I am seriously considering refusing. I am 77 and apart from breast cancer I have no other health issues. I had a double mastectomy for symmetry. Clear margins and clear lymph nodes. I have done 6 rounds of EC. Now I just want to enjoy my life now and not be on medication for the next 10 years.
I’ve not declined and won’t as personally I think it’s too risky to not take it, that is the only thing blocking the feeder to cancer and causing it to grow again. The way I see it is what is stopping it from growing again? Chemo doesn’t future proof your body that’s just to kill any circulating cells I understood. My aunties cancer came back when she came off the tamoxifen so that is always at the back of my mind.
Hi, yes, I declined tamoxifen after being on them for approximately 3 months. I had skin issues, soft tissue soreness and swollen ankles. Night sweats and more. However, a year later I was diagnosed with breast cancer on the other breast. I do not know if this was because I didn’t take the drug but I’m sure my oncologist will ask me to take them again this time. Can I ask why you are questioning the drug?
There are lots of threads about people struggling with endocrine therapy which can make the prospect quite scary. But, it’s important to remember that people often only post to forums when they are having difficulties and there will be many many people who take it with no problems. I have been taking tamoxifen for a year and have no issues at all. My personal choice has been to take whatever treatment was offered, but only you can make the right decision for yourself. x
I am worried about the possible and varied side effects..
I am worried about going through menopause while using them.
When my mum went through menopause (without any HRT) she really struggled as many women do.. But she will admit was awful to be around. Her mental health took a battering.. She would beg at her Drs for something that might help and was told there wasnt anything other than natural remedies..
It scares me.. That she progressed through menopause pretty naturally and it was awful for her.. Whereas with hormone therapy and ovary suppression I'm gonna be pushed into it more forcefully.
How will it make me feel.. What will my family have to deal with?
Then the 10 years I've been advised to take it for.. Is daunting. Its the daily reminder of having cancer, when I wanna try and forget.
I want this rollercoaster over.. As I'm sure we all do.
I've always been a person who avoids medications.. Unless I absolutley need them. I prefer herbal or alternative therapies.. Less nasty side effects.
So the idea that I am going to pump my otherwise healthy body with awful toxins when i do chemo.. Then radiotherapy.. And then 10 years of hormone therapy just feels too much.
Saying that.. I dont know what I'm going to do.
I think read up some more.. Whilst I get the other treatments out of the way and see how I feel by then.
I completely understand and worry about the same things. I’m also adverse to taking medication, I won’t use paracetamol unless it’s really really needed. Like Eebee said, only you can make this decision that’s right for you. I guess it’s all a risk and so scary. Have you spoken to a professional about your concerns? Maybe they can advise?
I was like you and wouldn’t even take a paracetamol prior to my breast cancer but since diagnosis 21/2 years ago I have taking all treatments that research indicates beneficial. I’ve had 2 surgeries, chemo, radiotherapy, zometa infusions, Letrozole and Abemaciclib. It’s not been easy at times but I know secondary breast cancer will be a lot worse. It’s a personal choice and I don’t judge anyone who declines treatments but I know my best chance of surviving this disease is to follow the treatments that research indicates. I wish you well.
Thank you. I try so hard to be positive and take one step at a time. My struggle with Tamoxifen is amazing I trading one issue for another. I’m just scared but will give tamoxifen another go and put my trust in the process. Can I ask how you have been since all the treatment.
Hi, I’ve still 4 cycles of Abemaciclib to take and I’m 2 years into a 10 year course of Letrozole. Compared to Abemaciclib the Letrozole has been relatively symptom free. I had gone through the menopause 4 years prior to breast cancer and although I had symptoms of the menopause I didn’t take hrt. The hardest part of my cancer diagnosis has been coming to terms with the psychological aspects. As time passes I have accepted my breast cancer diagnosis. I have learned to live alongside the risk of recurrence and have made a conscious effort to not allow this fear to dominate the rest of my life. I no longer drink, I try and keep my weight within a normal bmi and I walk and cycle to keep fit but I’m not a fitness fanatic. I try and eat healthy and have a good nights sleep. This I have accepted is all I can do. I’m lucky to have a supportive family and friends. In time the journey has become easier but I have had struggled to reach this point.
