Worried about not being given Tamoxifen

[Shobha]

Hi,

I am getting concerned that I was never given tamoxifen. Granted I am only weakly ER+ (~10%) but since I am premenopausal, it makes me nervous. I am taking Evista for osteopenia, which is supposed have similar benefits as Tamoxifen.

Can you please give me your opinions? Or, if this has been already discussed before, point me to the thread?

hugs,
shobha

[Becky]

Dear Shobha

The trial below only compared Evista to Tamoxifen as a bc preventative in high risk women but it prevented cancer head to head against Tamoxifen with far less side effects.

A nine year bc survivor at my local support group took Evista instead of Tamoxifen because she had a blood clotting problem (another condition) and couldn't take Tamoxifen so the onc tried this.

I think the 2 drugs will give similar results in preventing mets or recurrences its just the studies aren't out there yet. But results in preventation are and the 2 drugs act the same.

Secondly, you would never be permitted to take both drugs at the same time.

I hope this helps and eases your mind as you ARE doing something about that estrogen receptor after all.



http://www.cancer.gov/STAR

[Shobha]

Becky, thanks so much! This does put my mind to rest. It is so much easier and faster to get answers to my worries here than any of my doctor's offices!

So grateful,
shobha