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I have had a unilateral mastectomy so my risk is on the unaffected breast.

May 16, 2024 (edited)
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A MyBCTeam Member

I don't know what my risk is or was but here is my story in case it helps. I was diagnosed early stage Invasive Ductal in 2012. I had a lumpectomy and a short course of radiation. I tried Tamoxifen but I couldn't stand the unusual side effects I got. I stopped it and was not offered a replacement.
I was disease free until 2023 when I had a recurrence. I found a lump but it took me several months to convince my doctors that I needed an ultrasound after several failed mammograms. Once they finally got it all figured out I had two new breast tumors not just the one I could find, and it had already metastasized to my bones. So far I am stable on my first line of treatment but I have been very sick with side effects. I am hoping a couple of new providers and a dose reduction will help. I don't regret any treatment decisions I have made. I did the best I could at the time. Sorry it's so long hope it helps in some small way. 🌹❣️

May 17, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

I had a really bad response to Tamoxifen. Not everyone does. I would encourage you to know the side effects and communicate your concerns to your medical oncologist or nurse navigator.

May 16, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

I had an 11 on the onctype dx and my recurrence is 3%. Not doing chemo. I had a bilateral mastectomy. Just keep up with your mammogram on the other side.

May 21, 2024
A MyBCTeam Member

Talk to your health care team about this. Do get a second opinion too.

May 17, 2024
MyBCTeam

Deciding whether to start a treatment like Tamoxifen can indeed feel daunting, especially when weighing the recurrence risk percentage. In your case, a 4% risk might seem low, but it's important to consider the broader context of your health and the potential benefits of the treatment.

Tamoxifen, even at a lower dose, has Show Full Answer

Deciding whether to start a treatment like Tamoxifen can indeed feel daunting, especially when weighing the recurrence risk percentage. In your case, a 4% risk might seem low, but it's important to consider the broader context of your health and the potential benefits of the treatment.

Tamoxifen, even at a lower dose, has been shown to significantly reduce the risk of recurrent or new breast cancer. Research indicates that taking low-dose Tamoxifen can lower the risk of recurrent or new breast cancer by 52 percent compared to a placebo. This is a substantial reduction and could be a compelling reason to consider the treatment, despite the seemingly low risk percentage.

It's also worth noting that the side effects were similar between the Tamoxifen group and the placebo group in studies, which might alleviate some concerns about adverse effects.

Ultimately, the decision should be made in close consultation with your healthcare provider, considering your specific medical history, risk factors, and personal preferences.

May 16, 2024

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