Tamoxifen questions

Hi Angie

I sat on the prescription until I saw my Oncologist and he asked how I was going with the Tamoxifen... I said I was too scared to take it because of the side effects.... He said "My chance of recurrence was more likely than the chance of the worst side effects ever happening".... so I started taking them.  Bottom line... the list are possibilities of what might happen... we won't necessarily get them all.  We do what we have to do  : )  and be grateful that the medication is there for us.

My last appointment with my oncologist marked my five years since the end of chemo and radiation.  I was 45 at the time and pre menopausal.  He has now put me on an additional five years of Tamoxifen.

I already had the aches from chemo (which have now subsided);

The sweats, that we can do nothing about except eat lots of zupa dupers day and night, summer and winter; sleep with the fan on and kick the sheets and blankets on and off all night (like Michelle above); and have the air con in the car at 18 degrees even in winter.  I get around in a singlet top whilst everyone else is rugged up with scarves and jumpers :)

To be honest, I have had lots going on in my life (as we all do) ... but my response has been more anxious, stressed and sad than I would have reacted in the past....  I have now taken up Tai Chi which I highly recommend and would suggest that you get into healthy relaxation habits now if you can that will help you more and more as time goes on.

I had friends that were closer to menopause that had more problems than I did in the beginning and they were switched to arimidex and it seemed to suit them better.  

I have always taken mine at night, however recently I started taking the in the morning and think that I am sleeping better.  ... that is for me anyway... as said above, we all react slightly differently.  I am sure you will find your way  :)

You will be fine  :)  

Sue