Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 8 replies
  • Views 2129 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Tamoxifen or not to Tamoxifen?

Alix212
Offline

Hi, Just been prescribed Tamoxifen for the next 2-3 years as I am premenopausal. Finished 6 rounds of chemo/immunotherapy already and about to start radiotherapy in August. At my consult yesterday they explain about taking Tamoxifen but I felt they didn't tell me about all the side effects (gave me a leaflet to take home and read plus my first box to get me started!). They only really described fatigue and vaginal dryness not all the other horrific things I am now reading about or hearing about in forums!

I've requested a 2nd consult to discuss this and any possible alternatives but just wondering if anyone started Tamoxifen and stopped it because it was really bad. I'm struggling to ascertain if it is worth taking as some of the side effects sound horrendous and may cause me to miss lots of work and also not have a quality of life.

Parents
  • Offline

    I’m really interested in this Ive been told I’ll be having this medication and like you I’ve read lots of horror stories of side effects . I’m already menopausal so already have some of the side effects but don’t know if they’ll be worse. 

  • Offline in reply to Joanna59

    Hi Joanna,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    It is indeed scary when you read the horror stories, but doctors still insist that the benefits outweigh the side-effects. As I said to Alix, not all people get these and some get none at all. The reason that you've been given Tamoxifen is to try and reduce the amount of oestrogen in your body, as cancer feeds on oestrogen. I wasn't so lucky and did have some side-effects, but the fact that I'm still here 15 years after diagnosis makes it all worthwhile for me.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Reply
  • Offline in reply to Joanna59

    Hi Joanna,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    It is indeed scary when you read the horror stories, but doctors still insist that the benefits outweigh the side-effects. As I said to Alix, not all people get these and some get none at all. The reason that you've been given Tamoxifen is to try and reduce the amount of oestrogen in your body, as cancer feeds on oestrogen. I wasn't so lucky and did have some side-effects, but the fact that I'm still here 15 years after diagnosis makes it all worthwhile for me.

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

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

Children
No Data

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.