Hi, just wondering how you’ve gotten on with the Tamoxifen? Although my oestrogen marker was 4 out of 8 my oncologist wants me to start taking it. Reading the possible side effects is making me wonder if it’s worth it.  I’m HER2 positive so I’m already taking antibodies till feb next year. 

Finished chemo in March which put me into early menopause. Had lumpectomy and finished radiotherapy two weeks ago. I’m 46.

Hi, just wondering how you’ve gotten on with the Tamoxifen? Although my oestrogen marker was 4 out of 8 my oncologist wants me to start taking it. Reading the possible side effects is making me wonder if it’s worth it.  I’m HER2 positive so I’m already taking antibodies till feb next year. 

Finished chemo in March which put me into early menopause. Had lumpectomy and finished radiotherapy two weeks ago. I’m 46.

Hi Fishnchips,

Most of us worry about the possible side-effects with any hormone therapy, such as Tamoxifen. Some people never get any of the side-effects mentioned. The only way to find out how you'll cope with it is to try. If the side-effects are bad, you can always discuss this with your care team and change to something else if necessary.

I hope that you will be able to take this without any ill effects.

Do please keep in touch and let us know how you fare. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Fishnchips

I stopped taking the Tamoxifen half way into my Radiotherapy. I had so much trouble finding the same brand (I seemed to be ok on a brand called Genesis but I had to ring around different pharmacies to see who stocked it). Anyway now I am feeling more like myself I am going to try again and my local hospital stocks a brand that many women seem to be ok on. I have spoken to my Oncologist and the Tamoxifen gives me 0.5%-1% extra protection so if I do start getting bad side effects, I will stop taking it. Everyone is different and ultimately it is your own choice. I hope you find a brand that suits you. Some women do take it and have minimal side effects.

Take Care