Stopping Tamoxifen after almost 8 years

hi, I was wondering if any of you could advise me. I have been on tamoxifen for almost 8 years. I had a mastectomy Oct 2011 with no chemo or radio. Like many of you I was originally told to take it for 5 years then they told me 10. I feel like my bones and joints are seizing up, I can’t lose weight, my hot flushes are spectacular (I like to exaggerate a bit). I asked the oncologist if I could come off the drug but she wasn’t particularly helpful. She told me to come off it for 4 weeks and then she would see if there was any difference. I thought it took a few months to get it out of your system. Can any of you advise me ? Do you think 8 years is enough? I know nobody can be sure but I could do with some advice as she was pretty dismissive. Thanks 

  • Hi Slane,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. While I can't offer any medical advice, my reply here will at least boost your post so that more people see it and hopefully any others with similar experience will be along soon.

    If you'd like to discuss anything with our nurses, you can reach them on freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Alternatively you could perhaps request an appointment with an alternative doctor if you feel like you're not getting the support you need at the moment.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben

    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Thanks very much Ben. When I next see the oncologist in about 4 weeks time I will ask for full details of my diagnosis and will contact one of your nurses. Thanks again
  • Hi Slane

    I’m 8 months in and in awe that you’ve taken it for 8 years as it’s no walk in the park. However there is a reason why they want us on it for 10 years as the evidence shows that it does make a difference to survival.

    perhaps your oncologist/GP can suggest other medications you could take to minimise the side effects.  

    Take care x