Tamoxifen and Letrozole side affects

Thanks Brenda

I have been to my Dr and she prescribed Caneston, am now feeling a slight relief after 3 days of use.

I am wondering if the stress from having my house on the market and looking to downsize has contributed to the infection?

I also walk 5 days a week for 1 hour and 1 day at Gentle Gym and 1 day  Aqua Aerobics, the exercise definitely helps with the pain and swelling as I also suffer from Osteo Artheritis have had 2 hip replacements  and have been taking Osteo Panadol, Krill Oil and Glusomine for many years. 

Have my 6 month checkup with my oncologist next month, so will be asking a few more questions thanks to all advise given by you all.

There are other alternatives to the medication you are on and I would suggest you talk to your doctor and see what he says.

For the vaginal itch, try Caneston cream which is for thrush buts its also a great moisturiser for down there too. It may feel a little warm if you are very sensitive but it won't burn like other creams can. If it drives you crazy try an antihistamine but ask your doctor first and make sure you drink lots of water while taking it.

You will need to try your best in walking exercise. As you walk the muscles pump your circulation up through your legs. It is very important.

Hi Carole

We all react differently to treatment, you've certainly got some side effects that are less than pleasant.

I am on Tamoxifen; it has been joint pain, aching bones and recently (it took 10 months) nausea, go figure!

I am also under a Gynecology Oncologist as I've had bleeding and markers set for monitoring.  Bleed again recently but my GP assures me that is Tamoxifen.  It tests your patience but as I say if I am aware then I will cope.  The benefits of Tamoxifen outweigh the alternative BC growing again.

I do take Panadol Osteo to help with the aches.

My recent blood test shows all my levels are normal with everything else so I figure my diet is good.

Deanne suggested exercise is a good medicine.

Wishing you well with treatment and hopefully you can find a happier medium. 

Take care

Christine xx

Good morning I was on Tamoxifen for about 18 months, I thought I was doing ok very emotional, teary and flat. I put this down to work and of course medication and trying to recover from all my treatment. I went to see my oncologist and we had a chat about how I was feeling she suggested changing to Arimidex. I had a blood test to make sure I was menopausal came back I was so stared Arimidex. I feel better emotionally but suffer terrible joint pain. I have started to take panodol osteo and glucosamine this helps and as Deaanne said I think my body is getting used to it. 

Our bodies are all different and side effects differ only you know what you can cope with. Never be afraid to ask questions it is one way to keep some control of your trip

I just remembered that when I was on Tamoxifen I had a different brand once as the chemist did not have my normal one. I had much worse side effects (body aches and very emotional) within days of taking it. These went away instantly when I managed to get hold of the one I was used to. Other women on here have also had trouble with certain brands not suiting them as much as another. Unfortunately it can be very individual (no one brand is good for everyone) but it might be worth trying a different brand if your side effects are not improving. Hope it gets easier soon. Deanne xxx

Thankyou Ann-Marie for your kind thoughts and concern. xxxxCarole

Thanks Deanne. 

It looks as though I need a little bit more patience and perseverence. 

xxx

Hi Carol,

Firstly Welcome! Thank you for sharing your journey with the Online Network. As Deanne has mentioned you are definitely not complaining unnecessarily. As you would have seen the members are just wonderful and they will share with you their experiences. Good to read that your daughter is doing well x

~ Ann-Marie

Hi Carole,

You are definitely not complaining unnecessarily. This is a great place to seek understanding and maybe minimize some of those awful side effects that many of us experience.

I was placed on Tamoxifen after my treatment back in November 2013 and stayed on it until I had my ovaries removed last year. I then changed to Letrozole (Femara) last October. So kind of the reverse of your situation, I guess.

I was fortunate to not experience many side effects on Tamoxifen except for some mild nausea to begin with and then some fairly unpleasant mood swings. I don't know if it helped but I did exercise regularly (just a daily 30 minute walk) and also really watched what I ate. I avoided alcohol and caffeine to help with some mild hot flushes. Nothing helped the mood swings though!

On Femara I felt instantly calmer but very tired and about a month into it, incredible muscle and joint aches. My brain fog was pretty bad too. I was to the point of thinking about asking to change back to Tamoxifen as I was concerned about how the pain was affecting my ability to function. However, I persisted a little and tried increasing my magnesium, fish oil and glucosamine supplements. 

Somewhere about the 3 to 4 month point it all started to settle and the joint pain is only mild now. I am just a bit stiff until I get going and then I can do pretty much everything I want to. I did also start doing some extra weight bearing exercise and think this has really helped my joints. I have heard lots of ladies recommend yoga too.

My oncologist and a few ladies on here told me that it can take about 6 months for the side effects to settle. My osteopath also said in her experience with breast cancer patients, any change in medication can cause an inflammatory response. Maybe this is what is happening with your change to Tamoxifen? All my doctors recommended I give my body time to adjust and for me that has ended up working. It was not pleasant to go through though! Hope you get some helpful advice from everyone on here who has some experience with this situation too. Take care. Deanne xxx