Expert: Claes-Gustaf Nordquist, M.D. - 11/18/2006

Question
Thank you for your quick reply.  My tumor was NOT hormone receptive.  My doctors said in clinical trials of this drug there was a small benefit for women with my type of cancer.  My worry is that the risk of ovarian cancer (one of the side effects of Tomoxifin) is greater than the risk of the cancer returning.  FYI - my father died of breast cancer, his uncle, his sister and one of my first cousins (all on my fathers side of the family). Thank you so much!
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I've been on this drug for 3+ years for continued treatement of non hormone receptive stage 1.5 invasive cancer of the right breast.  Can I safely stop taking it?  I'm worried about ovarian cancer.
-----Answer-----
Please clarify! Did not your tumour have any hormone receptors? If not, why were you given this drug?

Answer
Well, that may be the reason why you were put on it - this strong family history. Anyway I do not think that more than maximum 5 years of treatment was intended, but ask your dr. about that! You are right about the side effect, though of course that effect can be removed by removing the ovaries prophylactically.  Anyway, talk to your dr. and ask him what his intentions were and when you can stop your treatment! Good luck!