More on Tamoxifen
I said it the other day: I had a recurrence while taking Tamoxifen. But, I was pre-menopausal, an important factor if you are making a decision on whether or not you should take the drug yourself.
It is important to realize that research continually shows the benefits of Tamoxifen. Here’s a link to the Washington Post coverage of a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. The study followed women at high risk for the disease who had first undergone a hysterectomy and ovary removal then began taking Tamoxifen. Astounding results — the rate of breast cancer cases were significantly lower for the women taking the drug.
This proves a few points to me. If you are at high risk for the disease, and are ER+, then Tamoxifen might be for you, even if it means you have to endure side effects like hot flashes and night sweats.
Consider the choice … life with side effects vs. possible death by disease. A “no brainer” if you ask me. but then again, I’m a two time survivor.
It also proves to me that drug companies need to start focusing on finding something with the same efficacy for pre-menopausal women with this blasted disease. More and more young women are battling breast cancer than ever before (thanks to early diagnosis, in part, I’m sure).
That’s my plea this morning. Help us. Please.
May 3rd, 2007 at 8:53 am
I totally agree with you about tamoxifen. I decided not to take it which I write about in my book, because I was concerned with the risks but more than that….because its lack of research on the effects in pre-menopausal women such as ourselves. You are an example of why I had such concerns due to your recurrence while taking it. It is a difficult decision to make so I think it is important to make sure you are educated about it. Good post! I agree that there needs to more research in what will work better for younger women who are pre-menopausal.
May 3rd, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I was advised that tamoxifin was for pre-menopausal er + women at high risk, and that Arimidex (which I currently take) was for post-meno er+ women. However, my question was and still is this.. I was pre-menopausal prior to bc..chemo put me in menopause, therefore I was then considered post menopausal and made the decision to take the arimidex…but should I have taken the tamoxifin instead? My doc said no, as I had gone without a period for 6 months…. either way, I do feel the drugs above do give us better chances..but like you said, it’s not for everyone and IS a personal decision.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
There are studies that say that estrogen positive, progesterone negative pathologies are tamoxifen resistant.
That was my pathology, so I opted for an oophorectomy and Arimidex.
We also REALLY need research for triple negative cancer