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kazza4450's avatar
kazza4450
Member
10 years ago

Chemo cancelled - Infection finally settling :)

Hey to all

Well it's been a couple weeks or so since I posted.

I found out 13 days ago, due to ongoing infection, that the window of chemo being beneficial has lessened.

The risks far outweighed the benefit. Was very happy to hear that as I felt after almost 10 weeks of post op infection, daily temps etc, that maybe chemo wasn't or shouldn't go ahead. It was great to see my oncologist on the same page as me. I had prayed about it and the decision was made.

At the time I went to post and was hit with such feelings of guilt and depression and overwhelmed, knowing that I had bypassed chemo and so many on here still had that road ahead of them. So I actually posted nothing. Was a strange time. I should of been celebrating, lol.

I've now been put on Tamoxifen, but haven't started it due to 10 days of migraines plus the infection hasn't quite gone.

I'm also concerned about taking it and not being well enough or having side effects etc, I know I have to, I guess I'm just delaying the inevitable that it needs to start. How did others go on this.

One really BIG concern for me is I get severe PMT, or better named as PMDD, pre menstrual disphoric disorder, where I struggle with severe anger, migraines, bloating, anxiety, erractic thoughts etc. 

I currently take Vitex 1000, which is Angus Chaste Berry Extract. This keeps all the hormonal imbalances under control and I function well and cope good in those 10 days or so before period. Without this I don't feel good at all and struggle each month in a severe way.

Apparently this is a estrogen based supplement and as I am supposed to come off this. I'm waiting to hear from a pharmacist oncologist regarding what to do. Originally my oncologist said that when having chemo, some of the hormonal and regular periods would probably settle down and they would wean my off the Vitex.

Now I'm not having chemo, but regular periods so hence needing to continue with my vitamin supplements so I cope.

Does anyone know or has experience a reduction in periods or the pms sypmtoms once starting Tamoxifen.

I understand it can give you menapause sypmtoms, so does that mean it will stop my period, and would the menopause sypmtoms be easier to manage than the 10 days of crazy me at present without my vitex, lol.

Would appreciate any feedback on this as I'm really concerned about how I will cope coming off Vitex.

Maybe evening primrose oil or some other supplement might help me with my sypmtoms or maybe the Tamoxifin will stop the specific ones I have now, such as anger, anxiety, ocd thoughts etc.

I do understand that there are other symptoms associated with Tamoxifin. I just can't handle the ones I've just mentioned above, lol.

I've uploaded a photo I took tonight, one of my favourite spots to take pics:)

Cheers, Karen :)

 

 

chemotherapy

4 Replies

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kazza, glad to hear that your infection is finally settling down. You've certainly had it tough but hopefully things will improve for you now. 

    It sounds as though you're doing the right thing talking to a pharmacist oncologist (I didn't even know there was such a thing! lol) about your various questions and I hope they give you some answers and peace of mind. 

    I was on Tamoxifen for 2 and a half years before I was switched to Arimidex but am back on Tamoxifen due to some concerns that I may not actually be post-menopausal as it was thought. Anyway, just wanted to say that my first stint on Tamoxifen did give me hot flushes, joint pain and night sweats and although these effects were really extremely annoying, there were ways to manage it such as the magnesium supplements, exercise, keeping hydrated and I also switched from taking the tablet in the morning to just before I went to bed, and this seemed to help for some odd reason. As I said I'm back on Tamoxifen and the effects are now very mild. Just make sure that if you are getting any side effects that you let your oncologist know as there are usually ways to alleviate them.

    Best wishes and here's hoping this next phase will be much less eventful for you. Take care, Jane xx

     

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hello:):) I'm sorry that I can't comment specifically on your problem,but I just wanted to say that you have had a tough time.It is very frustrating not to be able to get an infection under control.I feel that this is not a common problem,but hopefully someone on here will read your post and reply.I do take Tamoxifen,and have been on it for almost 2 years.The side effects have been minimal for me,and the worst one has been hot flushes and aching leg muscles.The hot flushes have almost stopped,and for the aches I take Blackmores Mag Min( 4 capsules a day). This is a magnesium supplement and it stops my muscle spasms COMPLETELY!! All the best,and please stay in touch.Cheers Robyn xox

  • kazza4450's avatar
    kazza4450
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks Mira, I will try them with dinner also. Good to hear your doing well on it xx

  • Mira's avatar
    Mira
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Karen,

    I don't know the answers to all your questions, but I started on Tamoxifen about 2 months ago and my periods have stopped completely.  I'm 49 and was still having them regularly.  I take mine with my dinner and haven't had any of the really bad side effects that others have.  So far its just been very achey muscles and joints, and I've been able to take a Panadol to settle them when it gets too bad.  Touch wood it wont get any worse! :)

    cheers

    Mira