I had right side reconstruction surgery and lymph node removal (1 positive) on 7 August and was prescribed tamoxifen but told not to take until oncotype results and oncology appointment. Oncotype scores were 23 and 28 and appointment is not until 4 November so am concerned I have not been taking anything. Should I take it until the appointment?
Dear Corny Mouse,
My name is Liz, and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Macmillan support line.
Thank you for reaching out for information and support as you wait for your oncology appointment on the 4th November.
Tamoxifen is generally started after surgery, when after surgery depends on what further treatments are recommended by the multidisciplinary team (MDT) for you. Your Oncotype DX results and pathology results will guide those recommendations, and this is what your oncologist will discuss with you in your appointment. As well as recommend when to start your tamoxifen.
It is natural to feel uncertain and anxious as you wait for your appointment. It might be useful to prepare some questions and it is often helpful to have someone with you, an extra pair of ears is invaluable as most of us only remember about 20% of what we are told in an appointment. If you haven’t got anyone to come with you, ask to record the appointment on your phone.
You may wish to explore our online community, talking to people in a similar situation may help a little. Our breast cancer forum is a very active forum.
I hope this information has been useful, please contact us whenever we can help.
Take care,
Liz
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. Ref LZD/ SMc
