Delaying starting tamoxifen

[fifi672019]

Hi all,

I was diagnosed in April with IDC (ER+|PR+ HER2-)and had 2 unsuccessful lumpectomies followed by a unilateral mastectomy with immediate implant reconstruction on July 1st last. My oncotype score was 13 and as the mastectomy had clear margins I thankfully don’t need either chemo or radiotherapy. As my cancer was ER+ I now need to start tamoxifen. My question is have any of you ladies delayed starting tamoxifen by a few weeks? I have a much needed holiday booked for the first two weeks of August & ideally want to start on my return which would be 6 weeks post mastectomy. Am I taking a big risk by doing this? Any advice gratefully appreciated. Thank you.

[Jennymary]

Not able to advise but maybe ring BCN or GP for advice, enjoy your holiday

[fifi672019 in reply to Jennymary]

Thanks Jennymary. I’ve spoken to my breast surgeon and she’s given me the thumbs up to delay for a few weeks.

[Jennymary in reply to fifi672019]

That's good to hear, enjoy a fantastic holiday xxx

[Hidden]

As Jennymary says ring your BCNurse but most ladies don’t start it until after Chemo so it may be possible & l can certainly understand your rational.

Have an Amazing Holiday ✈️

You deserve it! 🌸

MrsN

[fifi672019 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Mrs Nails! My consultant has given me the all clear so holidays here I come!!

[Hidden in reply to fifi672019]

BRILLIANT! 🌞 🏖 🥂

It’s always worth asking! x

[Debs1962]

I would check with the nurse, but I wouldn’t think a few weeks would make any difference, when you are low risk like you are to be honest, I don’t think I started or was given my tablets until a few months after my surgery back in 2015.

[fifi672019 in reply to Debs1962]

Thanks Debs. I’ve been given the all clear to delay. Very relieved.

[Ellymay46]

Hello. As everyone says check with your oncologist. But I am in similar position treatment wise no chemo or radio. I had mastectomy 1/5/15 started tamoxifen in July 15. But I have stopped and had a couple of breaks. My oncologist says it's the length of time and doesn't matter if you have some breaks. I stopped mine in march 16 went on holiday in June then started it again.

Hope this helps.

[fifi672019 in reply to Ellymay46]

Thanks Elkymay. Nice to hear other women have done the same. Hope you are well.

[Famz15]

Hi, my situation was exactly the same. Lumpectomy in September, mastectomy in November. Rested, went on holiday, came back and met with oncologist in February, and they rushed me to ivf, then I started hormone treatment in end of April. My onctotype was lower than yours, but it should be fine. Don’t stress yourself out about a few weeks. I took a lot longer and my docs never made me feel like it was going to come back over night. Enjoy your holiday, u need it! Once your on tamoxifen it just makes it annoying with the hot flushes. All the best xx

[Loulou669]

Enjoy your holiday , I am also going on holiday next week with friends and no family ( sigh with relief ) lol Xx