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340734 tn?1256586262

Tamoxifen

Forgive me if this has been asked before. I tried to search MedHelp to see if what I'm about to ask was posted on this forum before, but didn't come up with anything recent.

Has anyone been prescribed Tamoxifen, how it worked for you, if it worked for you and how long?

My doctor has prescribed Tamoxifen for 8 weeks until my next CA125 blood test in November.  Reason: My CA125 levels kept elevating ever so slightly since my last Chemo (only one round of six sessions) in Aug 2007 and reached 78 this August (2008.)  Had CT scan in Sept and results were only about six cancer nodules scattered thru pelvic area.  No masses, so my doctor prescribed Tamoxifen as an anti-estrogen treatment to block the estrogen receptors in these stinky little (less than 2cm in size each) nodules with hopes of lowering or maintaining my present CA125 level.  Won't know if it works until November's test.

I appreciate any feedback.  Thanks, Angie  
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340734 tn?1256586262
Dear Judy,

I rec'vd your invite & your message.  Thnx for both, but unfortunately, the computer gods have some sort of block on me.  I've emailed Medhelp for tech support.  I try clicking on the 'accept' button, nothing happens.  I try sending you an invite, it's still sending after one hour.  I tried replying to your personal message and after three paragraphs (short, but still three), the computer tells me I can't send you a personal message.

Message to all: I have what is probably the oldest functioning computer in the world.  Until I update to a newer used one, I have to live with technical limitations.  I guess CO (computer outdated) is my comic relief to OC.

Angie
Helpful - 0
340734 tn?1256586262
Dear Jeanne,
Thank you for your input. Sharing your stages of treatments has been really beneficial to me, if not to others, too.  I figured Tamoxifen is only a step to keeping recurrence at bay or just buying time until Chemo is necessary.

I pray the blood work will show improvement for you.  We all need those little miracles.
Best to you, Angie
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I had a rise in my CA125 with nothing on the scans -- was on tamoxifen with all the side effects until it stopped working -- it staved off chemo for an extra 6 months so for me it was worth it --I have had two recurrences and this last one didn't go into remission so now they are having me take arimidex which works like tamoxifen.  Blood work on wednesday to see if it is working --- I had three tiny cancer nodules left after 6 months of Doxil which is what the arimidex is supposed to keep under control -- my CA125 was 214 after the Doxil and was down to 117 after 6 weeks of arimidex so I have my fingers crossed.  Apparently tamoxifen works until it stops working and then you can't use it again.....And considering they put you on it early, it should do something to help even if it's just buying some time to build up your strength before needing chemo again
Good luck
Jeanne
Helpful - 0
340734 tn?1256586262
Dear Judy,

I've been unsuccessful in sending you a personal message or just a note to thank you so very much for your feedback on Tamoxifen.  Hopefully, you will see my "thank you" posted here.  I can't imagine we are the only two (so far) that have been given this as a "temp" treatment.  However, I do hope this post will help others that may be at the same crossroad you & I have shared.

I just want to mention that some of the long term side effects that were listed on the standard pharmacy page (attached with prescriptions) do concern me and I do hope that your doctor(s) have discussed this with you or that you've found enough info on your own to keep you knowlegable.  I haven't researched any yet, but really plan to.

I definitely will keep you & all others posted on my progress (or lack of) with Tamoxifen.

Best, Angie
Helpful - 0
415684 tn?1257329318
I have been on since 7/07.  My counts had hit 107 and a slight amount of ascites showed on the CT.  Since then, ascites gone and count went down to normal by the end of last year and has risen again to 71 this month.  I have a pea sized lymph node near my liver that has remained unchanged in 3 months, so we are staying on tamoxifen and watching with PET/CT or CT every few months ... or until I have more symptoms.  My CA actually went down 1 point this month so that is amazing.  Tamoxifen is supposed to work in about 10% of ovarian patients and it has worked for me.  I think the longest I can expect is 2 years .. but everyone is different, so I'm hoping for a lot longer.  I have very few side effects . nothing I can't LIVE with.  If I can be of any more help, feel free to contact me.  Judy C.
Helpful - 0
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