tamoxifen

[Laurie252]

I have been on tamoxifen since April '08.  If I had to go off it for a week or two or three, how much does my risk of a cancer recurrence increase?  Is there any way to know, to estimate, or take an educated guesstimate?

I had a mostly-invasive carcinoma, 1 cm., e.r. +, grade 3, node negative, clear margins,oncotype score of 29. I  had a lumpectomy in June '07, chemo -- 1 dose taxetere & cytoxen; and 6 doses of CMF with dose reductions (due to complications) -- and radiation after that.

Thanks

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

The prescribed duration of tamoxifen and any hormonal form of treatment for breast cancer at the moment is 5 years.  If you missed a dose or two, this should not affect the overall benefit that you can expect from the drug.

Missing doses for weeks or month can really affect the benefits that you will reap, but this amount of affectation cannot really be quantified accurately.  It is my estimate however that survival advantages can be lowered by even less than a quarter of a percent.

I would suggest evaluating all your options before withdrawing the drug and make sure your oncologist knows about this.

Regards and God bless.

[Laurie252]

Thanks so much for your responses.  Laurie252

[Laurie252]

Thanks so much for your responses.  Laurie252

[Laurie252]

Thanks so much for your responses.  Laurie252