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Hazel_M's avatar
Hazel_M
Member
9 years ago

Started Tamoxifen

Hi everyone, haven't  visited site as much. Last time I had a decision to make and have finally done so. I wasn't coping well on Arimidex and the oncologist gave me the option of Tamoxifen, I had a 2 week break from pills and felt so much better without the joint pain that I decided to try Tamoxifen. So far there has been no drastic side effects, I have noticed that my hot flushes have intensified. I wouldn't say I get more of them just that they seem more intense. I'm moving around a lot better and my depression has lifted. I am due to have my mammogram and ultrasound in July, it will then be 4 years. I found the decision on what hormone drug to take quite difficult to make, I read a lot of information sheets and read through a lot of posts on this network. Everyone is so different it is hard to know what's best. So, I went back to basics, right back to when I had to decide lumpectomy or mastectomy, 12 wks or 16wks of chemo? So many decisions ... I learnt as many facts as I could and decided what I think would be best for me. With all my decisions, I always think, no regrets. If something occurs down the track, I'll know I did my best with the information I had. So far, so good:) Hope everyone is doing as well as possible, all the best, 
Hazel

5 Replies

  • Woo hoo off to a great start - my Onc had said if you don't get side effects in the first flush you should be pretty right!  so here's hoping that is where you are at, pretty right!
    Take care xx
  • Hi Hazel, So good to hear that you are doing well on your tamoxifen. Isn't it incredible that so many of us can be on the same tablet and have such varying side effects. Wishing you all the best. Xx Cath
  • Hi Hazel, I do remember your dilemma very well, Im so happy that you could sift through it and make the best decision for you! I'm currently on a 6 week break from Arimidex for the Oncologist to see if symptoms lessen and at 4 weeks ummm yep no joint pain. I have to see him and he'll talk about a different med uuugh. I was on Tamoxifen 4yrs and had zero side effects but had a recurrence which they were all baffled about but then latest information that came out that it doesnt work in 1/3 of cases, which I asked my Oncologist and he agreed and said most likely happened to me uuugh! So I cant go back on Tamoxifen and so would have to go on something else...which honestly I dont want to, feel Im only swapping one side effect for another uuugh. My Hot Flushes havent changed at all off Arimidex so I know they arent attributed at all to the medication, purely menopause for me. We shall see..the never ending story LOL. Hugs glad youre settled, sounds good! Melinda xo
  • Hi Hazel welcome back, good to hear you are well. I have been on Tamoxifen but suffered terrible anxiety and always flat. My oncologist suggested Arimidex been on for a while having terrible hot flushes and joint pain, but felt bettter in myself. I'm now on a break for 2 weeks and then going to try femera. I have also been referred to the menopause clinic. I can't seem to win a trick if this dosen't work she is suggesting going off all
  • So glad this drug is working out for you and life quality has returned.