Forum Discussion
Tamoxifen side effects?
Hi Everyone
I have read in a few people' s posts that they suffer from some side effects from taking Tamoxifen. I am 42 years old and after I have my chemo I will be put onto Tamoxifen for 5 years. What sort of problems do you have and what have you done to ease these problems?
I don't know much about cancer treatment so I am unsure whether there are alternatives or what sort of questions I should be asking my oncologist....I see her again on 27th October when I start Chemo.
Any info would be appreciated!
Thanks,
Louise
ps I have read the info in the My Journey Kit but it is very general and if possible I would love to hear some personal experiences if you are willing to share :)
109 Replies
- Hi This is my first time writing - just signed up this morning. I was diagnosed with early stage breast cancer in December 2013. I've just completed 7 weeks of radiation and have started taking Tamoxifen. I've had a Mirena IUD for the last 8 years to help with terrible pain caused by endometriosis which has been great. Sadly, that has to come out this Friday on recommendation from my Oncologist. I'm 53 years old and not really sure where I would be at naturally with menopause given the IUD has masked symptoms. I'm wondering how soon after starting Tamoxifen I might experience any side effects? I'm hoping I am one of the lucky ones!! I've only been taking it for four days and already I feel anxious - the kind of anxiety that sits in your chest and makes you feel sick. Wondering if this is just general anxiety from the whole ordeal or if it could be related to the drug??? Not due to see my Oncologist for another six weeks.
Hi Annie, firstly congratulations on completing treatment. So sorry to hear about your recent stint in hospital. You are right chemo and radiation do take a toll on your body and it doesn't help to have other additional health issues at the same time. These things do take time and you will notice as time goes by, your energy returning. It also helps to eat right, moderate exercise and rest. Go easy on yourself (you have been through so much) and I recommend the Cancer Council Living Well After Cancer workshops for yourself and your carer. Take care
Hi, Well I was to start on Tamoxifen in Jan this year after finishing Chemo and Radiation Treatment. But you would not believe it after only 2 days on Tamoxifen I was rushed to hospital with Pancreatitis.1 week in hosp. I had this pain for like 4 weeks and thought I had pulled a stomach muscle. Oncologist and Specialist agreed that only short time on Tamoxifen is not related but had to go off it until further notice. They don't know cause (and think maybe Chemo might have done something but who knows). Decided not to take Gall Bladder at this stage etiher and No Gall Stones. So now 5 weeks on and going ok, but energy was taken completely. Exercising (swimming, yoga and walks) now which keeps me sain. So not seeing Oncologist till May to see what they will do next re: Hormone treatment. Sweats - yes getting worse and advised to try Acupuncture. What a journey and have a long way to go but that is life. Planning to do 15k swim for BC in June to fundraise for well deserved cause.
For privacy reasons, this post has been deleted.
Just a quick update everyone. I have now been on Tamoxifen for 3 years (wow, that's gone fast!!) and I am still going well. I am playing beach volleyball each week and try to go for 3 runs each week too. As I previously mentioned, the only side affect that I get from the Tamoxifen is night sweats and hot flushes (although these could be due to the chemo and I may have had them regardless of the Tamoxifen from what i have read).
Stay healthy and think positive...it makes such a difference to your quality of life :)
- Hi Annie, congrats on completing treatment. all the best with talking to your oncologist. Remember to write down a list of any queries you have. I know of women who had the cough which they believed was caused by radiation as it can penetrate near the lungs and throat area depending on your local spots. Main things is to do what's best for you.
Hello, I too have just recently finshed all my Chemo and Radiation treatment and ready to start a New Year fresh and with new outlook on life. I was diagnosed July 2013 (age 49) and what a journey (both mentally and physically). Now I have the next stage, seeing my Oncologist (tomorrow) to start on Tamoxifen. (well that is what he is recommending). I too am slightly hesitant about starting this drug and the know and unknown side-effects as we are all different. I have a decision to make in the next 24 hours and lots of questions to ask. Yes I have the night sweats and do not sleep, and have had a cough for like 5 months that they cannot fix. (blaming Chemo effects). Reading all the above has helped me understand the drug from people that had used it and also what you are all going through (and been through). Thank you - nice to have other poeple out there similar.
Thanks PA! I've now been on Tamoxifen for 2 yrs and still feel great. Good to hear that I'm not the only one :)
Hi Louise,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing your positive outlook and experience of tamoxifen. When I first found out I was to take the drug I searched online and the restults terrified me. The only positive post that I found was yours. Now, almost 2 months into taking tamoxifen, I'm feeling great and so glad to have had your positive outlook to give me hope.
Thank you , and keep up the jogging!
PA
- Hi Elisa, can I please ask why if you've had a hysterectomy are you still having to take Tamoxifen, I was under the assumption that if you have a hysterectomy ie no ovaries then your no longer producing hormones, so why the tamoxifen? . Sorry I'm a little confused, I'm having a hell of a time on Tamoxifen and have decided that a hysterectomy is the best way to go, I no longer need my bits !! So why keep them, the risks of me getting another form of cancer from tamoxifen are so high, so why risk it, I've survived breast cancer and now I have a cloud hanging over my head that not only are these tablets making me sick,but they are increasing my chances of getting some kind of stomach cancer
