Tamoxifen for Pre Breast Cancer?

[jmc9000]

An oncologist wants me to take 20 mg of tamoxifen for 5 years for a lump that was determined to be precancerous (atypical lobular hyperplasia).  The lump was removed last year and at that time three doctors (my surgeon, my family doctor, and my ob-gyn) said not to worry and to just have yearly mammograms.  Now this doctor strongly suggests tamoxifen, but the side effects scare me.  I am 44 years old and there has been no cases of breast cancer in my family (I have 8 sisters, 7 who are older than me, 9 aunts (blood relatives) and my mother is doing great at age 82).  I would rather have more frequent mammograms if possible.  Is this drug commonly prescribed for breast precancer?

[japdip]

Hi, I wish you would post this on the "Expert" Forum where the questions are answered by the Physicians employed by The Cleveland Clinic ..... I would also be interested in their opinion on this. OK ??

[dblwhammy]

I wish I'd been offered the Tamoxifen before my cancer and I DO have a family history of breast cancer. I'd have taken the ounce of prevention over the 'cure' ... double mastectomies and chemo.

[Sammie4258]

clarification:
"alternative how can you not make the decision  to wait"

I meant .the decision to take it.   See, a classic example of why you dont' want to have to go through chemo. I swear it destroys the brain cells that help us make sense  :(
Anyhows, you know what I mean.

[Sammie4258]

I would strongly follow the doctors advice.  Although there may be some side effects, there are also some benefits.  It builds stronger bones.  If you should ever have to go through chemo, your bones need to be strong because chemo weakens them.  The risks are just to great not to take it.   I don't feel many side effects myself.  A little weight gain.  It does taper off and then you can start to lose the weight.   If you weigh the weight gain to your possible alternative how can you not make the decision  to wait.  Good luck to you.  Listen to your doctor.  althought they are not perfect they are all we have.  and faith  :)

[frustratedrg]

I have several friends who are doing just that - taking tamoxifen as a precaution.
I think you probably should try it and can always go off of it.  I took tamoxifen for 5 years and really had no side effects.  The only thing I had was a little weight gain.