AIBU to stop taking Tamoxifen?

[peaceanddove]

I'm 49. Diagnosed with very early, very tiny ER+ breast cancer six months ago. Had a therapeutic breast reduction surgery, with clear margins and zero lymph node involvement. Had five sessions of radiotherapy, then started on Tamoxifen four months ago. As far as my oncologist and surgeon are concerned I am 'cured' as my risk of a reoccurance is so low. So all good news.

Except I really want to stop the Tamoxifen. It's causing unpleasant side effects and I am concerned about the increase in heart disease, strokes and uterine cancers that are associated with taking Tamoxifen.

My oncologist has admitted that in real, absolute terms the benefits of Tamoxifen for me are less than 1% as compared to not taking it. Yes, it's less than 1%. So there's actually no, statistically significant difference in whether I take it, or not?

But DH is absolutely against me stopping, and is really upset that I would even consider it. He's been my absolute rock through all of this and I hate to upset him, but I just do not see the point in taking a powerful drug for, literally, nearly zero benefit, that will impair my health in years to come. My oncologist isn't perturbed at me stopping it, by the way, and admitted 'it is of very small benefit to me'.

Whilst I can empathise with your dh’s fears and I’m sure his concerns come from a place of the fear of losing you.

It is your body and your decision, you have wisely taken medical advice and so now the decision is yours to make.
Your dh’s support when you were sick does not promote him to a new role of sole decision maker in your life an where your body is concerned and I hope his support wouldn’t be dependent on whether or not you took this medication.
Hope you continue to be well.

My Mum took tamoxifen for 4 years and suffered horrendously with the side effects. She was crippled with joint and bone pain and horrendous hot flushes that caused her to collapse. She also had terrible mood swings and ended up severely depressed.

After 4 years of hell, her Oncologist swapped her onto Anastrozole. She's like a different woman! No more joint pain or depression and whilst she still gets hot flushes, they're manageable. Would this be an option for you? She also found that some brands of Tamoxifen caused worse side effects than others. It might be worth experimenting and looking at other options rather than just stopping entirely...

I think the % is really notable for you. The side effects are so rough, if they outweigh the benefit I would totally understand wanting to stop