tamoxifen issues while traveling

[Laurie252]

I was diagnosed May 2007 with a breast carcinoma, most of it invasive--stage 1, grade 3, node negative, e.r.+, 1 cm., moderately high oncotype score of 29.  I did chemo and radiation, and started tamoxifen at the end of March 2008.  I am supposed to travel to southern India for 3 weeks from end December to mid January 2009.  It's a spiritual trip to an ashram in a small rural town, and the temperature could reach 100 degrees farenheit.  We're staying in a hotel with air conditioning, but yesterday I was told that it's not uncommon for the electricity to go out--not just in the hotel, but any, where and everywhere in this town, which is off the beaten track and not near a big city where one might find a lot of tourists, services, etc. I know that tamoxifen should be stored at temps. between 68 and 77 degrees F.  I have several questions: If the electricity goes out and the tamoxifen is in 90- or 100-degree heat for any period of time, will the drug lose significant efficacy?  More important, how much risk am I taking to my health/treatment if I cannot store the tamoxifen at the right temperature for 1, 2, or even 3 weeks if we lose electriciy?  Finally, is there equipment or packaging I can take with me to protect the medicine from excessive heat?  I really want to go on this trip, but I will cancel it rather than jeapardize my cancer treatment, esp. since it's only about 17 months since my diagnosis, and because I had an aggressive, grade 3 tumor.Please help! Thanks.

[Laurie252]

Thanks for the suggestions.  All best to you.  Laurie252

[japdip]

I don't think this would be of much value for the length of time you mention (2-3 wks) but diabetics have an insulated pouch to keep their insulin in during travel. I would think a reusable ice pack and a small styrofoam container of some sort might be a good thing to take along in case of elec. failure. Certainly hotels have some sort of refrigeration where you could keep the ice pack until needed. Since the hotel is air conditioned I assume the plumbing is up to date .... the water in the toilet tank is usually cool so all you need is a waterproof container ... many things have been submerged in the toilet tank to keep cool ... LOL. It works though. I really think if you found a rather thick styrofoam container (small as possible) the temp. inside wouldn't reach the outside temperature and would be fine for med. storage.  what a wonderful experience you're going to have ..... Regards