Tamoxifen, how much difference does it make

[madgeOwens]

I was told to think about seeing an Oncologist for possible Tamoxifin or other drug, because recently I had Lumpectomy which was for hyperplasia and atypia involvement, and this doubled my cancer risk. I don't want to go on drugs because I don't think it would make that much difference in risk against possible side effects.  Thanks.

[madgeOwens]

Did you already have your surgery?  I  tell you I was ready to have them take my breast off after they did the wire thing without numbing me first. If I have to go thru this again in April I may be ready to tell them that.  Keep me updated with you, and don't worry about talking about you, I want to hear about you...thats why I am in here. Tace Care Madge

[Dee52]

Wow...it's time to celebrate and thank God!!!   You keep check on your self and if you even have a lump and they say it's nothing to worry about get it taken out!  For peace of mind is what my doctor told me with my first cancer I said take it out it doesn't belong there so they took it out it was cancerous.  Now down for battle two.  Double mastectomy with implants first just to stretch my skin after all cancer in out and after about 8 weeks every 2 weeks they will put saline in until my skin and muscle is stretched in the meantime I will be havinb chemo.  HEY I DIDN"T MEAN TO TALK ABOUT ME!   I'm so happy for you.  What a burden lifted.   I know your nights will be better and you can rejoice life and not be afraid. God is mericful.
Your friend,
Dee

CELEBRATION TIME COME ON.... THIKING OF THE SONG FOR YOU

[madgeOwens]

Hi Dee I remember you of course. How have you been?  I didnt have cancer but they said I was a step away from that when they did Lumpectomy. Now my surgeon said I should think about talking to a Oncologist about drugs to help lessen my risk of breast cancer because of the atypia my risks have doubled.  By the end of the conversation he seemed to agree that I didnt need to do that haha, so I feel like its just something he had to advise me about.  I will get it if I am gonna get it and I can't see taking drugs for the chance I might not get it sooner....I will follow it with mammograms and hope I made right decision. Thanks.

[Dee52]

I had breast cancer in1993 and was put on Tamoxifen...for me it was because my cancer fed on estrogen.  I had a side affect that made me start hemmoraging.  They took me off the medication and did a hysterectomy to stop the estrogen.  When I was in surgery all my veins was still swollen from the medication and I lost a lot of blood. They had to give me transfusion.  Now it's 2008 and I have breast cancer in the same breast.
The odds of someone bleeding from the medication is very rare...so talk to your doctor and do some research on it.  I know some women who have been on it for years.

I'm not sure if you remember me we talked in another forum.  Good Luck with everything.
Dee

[madgeOwens]

In my case, I didnt have cancer, but rather hyperplasia atypia or abnormal cells that my surgeon says makes my risk significantly higher.  I suppose you are right about feeling the need to try a drug if you go to see the oncologist, maybe thats why I am leaning in the other direction.  I don't want more hot flashes, but less haha. Quality of life is important too at 57.

[katarina777]

If I understand Dr. Paul correctly, and also from what he has touched on on previous posts, is that Tamoxifen  tends to delay reoccurrence in those who will get it. Please correct me if I am wrong.

It's a hard decision to make and you probably feel that if you see an oncologist you are trapped?

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

The studies on tamoxifen regarding the reduction of eventual cancer risk was carried out on thousands of patients and it did show significant benefits in terms of reducing the incidence of cancer.  Though the effect is significant, this is rather small and what may be significant statistically may not be significant in the real world.  With this in mind, I understand your hesitance regarding the possible side effects.  

However, I would still agree on an oncologist consult for this so that these risks can be translated in actual numbers to help you arrive at a decision.

Regards and God bless.