Should I take tamoxifen after DCIS lumpectomy at 64?

I started tamoxifen two weeks ago. The medical oncologist started me on 10mg to see how well I tolerated it. So far it’s been fine, a slight discharge and a few more aches and pains. Too early to really tell.

This is such an important decision point after DCIS treatment, and it's completely understandable to weigh the benefits against potential impacts on your daily life and work. Many people in this community have faced similar choices about hormone therapy after DCIS, and experiences with tamoxifen can vary quite a bit from person to person. Your oncologist can help discuss the specific risk-benefit profile for your situation, and hearing from others here who've navigated this decision may provide valuable perspectives as you consider what feels right for you.

Hello Anne I too have been diagnosed with DCIS in situ non invasive self contained ER+PR+ stage 0-1 and I underwent a lumpectomy followed by 20 rounds of radiation therapy which kicked my butt! I’m premenopausal but as a preventative my oncologist said that he wanted to suppress my ovaries so last Tuesday I had a full hysterectomy I too did a lot of research on tamoxifen and I personally didn’t want to take it due to all its side effects so my oncologist has me taking Anastrozole 1mg daily before my hysterectomy my side effects were mostly aches in my bones but manageable and I could still work on it. I too still have to work I’m 43 years old and after I had researched, prayed, and talked to other women who have had a hysterectomy I decided to go that route I was hopeful that the removal of my ovaries that I would be able to opt out on any medication yet my oncologist informed me that hormones are still throughout my body in my fat cells etc and that I still needed to take the preventative pill.. Although I feel relief that I’ve eliminated any female cancer I am still left with questions if my margins are clear, my scans have been clear (Thank you Jesus 🙌) and my cancer was such a low stage, my overies are now gone then Why do I have to take a medication that has side effects? Is this type of cancer over treated? It’s frustrating I wish I had all the right answers to advocate for myself but I don’t..I do do my research and pray on this journey I’ve read on tamoxifen and some people do great on it, but after all I read it wasn’t for me. This one I’m taking now has its downside but right now it’s manageable but I’m on the lowest dose so again I sit and wait, I see my oncologist in April and I bet he’s going to want to tweak my dosage I guess my advice would be listen to your doctors, have someone with you at your appointments in case you miss something the doctor says, read! Educate yourself on your diagnosis and treatments We must advocate for ourselves because unfortunately we are just a name on someone’s desk and doctors sometimes don’t know what is best, listen to others and think about and pray about what it is you need to overcome this🙏 God Bless

Amber: How did radiation "kick your butt?' I already deal with fatigue throughout the days when I work (partly or mainly because I don't get enough sleep). Can I expect more fatigue, pain...?

Estrogen feeds the cancer. There is cancer in fat cells so that is why you still need to take anestrozole or something in that class of drugs.

Hi I been on tamoxifen 10 mg for 3 weeks now and just the last few days I have been having joint pain. Reached out to the Dr today to see what I can do to help with this side effect. Other wise no other side effects

Hi Anne, Yes radiation will drain you! At least it did for me! I was told it was just like getting a little sunburn so don't fall for that bs!! It made me physically ill!

I also took Tamoxifen briefly...I ended up with hives, insomnia and headaches. They tried lowering the dose but it still didn't work? You won't know until you try which side effects you'll end up with... possibly no side effects but that's pretty rare! All of them have side effects sorry to say!

I’ve been on 10mg of tamoxifen for three and a half weeks. I’ve just started having joint and back pain. Uncomfortable but manageable.

I’m in my 30s and premenopausal, so I’m not sure this will help you, as estrogen levels affect everything! However, I started tamoxifen at 5mg and gradually stepped it up over 5 months to the recommended 20 mg. I’m 7 months in and I barely notice any side effects now. I did at first, but I read a few post with women saying once they got past the 6 month mark, things evened out. So that was my goal, to power through for six months, and now I’m doing fine…. I hope you can find a preventative measure that works for you!