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SandyA0902's avatar
SandyA0902
Member
9 years ago

Nervous about starting Tamoxifen

Hi everyone,

This is my first post !

I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer in January 2016. I feel very blessed as my cancer was found early and prognosis is good :-)

In February I had a lumpectomy and central node removal. That went well until I got a wound infection that saw me back in hospital.

In April I started Radiotherapy for 4 weeks.

It is now 2 weeks after I completed radiotherapy and I am due to start Tamoxifen for 5 years.

The problem is that I have started reading about the side effects and I am now feeling very anxious about starting, to the point that I have decided to delay. 

I already suffer from anxiety, the thought that this drug will contribute to this condition is scary. I have also read about other womans experiences with weight gain. This concerns me as I am already struggling to lose weight. Then there is hot flushes, nausea, indigestion.....

I know it will be worth reducing the BC recurrence regardless of the side effects, however, I am not ready to face this next step in my journey. My courage is failing me at the moment.

Did anyone else feel like this before starting Tamoxifen ?

I know that so many of you out there have journeys that are so much more challenging than mine and I want you to know that I think you are all brave, strong and inspirational woman.

 Ta

Sandra

 

lumpectomy
radiotherapy
tamoxifen
  • Ann-Marie's avatar
    Ann-Marie
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Sandra,

    Welcome to the Online Network. My name is Ann-Marie and I am the Online Community Coordinator at BCNA. I just wanted to let you know we have a resource on our website you may be interested in reading called Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer, which can help you understand how hormone therapies such as Tamoxifen work and why it is beneficial to you and what to expect.

    Ask as many questions as you need to, that is what we are here for.

    Ann-Marie x

    You may also be interested in BCNA’s Resource Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer, which can help you understand how hormone therapies such as Tamoxifen and Arimidex work and why they are beneficial to you and what to expect. - See more at: https://www.bcna.org.au/online-network/members/Ady/blog/tamoxifen-3#sthash.l9ywqYFs.dpuf
  • mikayla's avatar
    mikayla
    Member
    9 years ago

    Hi Sandra,

    I was took Tamoxifen for 5 years I did not suffer anxiety or any weight gain. I did however get a bit cranky and have hot flushes but it all eventually settled down. It is perfectly normal to feel a little scared and worried. You are after all human.. It's the thought of the dreaded unknown but once you have started Tamoxifen and seeing how it affects you it won't seem so scary. And if you do start getting some side effects that are worrying you talk to your gp or oncologist everyone is different so what worked for my might not for you. But it will be fine I'm sure. If you don't mind me asking were you estrogen positive was just wondering if you were given the option of 5 or 10 years on Tamoxifen.. 

    Cheers.

    Mikayla.xx