Tamoxifen side effects?

HI Jules

Thank you for your comments.  It is good to know that what I am going through is not unusual - I had a different picture by the surgeon and radiation oncologist who told me that I should breeze through it with little side effects.   after all, I had it detected early so treatment straightforward....   :)    Thanks for recommendations - the next program of YWCA Encore started the next day so I jumped onto it!   now just have to sort out these Tamoxifen issues....wow - congrats on the new baby!....Helen

Hi Helen, so sorry you have to be here in the first place.  Congratulations on completing treatment. You and your body have been on a major roller coaster and it will take time for you to get back to a new normal. It is quite common for treatment to mess up with your hormones.  It is especially noticeable after radiation, hot sweats and flushes etc. Some women swear by acupuncture/acupressure and others take vitamin E or primrose.  It took me almost 12 months to be able to reach into the top cupboards without it hurting my shoulder blade/scapula area. I did some light weights to begin with and worked my way up.  I found the sentinel node biopsy just as painful (if not more) than the 2xlumpectomies.  Just really take care of yourself - a day at a time with mini goals such as walking or pilates etc, and you will find with each 3 to 6 month - some of the side effects will stabilise.  Keep a note (such as when and how often) and mention it to your oncologist on your next visits.  We are all different, but I have heard it is quite common to have sore shoulders, niggling throat cough, and sore ribs the first year after radiation.  Fyi, Cancer Council run workshops called Living WEll after Cancer and the YWCA Encore have an 8 week swim program for survivors.  I haven't yet done the Encore as I couldn't get to the class due to work and now a new baby.   Hugs jules 

Hi

This is my first time to post.  I had a very early diagnosis last June, so lumpectomy plus sentinel lymph node removal last July, and on Tamoxifen since Nov.  Surgery went well and great prognosis.  However my side effects from the Tamoxifen is like an all over "buzzing" (not sure how else to describe it) - plus the tingling in hands, night sweats, hot flushes.  I cant see anyone else commenting on this, so interested to hear.  Almost like my nervous system is revving up - it is not getting any better and keeps me awake at night.   Poss i will try some meditation?

Also I had ongoing swelling in the breast after surgery and during radiation.  While the swelling has disappeared, it is still very painful (and numb) and I  cant even imagine playing volleyball or running now (almost 10 months post surgery) :)   Again - interested to hear if anyone else has gone through.  My physio tells me that I just need to wait and it will settle down, but the whole recovery period seems to be taking so long to get any sense of normality!   unfortunately that thensometimes impacts on me on thinking positively.....

I havent really known anyone else who has gone through it, so havent spoken with others yet...

Thank you - all you wonderful women!

Hi Debbiana,

I've now been on Tamoxifen for just over 3 yrs.  The only side effects that I get are wicked hot flushes.  Most people seem to tolerate taking Tamoxifen very well so I wouldn't be overly concerned until your body has had time to work out how it is going to deal with it!  I've never had anxiety so can't help you there.

Good luck!

Louise :)

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.

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