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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Taking Tamoxifen Recommended After Undergoing Radiation For Lumpectomy?

I have been diagnosed with DCIS stage 0. I had a lumpectomy and will start radiation soon. There were no lymph-nodes involved and the margins were clean. After the radiation, it has been recommended that I begin taking tamoxifen! Why would this be prescribed when I am 67 years old and have gone through menopause many years ago. The side effects are so severe. I know that there is another drug called arimidex. this has less side effects. Is it because I was weakly er+ and pr-? or maybe because the grade level is intermediate?
Sat, 1 Oct 2022
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

You have undergone a breast conservative surgery. Post radiotherapy, Tamoxifen is advised as your tumor might be ER positive. Tamoxifen is Indicated in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) following breast surgery and radiation to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer 20 mg PO once daily for 5 years.

There are variety of side effects with tamoxifen, I do agree to that. But if we weigh the benefits against risks, benefits of administration of Tamoxifen are more compared to adverse effects. Coming to Arimidex, bits an aromatase inhibitor that is also prescribed after radiation therapy along with tamoxifen for 5 years in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Thus, please use tamoxifen 20 mg without fail.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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Is Taking Tamoxifen Recommended After Undergoing Radiation For Lumpectomy?

Hello, You have undergone a breast conservative surgery. Post radiotherapy, Tamoxifen is advised as your tumor might be ER positive. Tamoxifen is Indicated in women with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) following breast surgery and radiation to reduce the risk of invasive breast cancer 20 mg PO once daily for 5 years. There are variety of side effects with tamoxifen, I do agree to that. But if we weigh the benefits against risks, benefits of administration of Tamoxifen are more compared to adverse effects. Coming to Arimidex, bits an aromatase inhibitor that is also prescribed after radiation therapy along with tamoxifen for 5 years in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor positive breast cancer. Thus, please use tamoxifen 20 mg without fail. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist