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 

I was given tamoxifen by my surgeon for breast pain l don't have cancer, she didn't check my past history and when l asked my gp the following week  if l should take it as l have factor 5 lieden a blood clotting condition, and  lve had a clot l also take anti clotting meds. She referred it back to the breast surgeon. Who promptly called me and said don't take it! Come back to see me in six weeks. The breast nurse had said that it's probably fine take it if you want to! 
All meds can have side effects l have taken tamoxifen about 30: years ago before my factor 5 diagnosis it caused  severe sweating lm still suffering from it now. 
lts a juggling act of deciding which side effects have least effect on you and your willing to cope with. 
Take care  l hope your keeping well 

susie

Hi Susie, 

Thank you so much for your reply !

My breast cancer op is this Monday 04 April & I'm more concerned about the need to take the Tamoxifen than I am about the surgery. I have to stop my HRT so I'm really worried that on top of taking Tamoxifen, it's going to make my flash's go into overdrive . 
I'm sure the oncologist has heard my worry numerous times but I'm hoping she listens to my concerns as an individual. 
It's bad news you're still having severe sweating ... what we women have to go through. 
Thank you again for your reply , I hope you stay as well as you possibly can. 
Linda x

I've just had gynaecology surgery, removal of my overies due to complex cysts, my surgeon was lovely, shes gynaecology oncology and spent 4 1/2 hours removing my adhesions she said most surgeons would have bailed out and left them in situ!  I'm fortunate that the many biopsies were benign.
This surgeon was really helpful and happy to help with any questions. she arranged my admission   Do discuss your worries when you see your surgeon any medication is up to how you feel about it. Tamoxifen does have a long list of problems there was a whole paragraph about clotting which caused a red warning to me. I am glad l questioned taking it the last thing I need would be a stroke

take care l hope your surgery goes well 

susie