Tamoxifen and it's risks

[Mollylew]

I am 47 years of age - premenopausal-- lumpectomy for a tumour which was 1.1 cm. -- invasive carcinoma but not aggressive -- PR + and ER +, HER -.  I have had 21 days of radiation -- no chemo.  I was prescribed Tamoxifen for 5 years.  I have also just been diagnosed with CAD -- Coronary Artery disease.  I am frightened of the side effects of Tamoxifen re strokes and heart attacks.  My radiologist said that my cancer was the least aggressive -- small -- lymph node negative -- tumour removed with good margins -- he does not feel I will benefit that much from Tamoxifen -- however my oncologist wants me to take it to prevent reoccurence.  What should I do in this case -- do the benefits outweigh the risks.  Any advice????


This discussion is related to Desparately Need Tamoxifen Advice.

[Mollylew]

Thanks .... I was happy to read you are cancer free!

Blessings,

[Mollylew]

Thank you for that advice Paul.  I will talk to my oncologist about this suggestion.

Blessings,

[lhughes]

Another thing to think of is to force menopause with Lupron or hysterectomy and go with the armoatase inhibitors.

I would go back to the onc and have another discussion of the options and what would be the best and safest course for you.  Wouldn't want to get a recurrance of cancer, but then again, if the Tamoxifen does a number on you, then it wouldn't matter!  :)

Go back and talk again with the CAD information.  There's got to be something that you can do to help prevent the cancer from returning while also not making anything else more difficult.

Good luck to you!

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Tamoxifen indeed carries a risk of thrombotic events like stroke and heart attack as well as hot flushes.  These risks, though small (about less than 5% of cases) are real, and they did occur during the clinical trials conducted for tamoxifen.  Basing on the national comprehensive cancer network (NCCN) you will indeed benefit from tamoxifen treatment by I think about at least 8-10%.  I suggest that you discuss another option with your oncologist which is the switching to an aromatase inhibitor after only 2 years of tamoxifen, if ever you become post menopausal by then.  Make sure also that your CAD is managed properly.  Regards and God bless.