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Poek78's avatar
Poek78
Member
2 years ago

Tamoxifen - feeling down

I have been on Tamoxifen for a little over a month. Initially experienced period like cramps (I am 60 so forgot this feeling),  tiredness & discharge which have subsided.  For the last week my mood has been from being agitated to feeling low & sad then completely well balanced.   Is this normal?  How long will this last.  Also should I just stop taking it? My cancer ended up being a grade 1 contained and all removed. I know I need to see my oncologist but wanted to know what others have done in a similar situation. 
  • My Onc told me that all the AI tablets can make you feel more emotional - and has suggested I go off mine for 2 months every now & then .....  Definitely, you'll need to discuss reducing or stopping the dosage with them .... or maybe even changing to a different one that may suit you more?  Tamoxifen is the only one I HAVEN'T tried ..... My surgeon initially told me that I would be on Tamoxifen, but I actually started on Letrozole, then Exemestane & currently on Anastrozole for 4.5 years & it has been much better for me!

    Also, you could consider ringing our helpline here (Mon-Fri)  1800 500 258 ...

    How is your sleep?  Is it OK or is it broken?  That may be contributing to your tiredness/agitation/feeling low ... 

    Try & Keep as active as you can ... and keep doing the things you love doing, to 'keep your mind off it' .... 

    There are some 'tick sheets' down the bottom of this page, that you can 'fill in' re mental and physical health here ..... keep a paper copy handy & fill it in, so you can take it along with you to your next Onc appt ....
    https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-our-new-members#latest

    take care & all the best xx