I just finished chemo on jan.7 and the doctor prescribed tamoxifen. Is this med really necessary? I am concerned about the side effects especially weight gain I have already gained while on treatment and I am at leat 60 pds overweight and I am already on zoloft for depression and zanax.
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1/ 8/09 2:56pm
Hi Debbie: Tamoxifen has been shown to cut your risk of recurrence by about 40%. You need to weigh this benefit against the side effects, and then make your decision. Obviously, it's a tough one... but only you can make it. Also, if you're post-menopausal, take a look at my current post on tamoxifen. There's a genetic test that might help with your decision. Good luck - PJH
1/ 8/09 2:47pm
Tamoxifen is one of the standards of care following chemo or radiation. My guess is that you were given it because of your hormone status. There are a few other drugs he could give, but the data and research does not match that of Tamoxifen - plus they all carry nearly the same side effects. You're probably better off asking your oncologist directly why he chose this particular drug - but if you're hormone positive you will need to take something to prevent your estrogen from binding with the cancer calls which makes them grow. Even if you are postmenopausal you still secrete estrogen from other glands. I hope that helps you understand a bit, but to truly understand you will need to ask your doctor.
Good luck finding out!
Angi
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By debbie— Last Modified: 11/17/10, First Published: 01/08/09
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