No Tamoxifen - Cancer: Breast Message Board

Laura B · 02-03-2009, 02:29 PM

I had a lumpectomy, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. After I was done with my treatments, my oncologist told me I would not have to take Tamoxifen because I'm estrogen receptor negative.

I was very happy about not having to take pills but sometimes I wonder, is it bad if you don't take that pill? What does it actually do? Does it mean I'm more at risk for recurrence of the cancer because I do not take that pill?
Laura

leea1206 · 02-05-2009, 08:46 PM

Hi Laura,

I'm a br. cancer survivor, 2.5yrs out. From what I know you are absolutely at no additional risk by not taking the tamox, as it does not help er- people. - In other words it would be a complete waste of time to take it. I think for er-, the chemo is generally recommended and is the BEST treatment.

I am er+ which means estrogen "fed" my cancer. What tamox does is bind to the estrogen receptor's in breast tissue and on any stray breast cancer cells, to block any estrogen that could feed any existing or remaining cancer. If you are premenopausal, you usually take tamox for 5yrs.

Leea

Laura B · 02-06-2009, 01:57 PM

Leea, thank you for your reply, very informative for me. I was on estrogen therapy (Premarin) for about 33 years, often wondered about taken it for so long. I had a hysterectomy at 40 years of age, that when the doctor put me on the pill.

When I questioned doctors sometimes about taking the pill for so long I was told not to worry, it is good for your heart and your bones and your skin.

About 5 years ago I weened myself off the pill when the news came out that the pill does nothing for your heart and very little for your bones.

But I wonder now if the pill is the reason I developed breast cancer. I often also wonder if any other women were taking that pill for so long.

Laura