Should I take Tamoxifen after mastectomy due to D CIS?

Hello Anonymous,

Welcome to EmpowHER and thank you for reaching out to us.

Has your oncologist recommended treating you with Tamoxifen? Has a sample of the tumor been tested with Oncotype DX® Breast Cancer Assay? Was your type of cancer determined to be hormone-receptor positive?

Tamoxifen has been used for over 40 years. It attaches to the hormone receptor in the cancer cell, blocking estrogen from attaching to the receptor. This slows or stops the growth of the tumor by preventing the cancer cells from getting the hormones they need to grow. Adding this treatment offers you the chance to be cured.

Unlike aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen can be used to treat breast cancer in both premenopausal and postmenopausal women.

Two years ago, I was diagnosed with DICS/hormone-receptor positve in the right breast. Had a mastectomy, a course of chemotherapy using Taxol and Cytoxin, reconstructive surgery and a five year course of Anastrosol, which is an aromatase inhibitor probably because I am postmenopausal.

I have been on it for one year and am very glad that I chose this treatment option. My tumor ranked moderate on the Oncotype DX and with the estrogen inhibitor, my oncologist said I will be cured.

Two years later and normal mammograms, ultrasounds and MRI.

Best regards,
Maryann