Forum Discussion

Kazzi's avatar
Kazzi
Member
10 years ago

Active treatment over and back to work

Hi everyone,

I haven't posted for a while but I've been a regular reader and commentator. I really feel this is such a long treatment phase and trying to find my new normal.  I had my mastectomy back in May, followed by chemo and rads. My skin has healed from the radiotherapy, been exercising daily and started running again, so physically I feel ok. Experiencing horrendous hot flushes and about to start tamoxifen next week.  I'm getting quite nervous about the side effects.  Some nights I don't sleep that well now. I feel like it's just like chemo as that you're warned of all the side effects but don't know how it will effect you until you take it yourself. Daily pill. Do I take it in the morning or evening? What is anyone's experience?

Work is on my radar for finding the new normal. I took leave from my teaching position and feel very fortunate that I have a supportive group of friends and colleagues. I'm due back at work next week (pupil free days to plan next year). Unsure about comments from some, and also unsure about my concentration levels. My hair's growing slowly... Teaching will officially start in the new year with my class.

I think I've just babbled for a bit there. I also want to show my own teenage kids that 'mum is ok now', by going back to work as normal. Don't know why I'm still scared and have quiet teary jtimes.

Due to see my surgeon later this week (last Dr appointment for the year!! Woohoo.)

Wishing you all a fabulous festive season,

Karen xx

family
hot-flushes
side-effects
tamoxifen
work
  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Yes Karen, I feel like my body's been through the wringer. Everything takes time. Karen xx

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Robyn,

    I initially viewed reach hot flush as a good thing to indicate control over the hormones. Glad to hear it's improved for you. Karen xx 

  • Kim_R's avatar
    Kim_R
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Karen,

    i have only been taking tamoxifen for 4 weeks, in the morning, I have not had any side effects as yet. I do take glucosamine and minerals for my bones & joints to be on the safe side.

    all the best with your treatment, it is hard but you have made it this far.

    Kim

  • Cook65's avatar
    Cook65
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Karen,

    Im not on any meds for bc. I finished treatment  in June and still am struggling to find my new normal. I am still suffering side effects from treatment and struggle with fatigue. Our bodies have been to hell and back. It's gonna take time to for them to recover. Try not to be too hard on yourself. I still take one day at a time. All the best. Karen xox

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Karen:):) I feel like I am an expert on Tamoxifen lol!!! I have been on it for 2 years now.In the beginning,it definitely gave me terrible hot flushes.Sleep was terrible,and I had leg cramps.Two years on,everything has settled.If you asked me when did it change,I couldn't tell you,but I can tell you it does get better.My oncologist told me it would,and she is always right!!! I took it at night to start,then in the morning.It makes no difference !! I now take it in the morning,along with 2 Blackmores magmin tablets,which stop my leg cramps.I feel really healthy now,and I feel that taking a tablet is a small thing to do for reassurance about our BC coming back:):) Cheers Robyn xox

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Karen I went back to work at the beginning off the year, I still don't think I have found the new normal. My emotions are everywhere and I still struggle with being tired and no motivation. I was on Tamoxifen for about 12 months and I took in the morning then lunch then at night. I have a lot of trouble with hot flushes at night and this is why I changed the times  but it didn't make a difference to when I took it. I have just had a visit with the oncologist and have changed to Arimidex hoping side effects are better.

    Be kind to yourself and take it 1 day at a timexx

  • iserbrown's avatar
    iserbrown
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Kazzi

    I take Tamoxifen in the evenings; when I had my first script filled the Pharmacist had suggested it may make me feel nauseated so I opted for the evenings to sleep any of that off!  It is about what suits you and your routine.

    Not sure about normal; we all have to find our new normal as this journey has twists and turns.  Ask lots of questions about Tamoxifen and ask if they need to do any markers so they can monitor any changes.  The Oncologists keep telling me the benefits outweigh the negatives, which I am sure is right but knowledge and awareness for us ensures a safer journey.

    Good luck with your journey and your transition back into worklife.

    Seasons greetings

    Take care

    Christine   xx