Tamoxifen vs anastarzole

Hi there, I'm not quite in the same position as a I went onto Letrozole, but I did notice you're post has not had any replies yet, as the site is quite busy. My reply will bump you up to the first page and hopefully someone in this situation will come along soon to answer you. Best of luck 

I was given the choice at the start - tamoxifen or zoladex plus exemestane. I asked which was better and had a lengthy conversation with my oncologist about the different side effects etc but what swung it for me was the long term outcomes. There is no difference between the two options in terms of mortality rate, but the tamoxifen had a higher risk of the cancer returning for people in my age group (mid-40s) than for people who went into a medical menopause plus an AI.  So I opted to go into menopause .

The sudden menopause was intense and not helped by the fact I had my first injection alongside my 2nd chemo cycle so everything was amplified. But I'm a year on and things have significantly calmed, I was going to go through menopause in the next few years anyway, so I've just got it out the way in one big bang! The exemestane hasn't made a huge difference - I get stiff hands and feet first thing in the morning but it quickly wears off. I think I am a little bit more prone to injury - I've had ligament inflammation in various part of my body but I'm pretty active and have had plenty of injuries in the past 

I still get plenty of hot flushes and night sweats but these are much more manageable than at first.

I'm happy with my decision even though the menopause is a bit of a pain, but it's done now and I don't need to go through it again!

Thank you for your reply. It gives me something to consider. Did you have to start a bisphosphonate as well?

Yes, I'm on zoledronic acid infusion every 6 month for 3 years. I didn't have any side effects from the first infusion I had, next one is due shortly.

Thanks

Hi Oregano 

I Was  Dx in 2013. Had R Mx and chemo which pushed me into menopause 

I did 5yrs tamoxifen then on my third year of letrozole. ( 2 to go)  I have always taken my meds at night with minimal side effects. 

my worst issue osteoporosis as a result of letrozole :( for which I’m now on Prolia. Make sure you get regular Dexa scans. 
Hope all goes well for you :)