Tamoxifen

[airfemale]

Just wanted to update everybody on my progress with Tamoxifen. I have been on this drug now since October. I am doing well no progression and my CA125 is stable. It is working well with me and I am tolerating the drug. I just have to exercise more. I am so grateful that I seem to have been given more time in this healthy stage. I don't know if anyone else in our community is trying it but I am proof that it is worth considering. Sharon

[Hidden]

Hi Sharon, well that is brilliant news long may this remission last. Mind yourself and take care

[airfemale in reply to Hidden]

I really appreciate that. Just wanted everyone to know about different approaches to OC. I am really interested in what everyone else is doing.

[Hidden in reply to airfemale]

Well my last scan stable in October and back for review in two weeks. I am not sure what options are there are the moment, they are trying out the Parp inhibitors at the moment but on a trial basis. I finished two years of Avastin in Oct and my onc thought it was a good time to stop then

[airfemale]

I guess this disease is really like trial and error. I have a friend now who is going through the early stages of this all. What do you say to make someone feel better? I appreciate everyones support.

[Jac112]

I too have been taking tamoxifen since March 2015 - with no ill effects! I have had Ovarian Cancer diagnosed in April 2014 - had surgery and chemo. Subsequently, I was found out to have the faulty BRAC1 gene and now at high risk of breast cancer. My BRAC1 nurse suggested taking tamoxifen for 5 years as it can decrease the risk of breast cancer by 40% usually - but the trials have not been carried out in BRAC1 people. So as I don't seem to have any side effects I am more than happy to take it if it helps to reduce my risk of cancer popping up somewhere else!! Good luck to everyone else taking it for the same reasons!! Xx

[foss54]

Hi Sharon, Very glad to read your good news. I was on Tamoxifen from last Spring, and it kept the cancer at bay until November, so I had a great summer and autumn. Now the cancer is back, and I start chemo, on Tuesday. I hope your treatment works for ages! Eileen x

[airfemale in reply to foss54]

Me too. Thanks so much you have given me a lift. X Sharon

[Leeds2015]

The doc has mentioned his to me if I wanted to take something for prevention. I had originally asked about Ibruprofen but he has advised tamoxifen.

[Lost4Words]

I had BC in 2011 and was taking Tamoxifen when I was dx with OC in 2012, I'm still taking Tamoxifen and am currently on my 3rd OC recurrence. The good news is I'm 4 years NED with the BC

In BC Tamoxifen is given to those that are ER+ (Oestrogen) or PR+ (Progesterone). Do you know if you have been tested to show this is the case with OC or is it down to the type of OC. Just curious.

[Di16]

I think breast cancer tablets are only given if the OC is hormone receptive (please correct me someone if I'm wrong). I have so far not taken Tamoxifen. But in 2013 I took part in a trial with Arimidex, another BC drug, & they had to check a sample taken from my original tumour to make sure it was hormone receptive before I could have it. Unfortunately it didn't work for me, so it was discontinued. But I have now been taking another one, Exemestane, since last April, & this one is working. 3 of my 4 tumours have reduced in size.

Di

[airfemale]

I was diagnosed as hormone receptive this is probably why the tamoxifen is working for me. I guess it all is a matter of educated guesses. X Sharon

[Leeds2015]

My onc has said that my cancer isn't estrogen sensitive, but it is still suggesting it. What side effects have people encountered and what brand are you taking? Thanks

[airfemale]

Hi Leeds 2015, I am just taking Tamoxifen. It comes in many brands my pharmacist keeps swapping me around as they run out of one brand. My side effects so far are some hair thinning but that is very minor. Some joint pain. I walk most days so that helps with that. Some numbness but my onc believes that is from the taxol. I am a bit tired and I am getting a bit moody. All these things are minor compared to the fact that I am stable and no progression. Sharon

[Jackie0 in reply to airfemale]

Hi, just reading some back posts about Tamoxifen and wondered how you were doing? I gave been taking them for three months now and the modules on my lungs appear to have stopped growing!! For how long I wonder?

Love Jackie O xx

[airfemale]

Hi Jackie, what can I tell you. I was on Tamoxifen for 6 months with some side effects. I unfortunately progressed. I have been doing Carbo/Gem now since April. I hope you have better luck than me. Love Sharon