Hormonal therapy medicines can be used to lower the risk of early-stage hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer from coming back, shrink or slow the growth of advanced-stage or metastatic hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers, and lower the risk of developing breast cancer in certain women who are at high risk. They work by lowering the amount of estrogen in the body or by blocking the effect of estrogen on breast cancer cells.
Intro medically reviewed by: Brian Wojciechowski, M.D.
Last review date: November 22, 2020
Posted on:
Nov 26, 2007 12:02PM
- edited
Nov 15, 2017 10:59AM
by
Moderators
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Jun 2007
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264
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ashaby
wrote:
Dear All, (and Layne are you there?)
Got my Tamox today and will start in a week. Where are my tamoxi pals? It says weight loss for one of the side effects. Now that's a good thing. Basha
Edited by Mods to add content from the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Tamoxifen in Pill Form (Brand Name: Nolvadex): Benefits, Side Effects and More
Dx
4/4/2007, DCIS, 6cm+, Stage 0, Grade 2, 0/0 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
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edj3
Leawood, Kansas
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May 2019
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1,705
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Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 1, 2019 05:28AM
edj3
wrote:
Still on pause while my heart rate issue gets sorted out. My PCP has ordered a stress echocardoigram. And I noticed that my blood pressure has gone nuts--historically I have low blood pressure but in the last week, it's been in the 140s (I'm usually 110) for the top number. Now I wonder if the Prolia is affecting me there, an increase in blood pressure is a common side effect.
This just sucks.
Tried the tamoxifen, no thanks.
Dx
4/9/2019, IDC, Left, <1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Dx
5/6/2019, LCIS, Left, <1cm, 0/1 nodes
Surgery
5/6/2019 Lumpectomy; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
6/2/2019 Whole-breast: Breast
Hormonal Therapy
9/23/2019 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
DeeBB
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Nov 2018
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84
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Mar 26, 2020
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Nov 1, 2019 02:32PM
DeeBB
wrote:
lynae23: My MO advised taking a pills that are called 'AM PM for menopause. They did seem to help, I had to get them on Amazon or Walgreens did say they could order it
WorryThePoo…
Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Nov 2018
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407
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Mar 13, 2020
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Nov 1, 2019 06:40PM
WorryThePooh
wrote:
I've been on Tamoxifen only one month, but I find it makes me need to pee more often and more urgently! Very annoying in the middle of the night, plus on road trips. Going on one tomorrow and feeling a bit anxious about this issue.
Dx
11/2018, IDC, Right, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
Surgery
11/21/2018 Lumpectomy: Right; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
12/13/2018 Whole-breast
Hormonal Therapy
2/28/2019 Arimidex (anastrozole), Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
runor
Joined:
May 2017
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1,443
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Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 1, 2019 11:05PM
runor
wrote:
WorryThe Pooh, ugh, the pee thing. Lately by the time I realize I have to pee, I AM peeing! My bladder just gets on with the business at hand no matter where I am. Pisses me off. Ha ha, bad pun.
Dx
3/23/2017, IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IIB, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
4/12/2017 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
7/4/2017 Whole-breast: Breast
Hormonal Therapy
Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
DLRF
Joined:
Nov 2019
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2
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Dec 2, 2019
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Nov 2, 2019 05:14AM
DLRF
wrote:
Hi everyone - this is my first post.
I am 43 and just told I have an almost 1/2 chance of lifetime cancer (technically 43%) due to a robust family history, many pre-menapausal (two great grandmothers, two grandmothers, two aunts). My BRCA 1/2 tests were negative and my last genetic test showed nothing else causative (although a new test is pending).
I'm a widow and recently remarried to a wonderful widower. As you might imagine, I want to be around as long as possible for him and or my son and step-kids. I also have two friends (my age diagnosed with stage 4 cancers this year).
I saw my first BS this week and she is wants me to consider tamoxifen - as does my mother who was in the trials in the 90s. I have been living with this specter since I was about 15 and realized the cancer in my family was more than most and that meant I had a good chance of developing it too....I know this is going to be challenging, but I feel like I have finally been given the green light to be really proactive and I need to do that for my own mental health.
So....
- What are the top questions I need to ask my medical oncologist before walking in next week?
- What are the top things I need to think about before diving in?
Thank you all for your wisdom...
DLRF
Cpeachymom
MA
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Aug 2017
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514
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Apr 13, 2020
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Nov 2, 2019 05:38AM
Cpeachymom
wrote:
dlrf- wow! Those are some scary numbers! You say cancer but did not specify if those were all breast cancer or other cancers too. Cancer also runs strong in my family, and I always assumed I’d get it, just never expected it to be breast cancer, and not at 39!
Anyway, assuming those are breast cancer, it makes sense to at least try the Tamoxifen. You can always stop if you develop bad Side effects. There are a few serious side effects like blood clots and endometrial cancer to be aware of.
If it was me, my logic tree would be something like-
If I don’t take it and then get cancer- how will I feel? If I do take it and then get cancer- how will I feel? If I try it and then have to stop- will that make me feel better? Etc...
Keep in mind Tamoxifen is not a guarantee, just an insurance. I wish you the best and may those odds fall in your favor!
39 at Dx. Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You can not withstand the storm.' The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.'
Dx
6/21/2017, IDC, Right, 4cm, Stage IIB, Grade 1, 1/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
7/5/2017 Lymph node removal: Sentinel; Mastectomy: Right
Hormonal Therapy
9/11/2017 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Radiation Therapy
9/18/2017 Lymph nodes, Chest wall
Surgery
10/10/2018 Reconstruction (right): Tissue expander placement
Surgery
3/24/2019 Reconstruction (right): Saline implant
Hormonal Therapy
Zoladex (goserelin)
Rah2464
Ky
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Jul 2018
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912
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Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 2, 2019 05:47AM
Rah2464
wrote:
DLRF sorry you have such a strong family history - my fam is riddled with cancer as well, all types. Really glad you are thinking proactively.
For me, Tamox is a very difficult little white pill. I have a complex relationship with it. I would be very interested in what your MO has to say about dosing levels. Can you get the preventative effect with a very low dose so as to avoid a lot of the side effects (some lucky souls don't have these)? 20 mg is a beast for a lot of us. Heck for some 10 mg is rough it is so individual. You may want to discuss genetic testing to see how well you would metabolize T as a lot of medications utilize the same pathway. I am an intermediate metabolizer so I have to really watch any additional medications. I would also want to know how long would the plan be for this protocol. 5 years? 10? until you hit menopause?
The other thing I would be curious about is what is your monitoring plan. Would your MO consider having a baseline MRI to check your breasts thoroughly. Not sure if you have dense tissue or not, but mammos and ultrasounds are not 100% diagnostic. And would increased monitoring perhaps even offset the need for tamoxifen? Or perhaps reduce the dosing to a tolerable level?
I wish you the best at this meeting with your MO, and I hope you find a strategy that works for you.
Dx
5/23/2018, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Surgery
6/26/2018 Mastectomy: Left, Right; Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant; Reconstruction (right): Silicone implant
Hormonal Therapy
7/26/2018 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
flashlight
Delaware
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Aug 2019
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463
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Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 2, 2019 06:39AM
flashlight
wrote:
DLRF, If you are on birth control pills ask how long you need to be off them before starting Tamoxifen. I agree with Rah2464 ask if you need to take 20mg.
- About 6–10% of the population has a genetic variation of CYP2D6 that doesn't work quite right. If you're one of them, tamoxifen likely won't work well (or at all) for you. Other medications may prove more beneficial.
- If you have a clotting disorder treated with anticoagulant medications, or have had a previous episode of pulmonary embolism or deep venous thrombosis, tamoxifen is contraindicated.
- If you have a personal or family history of uterine or endometrial cancer, your risk of developing one of those cancers would be even greater if you use tamoxifen while other medications do not have similar effects.
- In premenopausal women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, tamoxifen should not be used.
There is a lot of useful information on this site. Good luck to you.
Dx
11/15/2018, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
Dx
DCIS, Left, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes
Hormonal Therapy
Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Radiation Therapy
Surgery
Lumpectomy: Left
DLRF
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2
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Dec 2, 2019
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Nov 2, 2019 11:48AM
DLRF
wrote:
Thanks Rah2464 and flashlight
Apologies for leaving out some of the details -
Family history of breast cancer includes 2 great grandmothers diagnosed in their 50 assume pre-menapausal - 2 grandmothers both diagnosed in their 40s - one had a second primary site later. My two paternal aunts, one was early 50s and pre-menapausal and the other was post in her 70s. Family history also includes some melanoma (dad, grandfather), colon (one of the grandmothers) and esophogeal. Lordy - its a lot.
The BS is definitely upping my monitoring quite a bit. I will be getting an annual mammogram (which I have been for the last 5 years or so), an annual MRI, and a bi-annual breast exam with her. Re: density, I am "super" dense and fibrocystic. In fact the BS made sure I was clear that she does exams all day long and I am on the top end of the spectrum.
I also failed to mention I had a hyperplasia years ago removed. It was not atypia.
The BS said the tamoxifen would reduce my numbers by half if I stayed on the full course. I guess I'm wondering if this is the right path...if I will still be 20+ percent. I know there are more radical options which are also not perfect solutions....
Anyway, thanks again for the advice...
DLRF
flashlight
Delaware
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Aug 2019
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463
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Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 2, 2019 02:39PM
flashlight
wrote:
DLRF, If you have been treated for hyperplasia ask your GYN if this is considered a diagnosis for you. If so, you can't take Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen causes your lining to thicken. It sounds like you and your doctors are on top of things. I understand about the radical options and I think you can question it and get a thread of others making this decision on this site. Wishing you the best with this difficult decision.
Dx
11/15/2018, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR-, HER2-
Dx
DCIS, Left, <1cm, Stage 0, Grade 1, 0/1 nodes
Hormonal Therapy
Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Radiation Therapy
Surgery
Lumpectomy: Left
Beaverntx
Texas
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Mar 2018
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2,756
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Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 2, 2019 03:15PM
Beaverntx
wrote:
runor, re the "pee thing" you are absolutely correct! I've given up and wear a pad every day, got tired of having to change clothes. Some days don't need the pad, others have to change it once or twice. I can deal with this, so far. My bad days are when the fatigue and brain fog hit together and I am so lethargic that practically nothing gets done and I don't even care (until the not getting done catches up with me)! Those are the days I seriously consider quitting but have not done so yet. Will be having a discussion with my prescriber this month when I see her.
Diagnosed at age 77-- Oncotype 17, dealing with this bump in the road of life!!🎆
Dx
1/24/2018, IDC, Right, 2cm, Stage IB, Grade 3, 0/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Dx
1/30/2018, DCIS, Right, <1cm, Stage 0
Surgery
1/30/2018 Lumpectomy: Right; Lymph node removal: Right, Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
3/11/2018 Whole-breast: Breast
Surgery
6/15/2018 Prophylactic ovary removal
Hormonal Therapy
6/19/2018 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
rljes
USA
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Jul 2017
Posts:
540
Latest activity:
Sep 22, 2020
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Nov 3, 2019 09:21AM
rljes
wrote:
Hi Everyone, I still have not started Tamoxifen. Its been a year since I've finished Herceptin/Chemo. My Hot Flashes are so horrific so violent they are controlling my life.. I had a hysterectomy over 30 years ago. Took Estrace pills until DX stopped Estrace immediately- that's when Hot Flashes began.
iynae23 - I would like to hear how ESTROVEN works for you. From what I have read (mayo Clinic) that Estroven contains Black Cohosh which interfere with action of Tamoxifen. I guess I'm being a little selfish, since I'm not on Tamoxifen, I am wondering if it helps your hot flashes. I have been given : Paxil/Effexor/Gabapentin, Oxybutinin & Clonidine - which none worked.
I've been approved with my Health Ins for SGB injections (stellate ganglion block) (Google MayoClinic) its to reduce hot flashes - the only DR that is qualified in my area is too far away. My OBGYN suggested BELLADONNA but it sounds pretty scary. (via Amazon.com)
I think I will go to the Health food shop and just buy the Black Cohosh.
Everyone's advice would be appreciated!
Finished Chemo March 2018, No reconstruction "Going Flat"
Dx
6/26/2017, IDC, Left, 3cm, Stage IIB, Grade 2, ER+/PR+
Surgery
8/21/2017 Mastectomy: Left, Right
Dx
8/22/2017, 1/7 nodes, HER2+
Chemotherapy
Carboplatin (Paraplatin), Taxotere (docetaxel)
Targeted Therapy
Herceptin (trastuzumab)
Hormonal Therapy
Mymomsgirl
Ohio
Joined:
Dec 2018
Posts:
167
Latest activity:
Jan 2, 2021
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Nov 3, 2019 01:29PM
Mymomsgirl
wrote:
DLRF I saw that you mentioned genetic testing, I have found a lot stop at the 2 main Gene's. I have a family history as well and was just waiting for that shoe to drop. When I was diagnosed I had the 9 high risk Gene's tested and 38 mid risk Gene's tested because that would impact my surgical decision. Ironically I'm more apt to get colon cancer versus breast cancer. Hope your appointment goes well.
DX @ 47, the same age as my mother. Surgery was Oncoplastic with IORT and my Oncotype score is a 9.
Dx
10/29/2018, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
12/18/2018 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel; Reconstruction (left); Reconstruction (right)
Radiation Therapy
12/18/2018 Whole-breast: Breast
Radiation Therapy
1/24/2019 Whole-breast: Breast
Hormonal Therapy
3/19/2019 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
FindingOpti…
Joined:
Nov 2018
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50
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Jan 19, 2021
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Nov 5, 2019 01:32PM
FindingOptimism
wrote:
Looking for some insights on Tamoxifen driven hair loss. The website suggests that it slows down markedly after 1 year on tamoxifen. I wondered if people had found this to be true? I am getting a bit tired of the vacuuming and it is a bit unnerving.
Dx
8/2018, IDC, Right, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 1, 0/4 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Hormonal Therapy
12/12/2018 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Surgery
Lumpectomy; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
Whole-breast: Breast
Beaverntx
Texas
Joined:
Mar 2018
Posts:
2,756
Latest activity:
Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 5, 2019 02:56PM
Beaverntx
wrote:
Can't say I noticed a slowdown until several months after starting to take Biotin. It does seem to be a bit better now.
Diagnosed at age 77-- Oncotype 17, dealing with this bump in the road of life!!🎆
Dx
1/24/2018, IDC, Right, 2cm, Stage IB, Grade 3, 0/9 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Dx
1/30/2018, DCIS, Right, <1cm, Stage 0
Surgery
1/30/2018 Lumpectomy: Right; Lymph node removal: Right, Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
3/11/2018 Whole-breast: Breast
Surgery
6/15/2018 Prophylactic ovary removal
Hormonal Therapy
6/19/2018 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Lezza13
Joined:
Feb 2012
Posts:
878
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May 17, 2020
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Nov 9, 2019 08:35AM
Lezza13
wrote:
riles I think you should try Black Cohosh or Estoven. It works for some for awhile. I tried it for a time as well. Please return and let us know how the injections work. That is new info to me. Perhaps you could start on a small dose like some of these ladies. If not I understand until those hot flashes ease up. Have been on Tami for 7 years now and I do not like the hot flashes. None of those drugs you took worked for me either. Good luck.
Dx
12/30/2011, IDC, <1cm, Stage IIA, Grade 2, 2/23 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
2/27/2012 Lymph node removal: Right, Sentinel; Mastectomy: Left, Right
Hormonal Therapy
7/16/2012 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
molliefish
Ontario
Joined:
May 2015
Posts:
653
Latest activity:
Jan 22, 2021
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Nov 14, 2019 09:03PM
molliefish
wrote:
Here is an interesting tidbit from Canada. Apparently there is a tam shortage in Canada and our gov't had asked for and will be receiving a bulk supply from the US to see us through. Guess I best count those tabs that I have left.
Dx
5/24/2015, IDC, Left, 1cm, Stage IA, Grade 3, 0/3 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
6/8/2015 Lumpectomy: Left
Chemotherapy
8/13/2015 Cytoxan (cyclophosphamide), Taxotere (docetaxel)
Hormonal Therapy
1/9/2016 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Radiation Therapy
Whole-breast: Breast
runor
Joined:
May 2017
Posts:
1,443
Latest activity:
Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 14, 2019 10:43PM
runor
wrote:
Molliefish, this does seem to be correct. There had been mention of this on other threads. Can't remember which. Instead of my usual 3 month allotment, I was given one. Hmmm.
Dx
3/23/2017, IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IIB, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
4/12/2017 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
7/4/2017 Whole-breast: Breast
Hormonal Therapy
Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
edj3
Leawood, Kansas
Joined:
May 2019
Posts:
1,705
Latest activity:
Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 15, 2019 01:43AM
edj3
wrote:
You can have mine--I'm not taking it ;)
Tried the tamoxifen, no thanks.
Dx
4/9/2019, IDC, Left, <1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Dx
5/6/2019, LCIS, Left, <1cm, 0/1 nodes
Surgery
5/6/2019 Lumpectomy; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
6/2/2019 Whole-breast: Breast
Hormonal Therapy
9/23/2019 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Lomlin
Lombard, Illinois
Joined:
Sep 2018
Posts:
131
Latest activity:
Mar 22, 2020
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Nov 15, 2019 05:00AM
Lomlin
wrote:
Hi all, just saw my oncologist yesterday, I was mentioning that I felt really fatigued, just like all of a sudden since the weekend. She had me do a cbc count and my hemoglobin is down, it's 11.9, should be 12-16 for women. She wants to do another blood test for B12, folate and iron. Plus she recommends a colonoscopy. Why the colonscopy? I don't get that. Anyway anyone experiencing anemia from taking the Tamoxifen. I have been on it since August 2018 and take 20mg. I still have my hair falling out since February of this year. Getting pretty annoying cleanin up hair all over the place.
edj3
Leawood, Kansas
Joined:
May 2019
Posts:
1,705
Latest activity:
Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 15, 2019 05:09AM
edj3
wrote:
Hey LomLin, the colonoscopy will rule out any microscopic bleeding from your colon.
Tried the tamoxifen, no thanks.
Dx
4/9/2019, IDC, Left, <1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Dx
5/6/2019, LCIS, Left, <1cm, 0/1 nodes
Surgery
5/6/2019 Lumpectomy; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
6/2/2019 Whole-breast: Breast
Hormonal Therapy
9/23/2019 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Lomlin
Lombard, Illinois
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Sep 2018
Posts:
131
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Mar 22, 2020
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Nov 15, 2019 05:16AM
Lomlin
wrote:
Wouldn't I notice if I was having any problems with the colon now?
TrmTab
Joined:
May 2016
Posts:
700
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Jan 22, 2021
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Nov 15, 2019 05:27AM
TrmTab
wrote:
LomLin - I had my 6 month follow up with MO on Tuesday...he didn't take blood at all. When I questioned him on it, not taking blood like he did regularly when I was on Arimedix he said "no need to with T"
Now I need to get my primary back on schedule to take blood as she stopped because MO was taking blood 2-3 times a year! It's a merry go round. TT
Dx
9/2015, DCIS, Left, 1cm, Stage 0, Grade 2, ER+/PR+
Surgery
12/21/2015 Lumpectomy: Left
Surgery
1/10/2016 Lumpectomy: Left
Hormonal Therapy
2/4/2016 Arimidex (anastrozole)
Surgery
6/3/2016 Mastectomy: Left; Reconstruction (left): Tissue expander placement
Hormonal Therapy
1/1/2017 Arimidex (anastrozole)
Surgery
9/8/2017 Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant
Surgery
12/17/2018 Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant
Hormonal Therapy
5/12/2019 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Pi-Xi
CANADA
Joined:
May 2016
Posts:
304
Latest activity:
Jan 22, 2021
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Nov 15, 2019 05:47AM
Pi-Xi
wrote:
News report on the Canadian tamoxifen shortage.
https://apple.news/ASCIT40AhTc2cKF6OJkj_ww
Needless to say, I got on securing my next prescription refill the next day
Oncotype 12
Dx
4/7/2016, DCIS, Left, 2cm, Stage 0, Grade 1, ER+/PR+
Surgery
7/11/2016 Mastectomy: Left; Prophylactic mastectomy: Right; Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant; Reconstruction (right): Silicone implant
Dx
8/3/2016, DCIS/IDC/IDC: Papillary, Left, 1cm, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
9/1/2016 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
edj3
Leawood, Kansas
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May 2019
Posts:
1,705
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Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 15, 2019 05:52AM
edj3
wrote:
LomLin, not necessarily. Microscopic means it's nearly impossible to see.
True story, a few years ago when I traveled about 95% of the time for work (all by plane), I took one aspirin a day as a preventative measure for deep vein thrombosis. After a couple of years of that, my blood work showed a drop in red blood cells. I've always run slightly anemic but this time I was well into anemic territory.
So my PCP told me to stop taking the aspirin for a month and then get retested. He said if it didn't drop, he would order other tests (including a colonoscopy) to see what was going on. But good news for me, stopping the aspirin did the trick and I returned to my normal, slightly anemic levels.
That's when he told me that in some people (waves hand), aspirin can cause that microscopic bleeding in the gut. Needless to say, I don't take aspirin any more.
Tried the tamoxifen, no thanks.
Dx
4/9/2019, IDC, Left, <1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Dx
5/6/2019, LCIS, Left, <1cm, 0/1 nodes
Surgery
5/6/2019 Lumpectomy; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
6/2/2019 Whole-breast: Breast
Hormonal Therapy
9/23/2019 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Lomlin
Lombard, Illinois
Joined:
Sep 2018
Posts:
131
Latest activity:
Mar 22, 2020
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Nov 15, 2019 07:05AM
Lomlin
wrote:
Thanks edj3, you have been very helpful. I don't mind the test or even the prep (sort of), it's how long I need to endure going without food, I can't last 12 hours without food and start to feel dizzy and disoriented. Glad that stopping aspirin did the trick for you. I am hoping for me all I need is an iron supplement or more B. It's just so weird how this came on so suddenly. Last time and the first time I had a colonscopy was when my period was extremenly heavy and they recommended it, again, don't know why, but everything was fine. Thanks again. I really like coming to this forum everyone is so helpful.
Lomlin
Lombard, Illinois
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Sep 2018
Posts:
131
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Mar 22, 2020
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Nov 15, 2019 07:07AM
Lomlin
wrote:
I did see this:
Low blood cell counts have happened with this medicine (tamoxifen tablets). If blood cell counts get very low, this can lead to bleeding problems, infections, or anemia. ... This medicine may raise the chance of getting cataracts or the need to have cataract surgery. Talk with the doctor.
Tamoxifen Tablets: Indications, Side Effects, Warnings - Drugs ...
www.drugs.com › cdi › tamoxifen-tablets
edj3
Leawood, Kansas
Joined:
May 2019
Posts:
1,705
Latest activity:
Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 15, 2019 07:19AM
edj3
wrote:
I'm really glad your dr is on top of this for you.
Tried the tamoxifen, no thanks.
Dx
4/9/2019, IDC, Left, <1cm, Stage IA, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2- (IHC)
Dx
5/6/2019, LCIS, Left, <1cm, 0/1 nodes
Surgery
5/6/2019 Lumpectomy; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
6/2/2019 Whole-breast: Breast
Hormonal Therapy
9/23/2019 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
runor
Joined:
May 2017
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1,443
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Jan 23, 2021
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Nov 15, 2019 09:32AM
runor
wrote:
Re: tamoxifen shortages. I know not everyone is comfortable with my view, but I am pretty confident that I'll make it until 2020 with my current supply of tamox, because I take half a pill a day. I think if people are worried about running out, they could cut back to 1/2 a pill a day until there is more Tamoxifen available and then resume their 20mg tablet. I would rather stay on a drug I am familiar with than do a short shift over to another drug and then bounce back to tamoxifen again. My one month supply will last me almost twice that long. I do take a whole pill twice a week, I am pretty confident (perhaps wrongly) that there is sufficient tamoxifen in my system. Consider 1/2 tablets for the short term.
Dx
3/23/2017, IDC, Left, 2cm, Stage IIB, Grade 2, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Surgery
4/12/2017 Lumpectomy: Left; Lymph node removal: Sentinel
Radiation Therapy
7/4/2017 Whole-breast: Breast
Hormonal Therapy
Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)
Pi-Xi
CANADA
Joined:
May 2016
Posts:
304
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Jan 22, 2021
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Nov 15, 2019 04:25PM
- edited
Nov 15, 2019 04:25PM
by
Pi-Xi
runor,
If I couldn't secure a supply, that was my plan! I was just on a glorious break from tamoxifen for surgery, otherwise I may have looked at the shortage as divine intervention. 😆
Oncotype 12
Dx
4/7/2016, DCIS, Left, 2cm, Stage 0, Grade 1, ER+/PR+
Surgery
7/11/2016 Mastectomy: Left; Prophylactic mastectomy: Right; Reconstruction (left): Silicone implant; Reconstruction (right): Silicone implant
Dx
8/3/2016, DCIS/IDC/IDC: Papillary, Left, 1cm, Grade 2, ER+/PR+, HER2-
Hormonal Therapy
9/1/2016 Tamoxifen pills (Nolvadex, Apo-Tamox, Tamofen, Tamone)