Should I take tamoxifen or have my ovaries removed?
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anonymous
Survivor since 2003
Morning Kristen I pondered the same question in 2008. Did a lot of research saw an gyn oncologist and talked to a lot of other doctors. I also had a negative BRCA I and II Gene testing is the first requirement with a positive BRCA I and II for insurance to cover the removal of your ovaries. At least here in Hawaii. I was willing to pay for the procedure on my own at first. But after researching how estrogen is produced in your body I discovered that your ovaries are only partly producing estrogen you also produce estrogen from your adrenal glands so even with your ovaries removed you would still have to take some form of an estrogen blocker ... I still have my ovaries have been on tamoxifen for three years and am officially menopausal now so was switched to arimedix which I will take for another 5 years. I've read that there is research going on in finding another medication that breast cancer survivors will take for life. Have to say I was counting down two more years of tamoxifen so was hit with a hard blow when my doctor advised me to switch to arimedix for another 5 years. Took me a couple of months to warm up to the idea but bottom line is I really don't want another reoccurrence and if there is something that could possibly prevent it got to go with it. Take care
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I had to have my ovaries removed because I could not take tamoxifen. I had major side effects at first and then became allergic to it. After surgery, I am now on Femaria and other than bone pain, I am doing well taking it. I know a good many women that could not take tamoxifen for several reasons. I would have my ovaries removed if I were you. I hope this helps!!! God Bless You!!!
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
If you don't mind me asking, what side effects did you have? I finished chemo in February, just finished radiation and should be starting tamoxifen in 2 weeks. I am worried about potential side effects.
about 1 year ago • Flag -
anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
I had bone pain, weight gain and MAJOR fluid retension! Then after a month or so I broke out in a chicken pox looking rash on my lower stomach area. I will pray you dont have these issues. Keep me posted and if you are on FB look me up. I am...
about 1 year ago • FlagI had bone pain, weight gain and MAJOR fluid retension! Then after a month or so I broke out in a chicken pox looking rash on my lower stomach area. I will pray you dont have these issues. Keep me posted and if you are on FB look me up. I am Karen Hendrix Locklear.
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anonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Did you have any side effects from the tamoxifen? I will be starting it in about 2 weeks.
about 1 year ago • Flaganonymous
Learning About Breast Cancer
Hi Lori,
about 1 year ago • FlagI have been on Tamoxifen since the end of January this year and have had no side effects. I have an occasional night sweat, but was having those before the tamoxifen due to perimenopause. Good luck!
anonymous
Survivor since 2003
Morning Lori
In the beginning I was like Robyn with occasional hot flashes as I too was peri menopause thought this was going to be a piece of cake. As time went in the hot flashes and mood swings got more severe tomaxifen peeps between 6-8...
Morning Lori
In the beginning I was like Robyn with occasional hot flashes as I too was peri menopause thought this was going to be a piece of cake. As time went in the hot flashes and mood swings got more severe tomaxifen peeps between 6-8 months and that was probably the worse period of my tamoxifen experience that is when the bone and joint pain also started as others have said exercise helps and Advil.
The weight gain to me was and us the worse I gained 20 pounds it seemed like literally one day none of my clothes fit me. That is when I cried and really got frustrated even grumbled to my oncologist. I soon appologized to him realizing that most of his patients are struggling to keep on weight and they are going through so much more discomfort handling chemo and worse types of cancer.
So weight gain mood swings and joint pain hot flashes are only a very small price to be alive.
Take care and know that there is light at the end if the tunnel. May god bless