Hi Ladies,
I have been on Tamoxifen for 2 weeks and have no side effects as yet. The hot flushes resulting from my "Chemopause" have not altered. The oncologist listed facial hair growth as a possible Tamoxifen side effect- is this common and if so what was the best solution for you? She also noted possible hair thinning- probably won't notice that too much as it is only 1cm long now! Sadly my eyelashes have been continuing to thin despite the final chemo being done on the 13th of April and am assuming this is chemo related not Tamoxifen. :(
Helen
49yo mother, DX Dec 2010, invasive lobular cancer, stage 2, grade II, lumpectomy, nodes clear, chemo, bilateral MX and expanders May 2011, silicone implants June 2011,Tamoxifen.
48 YO mother of 2, DX MAR 11, 2 tumours, 2 cancers and I'm a fighting to win!! I take Tamoxifen every day and hope this will keep the little cancer critters away!
48 YO mother of 2, DX MAR 11, 2 tumours, 2 cancers and I'm a fighting to win!! I take Tamoxifen every day and hope this will keep the little cancer critters away!
49yo mother, DX Dec 2010, invasive lobular cancer, stage 2, grade II, lumpectomy, nodes clear, chemo, bilateral MX and expanders May 2011, silicone implants June 2011,Tamoxifen.
65yr old Mother of 2 adult daughters and I have 6 g/kids. Recently diagnosed with reoccurring BC. Chemo starts 16th Nov. Double mastectomy sometime in Feb '12. Update - surgery will now be a single mastectomy and some lymph gland removal. A LOT less intrusive than the original prediction and is scheduled for the 29th February. .
the Click Researcher 
I hope so too Cynthia. It's in our interest to do our own research on recommended drugs. :)
This post was edited by SueB at January 27, 2012 10:58:20 AM WATime"
65yr old Mother of 2 adult daughters and I have 6 g/kids. Recently diagnosed with reoccurring BC. Chemo starts 16th Nov. Double mastectomy sometime in Feb '12. Update - surgery will now be a single mastectomy and some lymph gland removal. A LOT less intrusive than the original prediction and is scheduled for the 29th February. .
Tamoxifen – my response from a health professional’s viewpoint
Thanks for raising some very interesting issues about articles on the net regarding Tamoxifen. Unfortunately no cancer treatment is without some form of controversy. Open discussions allow us to (hopefully) clarify aspects and dispel misunderstandings, and we would very much encourage opportunities to do this.
Anyone can post articles and make claims (or dispute claims) on the net regarding treatments without having to produce evidence to back-up their statements. To validate comments and claims regarding treatments, ‘levels of evidence’ are often referred to in establishing proof. Health professionals look for high levels of evidence to support any treatment recommended. Commonly referenced ‘levels of evidence’ to support research (per Joanna Briggs Institute) range from level 1 to 4.
Many articles posted on the net are based on even less supportive evidence than level 4, therefore it’s a case of ‘reader beware’ when reading and referring to articles and sites.
There are many articles on Tamoxifen available for consideration, with Level 1 evidence to support conclusions. Reputable websites include Cancer Australia or Cancer Council sites.
Treatments are only ‘recommended’, meaning it is an individual’s choice to undergo or refuse the treatment. Tamoxifen, as with other breast cancer treatments, is only recommended due to the serious threat to life breast cancer can pose.
The possible side-effects (SEs) are also widely studied, and for many women these will be few and tolerable. The more serious SEs are uncommon and usually treatable for those who unfortunately experience them. In some cases the treatment may need to be reviewed or discontinued.
Overall Tamoxifen is regarded by breast cancer specialists as well-researched and highly effective proven treatment in reducing the risk of recurrence in hormone-positive breast cancers, and this benefit is considered to vastly outweigh potential harmful effects for the majority of women. Tamoxifen is also used in reducing development of breast cancer in women at high risk.
For some women, as with any medication, treatment or substance, Tamoxifen will not be suitable or tolerable. Other options are available and would be discussed and recommended on an individual basis.
The greatest source for the most accurate interpretation of information is an experienced health professional who is able to assess, analyse and validate all the information.
Please discuss with your Specialist if you have any concerns.
Please feel free to add comments, challenge aspects and raise queries if you would like ..
This post was edited by Glenys at February 1, 2012 3:14:09 PM WATime"
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
65yr old Mother of 2 adult daughters and I have 6 g/kids. Recently diagnosed with reoccurring BC. Chemo starts 16th Nov. Double mastectomy sometime in Feb '12. Update - surgery will now be a single mastectomy and some lymph gland removal. A LOT less intrusive than the original prediction and is scheduled for the 29th February. .
The Click Breast Care Nurse
43 YO wife & mother. DX Nov 2011, 17mm grade 3 IDC ER+ PR+ 6/14 lymph nodes +, wide local excision followed by right axillary clearance 23/11/11. 3 x FEC then 3 x Docetaxil, 6 weeks rads finished June 2012 & now 5 yrs anti-hormone.
The Click Breast Care Nurse
