I'm a breast cancer survivor, (by the Grace of God), and have been put on Tamoxifen. I had what was initially thought to be a triple negative breast cancer. I had a total left mastectomy and chemo- ACT. After treatment, I changed jobs and my insurance changed, which made me have to change oncologist.(FYI the Cancer Treatment Centers of American are WONDERFUL...but that's another post) I was originally scheduled to have a PET scan at 1 year after diagnosis;however, the new oncologist didn't feel it was necessary. The new oncologist also retested my breast tissue, (from the surgery) and after multiple test felt that I didn't have TN cancer, and that it was progestrin(sp) positive. That changed the game somewhat. I am currently scheduled to have my overies removed (late Aug.) and have been put on the Tamoxifen. Since starting the drug, I have had an increase in the foot neuropathy, (from the chemo), depression, hotflashes,and a general tired feeling. I have been walking x 3 months at about 2 miles 5-6 x per week. OK...here are my questions:
1) How important is that PET scan?
2) Was the ACT treatment adeqate for the Prog+ cancer?
3) I'm considering, (and have for the last few days)discontinuing the Tamoxifen-don't like the side effects.I've read that exercise decreases the risk of breast cancer recurrance by 40-50%- what additional benefit could the Tamoxifen have?
I look forward to your reply, and subsequent post!
I remain-Still Blessed with One Less!
1)
- Resources
Q: Breast Cancer Survivor - Pet Scan, Triple negative -vs- Progestrin +, Walking -vs-Tamoxifen
Glad you're blessed - even with "one less"! 
1) PET scan - some oncologists use them a lot, some don't. I've never had one, despite being at fairly high risk of recurrence.Is it necessary? It's another test, another dose of radiation, and if your recurrence risk is pretty low anyway - why not just do the usual screening via mammogram, and pay attention to any other early warning signs (lump in your armpit or breast, bone pain, shortness of breath, pain on the right side, etc.)
2) Yes, the ACT is probably the most common type of "chemo cocktail" delivered to women with breast cancer - it's an effective all-purpose treatment.
3) Think hard before discontinuing the tamoxifen; it's definitely helping prevent recurrence. I question the validity of those statistics re: exercise alone reducing your risk of recurrence 40%. How much exercise, and what kind? Lots of variability there... Once you have your ovaries removed, I'd assume you'll be switched from tamoxifen to an aromatase inhibitor, anyway - which comes with different side effects, but perhaps side effects you can tolerate more easily. So discuss this with your doctor, OK, before deciding to stop the tamoxifen?
Best of luck to you - PJH
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