Forum Discussion

rowdy's avatar
rowdy
Member
10 years ago

Sunday

Sunday already, how quickly the weekend goes. I just start to relax and wind down from a busy week at work and it is time to go back. Before bc I loved my job, now I struggle every day I go to work. I work in the health industry and my job is going through big changes and I don't cope as well with change now.

The  tamofian and the side effects from this drug are grinding me down. We are heading into the hot weather and my hot flushes are not getting any better. I can cope during the day with them, but oh how I would love a full nights sleep. At least 3 to 4 times a night I'm waking and  kicking the covers off, I'm always tired.

On a positive today I went to a pink affair with some friends. Lovely lunch and catch up with friends. So life isn't all bad there are still good things happening. Life is just very different and some days more of a struggle.

Hope everyone is well and coping with your own struggles and changes, take care

6 Replies

  • GayPrice's avatar
    GayPrice
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi, Kym

    Are you taking Tamoxifen? I was diagnosed with DCIS and had a mastectomy on 16 October. My Oncologist has not suggested I take Tamoxifen but has advised me of the pros and cons. I have a 5% chance of the cancer returning if I do nothing. If I take Tamoxifen that risk reduces by 2%. I am post menopause and dread the thought of those hot flushes, night sweats and other symptoms returning, together with the other side effects that can occur. Like you, I took HRT during my 50s (I am 62 now) first for five years and then when I stopped taking it and the symptoms returned, I took it for another two years. The Oncologist said that could have been a contributing factor as well as my age and my regular drinking over the years - I'm not an alcoholic (I haven't had a drink for over three months now) but loved a glass or two of red. Another reason why I am worried about taking Tamoxifen is that its not compatible with Zoloft which I take for anxiety. I'd have to try another medication that may not be as effective for me.

    Very undecided at the moment.

    Gay

  • Aizenev55's avatar
    Aizenev55
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hot flushes are the pits. I experienced early menopause  when my eldest child was just 2 and baby was 6 weeks. I took HRT for 20 years which is probably responsible for my cancer diagnosis in July.  Even with a PB of 43 hot flushes in one night I would probably do it the same again.  When I mentioned this to my breast nurse she mentioned a Menopause Clinic to which I could be referred so this may be worth exploring further as hot flushes and no sleep is quite debilitating.

    Keep positive and stay well.

    Best wishes, Kym

  • maryroset1's avatar
    maryroset1
    Member
    10 years ago

    The flushes are a bummer arent they.  I have been on tamoxifen since last December and the flushes are still strong day and night.

    Most mornings i wake exhausted from interrupted sleep before i have even gotten out of bed. But you just soldier on i guess once i get going i am usually ok.

    Take care of yourself and listen to your body and rest when you need to. 

    Maryrose 

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks ladies I went to work today and it was messy. I can do the work it is just the powers at be think I can be in 2 places at once. I'm tired and didn't go to gym again, no motivation. I'm hoping that after my holiday in November that things might get better, if they don't I think I need to apply for more leave. Hope your day was good trying to smile and trying to move forward.xx

  • Kazzi's avatar
    Kazzi
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Rowdy,

    I can relate to the hot flushes especially at night being unable to get back to sleep in the heat.  My nights seem like a nightmare of 2 hourly flushes I could set my clock to. I can't imagine what it would be like just yet having to work as well.  I'm still currently having radiotherapy and due to start tamoxifen in Nov. I've taken leave from my work (teacher), and feel anxious already about having to cope with all my body changes  plus no sleep (I'm not expecting to face a class of students til next year!)

    A woman from my yoga group suggested having a cold pack beside the bed for night time. I haven't tried it yet as the nights haven't been that hot lately, Sydney, (but was horrendous a week ago).  Another friend of mine who's facing early menopause naturally swears by a small fan focused on her (and away from her husband!)

    Hope things settle at work.  Change is happening everywhere, wish it wasn't so quick.

    Take care,

    Karen xx

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Hi Rowdy, I'm feeling for you with those hot flushes, they are distressing, and once you're awake it's difficult to get back to sleep. My job was also in the health industry, and due to funding changes, the company was changing the profile of everyone's jobs. As I had so much treatment to have, I resigned to give myself a chance to recover, and thought that I'd pick up the pieces at the other end. Now my active treatment is over, I've got some things starting to happen, but am challenged with motivation in the mornings. Once I get started, I'm fine, it's just the getting started that is the challenge. I hope that things settle for you at work, and that your flushes settle. Are you on an oestrogen inhibitor ? That makes it hard as you have to just live with it. Sending you a big cuddle, you're remarkable for keeping at work. Trace ??????