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Medication

Colinda
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My breast cancer diagnosis is HER 2 negative & Oestrogen Receptor positive.

I have been using a low dosage HRT patch twice a week for the past 20 years. The Consultant advised it is not possible to know if the HRT contributed to the diagnosis.

I am very pleased with the prognosis I received only yesterday but have been informed that I must stop taking the HRT and then after my surgery,  take Tamoxifen every day for the next 5 years. I generally avoid taking any form of medication so I researched the Tamoxifen and it didn't make for good reading with the possibility of side effects etc?

I am considered to be super fit & healthy overall for my age of 70 and wondered if anyone out there can offer their own experience of taking the drug, OR, if anyone has sought advise about the possible outcome of NOT taking it please?
TIA Linda 

Parents

  • Hello Colinda

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had treatment for breast cancer but it's great to hear that you're so pleased with the prognosis that you've been given. 

    I know that we've had members here in the past who have been concerned about taking tamoxifen or other medications such as letrozole following a breast cancer diagnosis. It's understandable that you may be concerned about potential side effects from the medication. 

    It is worth saying at this point that not every woman who takes these medications deals with side effects and there are certainly many women who feel that the side effects they do experience are worth it. 

    Do get in touch with your breast cancer nurse and explain your concerns. Ask about your specific situation and what the chance of recurrence is and what percentage the medication may improve this by. That may help you to make your decision.

    Or you may decide to try the medication and if it doesn't suit you then you can discuss your options with the breast care team. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses ahead of speaking with your BCN and/or Consultant you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any information and advice that they can. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

Reply

  • Hello Colinda

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had treatment for breast cancer but it's great to hear that you're so pleased with the prognosis that you've been given. 

    I know that we've had members here in the past who have been concerned about taking tamoxifen or other medications such as letrozole following a breast cancer diagnosis. It's understandable that you may be concerned about potential side effects from the medication. 

    It is worth saying at this point that not every woman who takes these medications deals with side effects and there are certainly many women who feel that the side effects they do experience are worth it. 

    Do get in touch with your breast cancer nurse and explain your concerns. Ask about your specific situation and what the chance of recurrence is and what percentage the medication may improve this by. That may help you to make your decision.

    Or you may decide to try the medication and if it doesn't suit you then you can discuss your options with the breast care team. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses ahead of speaking with your BCN and/or Consultant you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any information and advice that they can. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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