I didn't have any swelling from it but I got a blood clot when I had my last mastectomy last April. Most people take tamoxifen or other hormone therapy for at least five years and sometimes up to 10 years. Answer this question. It is used to treat early breast cancer in women who have already been treated with surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. If you or a loved one needs more information about breast health or breast … I had to wait for a month after I got off of it to got on another one called Arimidex. Tamoxifen is used to treat breast cancer that has spread to other parts of the body in men and women. I have been on Tamoxifen for just about the 5 years they told me I would be on it. Soooo in the spirit of doing whatever I can to see my boys graduate high school, I get to take a drug that makes me bat-shit crazy 50% of the time. Do you get headaches, periods, etc. She noted that tamoxifen might be a better option for some women who experience these side effects. You are done being a breast cancer patient! Apr 21, 2006 / by William Rassman, M.D. I would estimate at first 2-3 times the amount, later on 4-5 times the amount. Tamoxifen and raloxifene, a similar drug, are the only medications to be FDA-approved for prevention of breast cancer in women who are at higher risk because of familial risk factors. I want to know about physical changes to the body. How long does Herceptin stay in your body? Are there any books you recommend. Answers (1) MA. Priapism. How effective is Herceptin for Breast & Gastric Cancer? The body uses an enzyme called CYP2D6 to convert tamoxifen into its active form. Tamoxifen has been shown to help prevent the original breast cancer from returning after breast surgery while also hindering the development of new cancers in the opposite breast. Your treatment team will tell you when to stop taking letrozole. ; Tamoxifen is also sometimes used to: Life After Tamoxifen. Fluoxetine stays in the body for 25 days after you stop taking it. After 7 years, the oncologist said to stop because the risk of serious adverse effects goes up. How long chemo stays in the bloodstream The benefits of chemotherapy can be long-lasting. How Long Does Minoxidil Stay In My Body? We know about its benefits and its risks. Within the first two years of treatment, 42 percent of the young women stopped taking tamoxifen. masso 1 May 2020. Dr. Rassman, I have been taking 2% topical minoxidil since late December 2005. It is classified as a selective estrogen receptor modulator or SERM. Tamoxifen works on the whole body (known as systemic treatment) and blocks the effects of oestrogen on these receptors. At my last follow-up visit, the oncologist remarked that I will be at the five-year mark on Letrozole this December, and then will 'have a decision to make' as to whether to continue on Letrozle after the 5-year mark or not. Tests may also be done for progesterone (another hormone) receptors. How long before I see normal body functions return. In fact, most chemotherapy drugs remain in the body for only a few hours or days. Two things can interfere with the body’s ability to make this happen: a flaw in the CYP2D6 enzyme and certain medications that block the effectiveness of this … For premenopausal women, tamoxifen may be combined with ovarian suppression. How long does it take for tamoxifen to clear out of your system? This helps to stop oestrogen from encouraging any breast cancer cells to grow. by lowering the amount of estrogen in the body by blocking the action of estrogen on breast cancer cells ; There are several types of hormonal therapy medicines. Tamoxifen is used for long-term treatment. Do you get lots of facial hair? So tamoxifen can: help stop bone loss after menopause; lower cholesterol levels; Reasons some people may not get the full benefit of tamoxifen. After surgery, the women were randomly assigned to one of four groups: 5 years of letrozole (letrozole monotherapy), 5 years of tamoxifen (tamoxifen monotherapy), or one of the two sequential treatment groups. Tamoxifen has been in use for a long time — over 30 years. A typical schedule in 2 weeks on and 1 week off. Kidney disease can affect the elimination. I am 54 years old and looking for next steps after medication. I’ve been taking this drug for two years and the doctors want me to stay on it for another 3 to 8 years! This is a journey for the brave, as it will be bumpy and long. Treatment length depends on the features of your cancer diagnosis. Tamoxifen as breast cancer treatment. / 7 / Drugs. It’s shown to be most effective if it’s used for 5 years. It's scary because my mom has Alzheimer's . SUSAN G. KOMEN ® SUPPORT RESOURCES . Asked 1 May 2020 by naugelli Updated 1 May 2020 Topics psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, acitretin.