Tamoxifen side effects?

Hi Ladies, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in august 2012, and have just started taking tamoxifen,I have only been taking tamoxifen for six days and I have already had enough, how am I going to cope for the next five years.. Hot flushes all the time especially at night time so not getting much sleep. stomach aches, really saw legs, but worst of all my moods, Iam so depressed I dont want to talk to anybody and I actually really hate my Husband !!  ( mm poor thing ) My poor kids think mum is loosing it, everything makes me angry even the smallest things, how long does this last or is it just me?

Irene, definitely get the lumps and spotting checked out also. You have every right to be concerned. You can contact the oncology nurse. Hugs and stay strong

Hi Jules jp

Thank you for your message.  Sorry to hear someone  so young has had breast cancer,  I will look into the side effects of Arimidex and Femara. Did you feel  o.k. on nolvadex and tamosin ?  I went through menopause a long time a go and didn't think I had many hormones left,  but I was wrong as I was told you can make them in your fat cell. 

Hi Irene,

So sorry you have to be here in the first place. I took tamoxifen for 2 years as my BC was very high in the hormone receptors estrogen & progesterone and was diagnosed under age of 35 years. Originally I was on tamosin (a form of tamoxifen) and was okay except for bloating. A year later, I moved and went to a different pharmacy who gave me Genox. I had issues with Genox - especially leg cramps. Some friends informed me that some brands use different fillers. So I switched back to nolvadex and tamosin. I came off earlier than 5 years to try for a baby as I am under 40. For you, I would think about the protective effect that you are gaining from tamoxfen especially if your pathology was high in the hormones. It is my understanding that women who are post menopause are usually given Arimidex or Femara. 

Hi Ladies,  I am a 64 year old women had breast cancer in the right breast removed April 2012 it was small. I had 16 treatments of radiation.  Started Genox a brand of tamoxifin  in September I am having side effects, legs and  ankles swell.  Cramps in the legs and feet when in bed, Light headed when I bend down or sit up in the morning for sleeping. I also have large lumps in my breast with pain.   I have just starting spotting felt  frightened as was  I was told if you start bleeding it could be the start of cancer of the uterus.

So I am thinking of stopping the meds.  I feel unsure what to do it is a catch 22,  I would love to know if anyone stopped tamoxifin.  I don't want to take any meds. I haven't  taken any for three days and feel great but, am I doing the right thing.  I spoke to the oncologest on the phone he said it is up to me !HELP!.

I visited the web site that you gave and it was very interesting.  Thanks for this information.  I have read similar to this information in the past when I was diagnosed with the breast cancer over a year ago.  I have doubts about these drugs.  By the way I am a registered nurse, and a graduate vet .  I have a cousin, who is now around 80 she had her mastectomy about 40 yrs ago.  She had radiation but no chemo or medications.  I also have a work mate who had mastectomy and lymph nodes removed, who did not have chemo, radiation or medications over 10 yrs ago.  She is now over 60.  I wish we don't have to put up with all these horrible side effects.  The problem is we are not sure even if we put up with these side effects we are doing the right thing for ourselves.  

Hi ladies, it was really reassuring reading everyone's comments!

I had a partial hysterectomy 12 years ago and 6 months ago was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I opted for a double mastectomy and reconstruction using 'expanders' performed at the same time.  I have completed 4 courses of chemotherapy and have just embarked on my 5 years of Tamoxifen.

I have been taking it now for just over 2 weeks and so far it's really the hot flushes that are the main side effect.  I went to the health shop and they recommended taking White and Green Tea Complex - which is meant to help detox the liver, provide the body with more energy and help metabolism! 

Today I started an Optislim Diet for 7 days, as right now I am like a bald blimp!  I didn't ask the oncologist too many questions, as she was forthcoming with information and printed stuff out for me to read.  I have decided to do as they say.  I lost my beautiful 17 year old daughter to a brain tumour 5 years ago, so have walked this cancer path before.  Just want to fast forward these next 5 years and hope not too many side effects for me!

When I have finished the White and Green Tea complex I will try the Evening Primrose and see if that helps with the sweats.  I'm 46 years old and will do anything to get through this as symptom free as possible.  On Monday I went sky diving - it was totally awesome!!!!!!!  Life is for living :-)

Hi ladies, it was really reassuring reading everyone's comments!

I had a partial hysterectomy 12 years ago and 6 months ago was diagnosed with breast cancer.  I opted for a double mastectomy and reconstruction using 'expanders' performed at the same time.  I have completed 4 courses of chemotherapy and have just embarked on my 5 years of Tamoxifen.

I have been taking it now for just over 2 weeks and so far it's really the hot flushes that are the main side effect.  I went to the health shop and they recommended taking White and Green Tea Complex - which is meant to help detox the liver, provide the body with more energy and help metabolism! 

Today I started an Optislim Diet for 7 days, as right now I am like a bald blimp!  I didn't ask the oncologist too many questions, as she was forthcoming with information and printed stuff out for me to read.  I have decided to do as they say.  I lost my beautiful 17 year old daughter to a brain tumour 5 years ago, so have walked this cancer path before.  Just want to fast forward these next 5 years and hope not too many side effects for me!

When I have finished the White and Green Tea complex I will try the Evening Primrose and see if that helps with the sweats.  I'm 46 years old and will do anything to get through this as symptom free as possible.  On Monday I went sky diving - it was totally awesome!!!!!!!  Life is for living :-)

Hello ladies,

Thank you for your posts and sharing information as I have not read about indole 3 carbinole before. I am amazed at how much I continue to learn about BC side effects and treatments. 

A couple of years ago (forgive me if I have posted and shared this experience with you already) but it is quite important. When I moved house, I ended up going to a new pharmacy and received a different generic brand of tamoxifen. I didn't think anything of it until I woke up during the night with leg cramps. It was then that I realised sometimes different fillers are used. I knew it was this type of brand because I had not tried it before and the cramps kept happening randomly until I switched back to the original. Each woman will have her own sensitivities and differences. Other ladies then shared a similar experience but did not say anything until I did because they didn't want to seem to be whinging.....!!!

I have been taking indol 3 carbinole since March.Like you I was frustrated with the side effects and when I heard about I3C I really felt that I did have a choice. I first heard of it in France from a lady who has been taking it for ten years. I see a naturopath who monitors my oestrogen levels through a saliva test. I think you need a practitioner to order I3C. i get mine from metagenics. I have found this Uk website helpful on I3C

http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=1417

If you put I3C in the search function there are more articles on research. I also met an American nurse who had attended a conference on I3C and told me that I had made the best choice. I have also eliminated red meat and chicken, occasionally I eat duck. 

I feel very comfortable with my choice as I know that if I don't feel well it is not caused by Tamoxifen, however who knows what chemo does to our bodies!

Another interesting article on Xenoestrogens - chemical hormones in your daily lives

http://www.canceractive.com/cancer-active-page-link.aspx?n=3148

I think we just need to be comfortable with our decisions - do what feels right for us, there is no right or wrong and ultimately we can't control what our bodies do, only help them to stay healthy as much as we can.