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bartalo@webtv.net - 08 Jan 2004 00:06 GMT

Today I saw my oncologist and 3 weeks ago he said I would have to start
on Arimidex after I finish my radiation treatments in a couple of weeks.
I asked him if he had read the typed info I gave him on my medical
conditions and problems with osteoarthritis. Well....today he said he
changed his mind and the Tamoxifen would be the best one for me due to
my osteo problems.

I remember Tim bringing up something about one of the drugs only being
for Post Menopausal women. I am post menopausal so is Tamoxifen ok?
Of course, I asked my onc but I like to get second opinions and you guys
are great for even first opinions so being Her2+ and ER+ and post
menopausal does mean I have all my ducks in a row for taking Tamoxifen
doesn't it?

Oh and did someone once post that there is a best time to take it? If
you are reading this would you let me know how to take it to make it
easier on the stomach since I have a lot of stomach problems and an
ulcer. My onc said his patients don't have stomach problems with it or
really any side effects they tell him about.

I have read scary things about both drugs but I have also heard from
people who are taking Tamoxifen and seem to have no serious problems
with it so I have to give it a try. It's also been around the longest
and is in generic which should be helpful financially since I will be
married to it for 5 years if it is suitable to me.

Thanks for any help and advice.

Bea

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Tim Jackson - 08 Jan 2004 09:29 GMT

> Today I saw my oncologist and 3 weeks ago he said I would have to start
> on Arimidex after I finish my radiation treatments in a couple of weeks.
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> menopausal does mean I have all my ducks in a row for taking Tamoxifen
> doesn't it?

No problem. As long as you take some hormone therapy, it really doesn't
matter very much which one. It really isn't that important a choice. This
is a detail matter of which would give the -best- protection against cancer
and/or the -least- risk of exacerbating your existing conditions. Any of
the drugs will give you a good reduction in cancer risk, about halving it.

> Oh and did someone once post that there is a best time to take it? If
> you are reading this would you let me know how to take it to make it
> easier on the stomach since I have a lot of stomach problems and an
> ulcer. My onc said his patients don't have stomach problems with it or
> really any side effects they tell him about.

I think they were talking about hot flushes, if you get them. Taking the
dose in the evening means they will be at their worst during the night, when
you may not notice at all if they are not too severe. Taking it in the
morning means they won't interfere with your sleep, if they are bad.

> I have read scary things about both drugs but I have also heard from
> people who are taking Tamoxifen and seem to have no serious problems
> with it so I have to give it a try. It's also been around the longest
> and is in generic which should be helpful financially since I will be
> married to it for 5 years if it is suitable to me.

Like crime and violence, the scary stories make news and the majority
no-news stories don't. My mum is taking Tamoxifen and she never once
mentioned any sort of problem or discomfort. Most people don't have a
problem with it, some initially get hot flushes, which tend to reduce over
time, some gain weight (my late wife did), a very few get more serious side
effects, but remember these risks are instead of a much greater risk of
cancer recurrence, and even the serious side effects are generally
reversible..

Tim

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