Susan
Post Edited (Bluize) : 3/28/2005 1:09:10 PM (GMT-7)
Hi and welcome! Glad your news was not malignant, but sorry you are now considered high risk.
How old are you? There are no guarantees that Tamoxifen will cause anything to happen....a lot depends on your age. My onc said that the closer one is to menopausal age, the more likely they may get pushed into early menopause.
I am finishing my last 3 months of it, starting it when I was 31. I have gained weight (a small price to pay if it kept me cancer free!), and have some dryness, other than that, no symptoms. My periods have been as regular as can be, no hot flashes, no other menopausal symptoms or any problems. Everyone will be different...for as easy as my experience has been, others will tell you that they had problems with mood or hotflashes. Only way to know is to try it...but don't believe it if anyone tells you for sure what will happen to you.
I would also suggest going for a 2nd opinion at a breast care clinic where they can have experts review the report and weigh in.
Good luck,
Lori
Thanks for the reply. I just made the appt with the high risk doc and hopefully I will get some promising news. Of course, if it will keep me cancer free that's the best option. What was your diagnosis, may I ask? I'm curious how they determine whether or not to recommend it to a patient. One of the docs said that you take it for 5 years. Is that about right? There's no right answer here I know, but I was not expecting to have a surgical biopsy on the results of my first mammo. Yikes! I just turned 38.
Thanks again for sharing your personal information with me. None of my friends have even gone for a mammo yet.
Susan
Yes, 5 years is the standard. They say if you take it longer than that, it can actually be a negative influence. My diagnosis was invasive ductal carcinoma, which is garden variety breast cancer. For those with cancer, they look at whether the cancer has certain hormone receptors. 2/3 of cancers do, and those folks are able to take Tamoxifen to try and prevent or delay a recurrence.
I do not know much about its use or indication for a high risk person, but you will find a lot out there. SUsan Love has a good book with lots of information too. It would be wise to read and research a little before seeing the specialist, to be prepared with questions, I would also recommend taking a tape recorder just to be sure you get all the facts.
Lori
Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
(NIV)
Susan