Tamoxifen is a drug that interferes with estrogen. It is a SERM (Selective Estrogen-Receptor Modulator) and it binds to the estrogen receptors in the breast cancer cells so that the cancer cells can't use estrogen to grow.
Tamoxifen has been used for over 30 years to treat breast cancer and for over 10 years to reduce the risk of breast cancer. It is usually taken for 5 years. I will switch to an aromatase inhibitor drug once my ovaries have been removed.
Side effects of Tamoxifen haven't been too bad so far. I have noticed an increase in hot flashes and occasional leg cramps but that's about it...so far.
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Friday, June 7, 2013
Oh, by the way...
Apparently there are more side effects from radiation than were explained to me at the time.
In addition to the cough I've had since my last treatment (apparently a portion of the lung is in the
field that's radiated) I now have rib pain on the left side of my chest. I was told that is also from the radiation. Lovely. I wonder what else will show up...
In addition to the cough I've had since my last treatment (apparently a portion of the lung is in the
field that's radiated) I now have rib pain on the left side of my chest. I was told that is also from the radiation. Lovely. I wonder what else will show up...
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