I was 47 at diagnosis. After active treatment I went onto Tamoxifen and had no significant side effects. I actually became much more active than before bc, lost 9 kg and was feeling great in every way.
At 49 I had my ovaries removed and started Femara to further reduce my chance of recurrence. Many more issues including rapid vaginal atrophy on Femara. Still coped reasonably well until getting many tendon issues starting after 3 years on Femara. So my oncologist switched me back to Tamoxifen almost 12 months ago.
Unfortunately the issues that developed on Femara have not gone away. I do have less joint pain, particularly in hands. But the tendon issues have continued and are greatly effecting my ability to exercise. Consequently I have put on weight and feel less happy with quality of life.
Next week I start seeing an exercise physiologist to hopefully help me get back to the exercise I was loving.
So, for me, Tamoxifen was no problem initially and I still hope that I can improve my quality of life on it once more. Just 4 more years to go till my 10 years of hormone therapy will be achieved. I hope that Tamoxifen will give me the best quality of life for that time.
Like others have said, sometimes one brand can suit you better than another, so that is always worth a try if you have troublesome side effects. Fingers crossed for you. Take care. xxx
