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Stopping Tamoxifen

cumnor
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I am a 64 year old male having been diagnosed with breast cancer (IDC) 10 years ago. I had a full mastectomy and started taking a daily dose of Tamoxifen. I am about to stop taking Tamoxifen within the next two weeks, I am apprehensive what that will mean for me. When I started I had hot flashes, became very emotional and at times short tempered and angry. I am concerned that when I go ‘cold turkey’ that I will suffer similar effects during withdrawal. Are there any men who have experience of stopping Tamoxifen after taking it for 10 years, how did it affect you and how did you cope? In expectation, many thanks.

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    Hi Cumnor,

    You have done well to continue with Tamoxifen for the full 10 years. I can only answer your question from a female perspective, but hope that this may help you. I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer. I had a lumpectomy first time around, followed by Tamoxifen and I suffered all of the side-effects that you mentioned and more besides. After a year, I discovered another lump and had a double mastectomy. Because the Tamoxifen hadn't managed to ward off the cancer, I changed to Letrozole for 6 and a half years (this was originally meant to be for 5 years). When I stopped taking these, I had no additional problems at all and my emotional state improved dramatically.

    I sincerely hope that you will find the same.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you cope. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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