Forum Discussion
Anti-werewolf pep talk?
Hello lovely ladies! Calling for a pep talk! I'm about to start taking my tamoxifen for the first time. It feels like a big step - such a long-term change / commitment (10 yrs+). Aside from the 'n...
@Romla Hi there! So - it's 3 weeks today that I've been on Tamoxifen. The advice I got on this forum was really helpful. I got a non-generic brand, and have taken it late night, before bed (also the easiest time to remember). It's been fine.
At first a few cramps as though I was going to have an early period, but then nothing. Period still hasn't shown up - looks like I might skip it. Whoo hoo! Another bonus is I haven't had even a shadow of a migraine (hope I'm not speaking too soon!) - which is quite unusual. Would be crazy if Tamoxifen actually stopped them! Early days - we'll see.
Downsides - but really minor, are drier scalp & hair. But overall my skin is no drier than usual, so that's weird. A few 'warm' flushes at about 4 am, but getting up for a large, cold glass of water does the trick. I expected to need to get up for a pee in like an hour - but no! I seem to sleep well after that. Maybe I need to hydrate more during the day.
My brain is 'all over the place' - but I put that more down to delayed shock than hormones (or maybe it's both?). I have literally let go of the idea of having a reliable memory at the moment. I just use lots of post-it notes (everywhere!) and electronic reminders. I can't blame chemo brain, because didn't have chemo. A counsellor says it's my brain telling me it needs a break from solving problems and just dealing with major shiz.
It sounds like your brain is pretty exhausted too! And quite understandable. I hope you get a chance to have breathing space. I'm reserving blocks of time in my diary for 'mental recovery' time (like bush walks, reading or drawing - or having a facial!). Otherwise it will seem like a good idea - that I never get around to.
At first a few cramps as though I was going to have an early period, but then nothing. Period still hasn't shown up - looks like I might skip it. Whoo hoo! Another bonus is I haven't had even a shadow of a migraine (hope I'm not speaking too soon!) - which is quite unusual. Would be crazy if Tamoxifen actually stopped them! Early days - we'll see.
Downsides - but really minor, are drier scalp & hair. But overall my skin is no drier than usual, so that's weird. A few 'warm' flushes at about 4 am, but getting up for a large, cold glass of water does the trick. I expected to need to get up for a pee in like an hour - but no! I seem to sleep well after that. Maybe I need to hydrate more during the day.
My brain is 'all over the place' - but I put that more down to delayed shock than hormones (or maybe it's both?). I have literally let go of the idea of having a reliable memory at the moment. I just use lots of post-it notes (everywhere!) and electronic reminders. I can't blame chemo brain, because didn't have chemo. A counsellor says it's my brain telling me it needs a break from solving problems and just dealing with major shiz.
It sounds like your brain is pretty exhausted too! And quite understandable. I hope you get a chance to have breathing space. I'm reserving blocks of time in my diary for 'mental recovery' time (like bush walks, reading or drawing - or having a facial!). Otherwise it will seem like a good idea - that I never get around to.