Nervous to start tamoxifen

Hi Kerr Kerr,

i was terrified about taking Tamoxifen but I have been taking it for 3 weeks now and have not noticed any side effects. My joint aches seem to be lessening as I am recovering from chemo. I have started taking glucosamine for my joints but that is for the long term. My mother swears by a tablespoon of honey at night for sore restless legs so I do that too, there is wisdom in old wives remedies. I am on my second week of radiation, after chemo it is a walk in the park, the silicon bandages are great at preventing skin damage. So all in all the treatments that I were afraid of are not too bad and do not effect my functioning. I am just tired in the afternoons. A lot of normally menopausal women have terrible symptoms too. We just have to work out what is best for ourselves be excepting and not put too much pressure on ourselves. I am finding mindfulness meditation beneficial in calming me down and excepting my treatment. I also organize little treats for myself.

i hope you find your way though this treatment and remain strong and well.

all the best

Kim

Hi Kerr Kerr

I must say that I was feeling really scared at the thought of taking Tamoxifen in the beginning as everything I read made me worry.

I was already suffering from severe pain in my joints from the Taxol so I put it off for a little longer than I should have. I then spoke with my Breast Care Nurse and then vented all my concerns and she listended and I felt so much better.

I have no been taking my Tamoxifen and have had no problems. My preference though is to take it in the morning but that's what works for me.

Try it see how you go and don't be afraid to speak up and see your oncologist as there are other alternatives out there.

Good Luck with it all.

Kimee

Hi Kerr Kerr, I've just started.  I did some googling and found that most ladies say to take it in the evening.  I am peri menopausal and on day 3 of the tablet I got my period and its really heavy.  As with everything with BC everyone is different.  Perhaps we won't get any side effects!  Good luck with the rads.

KATIEB that's dreadful.  Can you ask for another appointment?  At least we have this forum as a place to get direction and sometimes answers.  Good luck. 

Thanks for all your replies. 

Kerr kerr

Hi Kerr Kerr, 

I started Tamoxifen at the end of July I had nightmares to begin with and hot flushes but within about 4 weeks it all settled down. I take it of a night and still get some hot flushes but they have settled down a lot. Best of luck on your journey ??

Hi - I am currently taking Tamoxifen and the only obvious side effect for me personally is extremely dry skin.  The pharmacist had suggested that I could feel nauseated when I take it so I opted for taking it in the evening as I figured I can sleep off any effects. Please don't be nervous about it, think about the reasons behind taking it and keep yourself calm.  I have just come home from breast reconstruction surgery and Prof and I very pleased with results.

Take care

Hi Kerr Kerr,

I'm in the same situation as you I'm currently having radiation til end of Oct, then It'll be tamoxifen. I'm having terrible hot flushes at night from the chemo, I can't imagine them getting much worse!!  I have heard that different brands have different effects on people, but you won't know until you try. I guess the positives are that it prevents recurrences by shutting down your ovaries for hormone positive tumours.  Personally I'm finding the whole thing quite depressing.  I appreciate the earlier comments about supplements and scans.

Take care, you're not alone.

Karen xx

Hi there, I have had a completely insane day   AGAIN at the Austin in Melbourne. That place is a total shitfight! Was given prescription for tamoxifen by breast surgeon (haven't even seen an oncologist yet) and a fact sheet and sent on my merry way. I haven't even started rads yet! When I asked if there was anything I needed to know he waved me away saying, oh maybe hot flushes you know....! I wish you all the best, and I hope you are getting good care. 

Hi:) I have been taking it for almost 2 years.The hot flushes were relentless in the beginning,but my oncologist said they would settle,and in the last 6 months they have really lessened.My skin is definitely drier,and I have what I call 'Tamoxifen fuzz' on the sides of my face.Another couple of ladies on here have also noticed this.Idid get leg cramps at night,but I take 2 Blackmores magmin each day,and I don't get them any more.So all in all,it's not bad at all for me.I would say you have to give your body time to adjust to it.All the best.Cheers Robyn.xox