Tamoxifen

Hi Vicky Lee,  I hate taking medication however if it is a choice of not being here against the side effects well then it is the medication first and foremost.  I took Tamoxifen for 4.5 years and when I had a metastic eposide I was put on Arimidex.  I didn't have too much of an issue with Tamoxifen except for the break through bleeding which instigated numerous D&C's.  Arimidex gives me quite a lot of issues with joint pain and stiffness.  My results today from my PET scan show just how good this drug is working for me.  It is definately blocking the cancer cells from attaching on to the oestrogen - stopping any more metastatic activity.  I am blessed to be able to live due to this drug.  I will tolerate the pain and manage it so that I can be around to enjoy my family.  This is my choice and whatever you decide will be yours.   At the last BCNA conference there were expert Specialists there who spoke on how important it is to take the Aromotose Inhibitors for Oestrogen positve BC.  I thought "Yeh it is okay for you to prescribe it but I have to live with the side effects and pain" .   I have changed my mind.  I now push through the pain knowing that it is only a side effect.  On that note though, I am always mindful to be aware of any changes.  Good luck with your decision. XLeonie

Hi Vicky Lee,  I hate taking medication however if it is a choice of not being here against the side effects well then it is the medication first and foremost.  I took Tamoxifen for 4.5 years and when I had a metastic eposide I was put on Arimidex.  I didn't have too much of an issue with Tamoxifen except for the break through bleeding which instigated numerous D&C's.  Arimidex gives me quite a lot of issues with joint pain and stiffness.  My results today from my PET scan show just how good this drug is working for me.  It is definately blocking the cancer cells from attaching on to the oestrogen - stopping any more metastatic activity.  I am blessed to be able to live due to this drug.  I will tolerate the pain and manage it so that I can be around to enjoy my family.  This is my choice and whatever you decide will be yours.   At the last BCNA conference there were expert Specialists there who spoke on how important it is to take the Aromotose Inhibitors for Oestrogen positve BC.  I thought "Yeh it is okay for you to prescribe it but I have to live with the side effects and pain" .   I have changed my mind.  I now push through the pain knowing that it is only a side effect.  On that note though, I am always mindful to be aware of any changes.  Good luck with your decision. XLeonie

Welcome to this network.It's a great place to come for info and support. I'm not quite clear if you have already started Tamoxifen and are sick of it's side effects.Or are you sick of the chemo side effects?You will have to ask your oncologist about ovary removal and whether it helps you.They might do a blood test to determine your eostrogen level as you may be post menopause. After menopause,your adrenal glands(on top of your kidneys)begin to produce some eostrogen for your body cos your ovaries stop producing it.Tamoxifen basically blocks any eostrogen from getting into +ve eostrogen receptive cancer cells- therefore they don't grow.It's a very effective drug and it's been around for a long time but yes,it's got side effects.I've been on it for 3 years now and to counteract the hot flushes, sleepless nights and irritability I take a very low dose antidepressant called Endep(10mg).It helps and doesn't appear to give me any side effects. There are other meds you can take as well but you'd need to talk to your doctor.  I don't know if this helps you but blog back here anytime with questions or just to vent your feelings.. We all support each other here.

                                        Tonya xx