HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - Is estrogen the only thing that warrants Tamoxifen ? ?

TSund · 06-12-2008, 12:53 PM

Hi Maria,

Afraid I'm not much help, however I'm wondering what the side effects you experienced with tamoxifen.

I thought that the AI's contributed a lot more to the issues that you mentioned then tamoxifen; the vaginal atrophy, dryness, etc.

However, if you are taking the effexor I am guessing it is either depression or hot flashes? Ruth is experiencing some bad "needling" flashes the onc brought up neurontin (sp?) for this. She hasn't gotten the drug yet but may have to go that way.

My general dr with holistic leaning believes ER can be handled with progesterone, but I don't know the onc's stance on that. Might be worth a try, esp as you are PR-, there is debate on whether the effect of natural progesterone on PR+.

Anyhow, was wondering which side effects you were getting with the tamoxifen.

06-12-2008, 12:53 PM	#3
TSund Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: DFW area (TX) Posts: 431	Hi Maria, Afraid I'm not much help, however I'm wondering what the side effects you experienced with tamoxifen. I thought that the AI's contributed a lot more to the issues that you mentioned then tamoxifen; the vaginal atrophy, dryness, etc. However, if you are taking the effexor I am guessing it is either depression or hot flashes? Ruth is experiencing some bad "needling" flashes the onc brought up neurontin (sp?) for this. She hasn't gotten the drug yet but may have to go that way. My general dr with holistic leaning believes ER can be handled with progesterone, but I don't know the onc's stance on that. Might be worth a try, esp as you are PR-, there is debate on whether the effect of natural progesterone on PR+. Anyhow, was wondering which side effects you were getting with the tamoxifen. __________________ Terri, spouse of Ruth, Dallas/Ft. Worth area Ruth dx 05/01/07 (age 50) Filipino multifocal, several tumors .5 -2.5 cm, large area Breast MRI showed 2 enlarged nodes, not palpable 100%ER+, 95%PR+, HER2+++ 6x pre-surgery TCH chemo finished 9/15/7 Dramatic tumor shrinkage 1 year Herceptin till 6/08 MRM 10/11/07, SNB: 0/4 nodes + Path: tumors reduced to only a few "scattered cells" now 50% ER+, PR- ??? Rads finished 1/16/08 Added Tamoxifen, Finished Herceptin 05/08 NOW is the time to appreciate life to the fullest.