.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear DCarolR:  Treatment for breast cancer is based on many factors, including the size of the tumor, extent of the disease, Her2 status, estrogen and progesterone receptor status, and others.  Herceptin is used for tumors that are Her2 positive.  Tamoxifen is given to premenopausal  or postmenopausal  women who are either estrogen or progesterone receptor positive.  This drug reduces the risk of recurrence as well as the risk of a second primary breast cancer.  While receiving chemotherapy, it is not uncommon for periods to stop in premenopausal women.  This may be temporary or permanent.  You and your husband may benefit from a discussion with your oncologist who can explain the purpose of the medications in your case and can address your concerns and side effects.  Tamoxifen and Herceptin are commonly given together.

[chirok17]

Hi DCarolR,
Whether or not you want to take all that is offered to you is, of course, up to you. Some women want to attack this disease with everything they can, while others may feel the risks outweigh whatever small benefit the therapy offers. Personally, I opted to do everything I could to reduce my risk of recurrence, as I am in a high risk category. I finished my treatments of AC chemo, Taxol, radiation, and am currently doing Herceptin (every three weeks) and daily Tamoxifen (for 3-5 years). The Tamoxifen is given to pre-menopausal women who are ER+/PR+ as it is an anti-estrogen treatment.For women who are post-menopausal, the option for anti-hormonal therapy is an aromatase inhibitor. I was diagnosed Dec '05 at age 46 and just reached my 1-year survival. Good luck in your decision-making!Take care.

[chirok17]

P.S. Since you are Her2+, you may be interested in this wonderful website: www.her2support.org/. There are friendly, knowledgeable, supportive people there who offer thoughtful advice and caring comments. Check it out. Take care.

[Mrsfun44]

Thank you for the her2positive site. I am finding it very helpful.