tamoxifen

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My wife is alsmost done with radiation treatments for breast cancer, and is to start tamoxifen for 5 years following this. I have not ever worked oncology so only know what I have read so far in drug books. Have any of you oncology nurses seen any common side effects [ many are listed, have not personally seen any]. Any alternatives you could recommend, any advise would be much appreciated. Also radiation has burned her breast [common I know], Dr. gave her silvadene ointment. Breast is very painful, any other ideas? Thanks.

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We don't usually give out medical advice, but just wanted to send good wishes to you and your wife.

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Specializes in oncology.

My mother took tamoxifen after radiation therapy. The very dangerous complication to this drug which she did experience was thrombolytic event. She experienced a massive stroke and a very large dvt in leg which required a greenfield filter to be put in. She still suffers with multi aphasia's, very difficult to understand what she says, and she cannot write legibly, also complete hemiparesis of the right side, requiring a wheelchair.

I guess the big thing to remember if the patient already has any other predispositions for thrombolytic events, i.e. hyperlipidemia, or any atrial fibrillations re-think tamoxifen.

p.s.mom lets me talk about her case in order to help others.

hope this helps you make an educated decision regarding tamoxifen;)

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

We at allnurses.com cannot give any medical advice. She needs to ask her PCP about the side effects and other alternatives.

We all hope your wife does well. Please know we care and are thinking of you and her.

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