Forum Discussion

Angie1966's avatar
Angie1966
Member
12 years ago

Tamoxifen

Hi girls, I'm at the point of deciding whether to start taking Tamoxifen or not...... its been on my mind for the past few weeks, reading all the pros and cons; I'm really leaning towards not taking it after listening to all the side affects and also the fact that I've had an abnormal pap smear for the past four years and Tamoxifen increases uterine cancer?

What to do, what to to...... I don't want my quality of life to be crap for 5 years but I don't want to die next year either...... but we're all going to die anyway aren't we? 

This is really hard....

tamoxifen

10 Replies

  • Angie1966's avatar
    Angie1966
    Member
    12 years ago

    oh and I must thank a couple of posters here that recommended that I start tamoxifen slowly.  I'm starting on 5mg and will go up to 10, 15 and then 20 gradually and hopefully avoid some harsh side affects.  I would have never have thought of that.  I started at 5mg yesterday and haven't noticed any side affects yet, but know I'm not out of the woods by any stretch of the immagination yet.

  • Angie1966's avatar
    Angie1966
    Member
    12 years ago

    oh and I must thank a couple of posters here that recommended that I start tamoxifen slowly.  I'm starting on 5mg and will go up to 10, 15 and then 20 gradually and hopefully avoid some harsh side affects.  I would have never have thought of that.  I started at 5mg yesterday and haven't noticed any side affects yet, but know I'm not out of the woods by any stretch of the immagination yet.

  • Angie1966's avatar
    Angie1966
    Member
    12 years ago

    I went and saw the oncologist last Friday and listened to his blurb about Zoladex injections, tamoxifen (hysterectomy at Xmas) and then onto Arimidex.  I already knew about all of this after reseaching on Dr Google.  I asked him if I really had to take all this shit (I didn't really say shit to this whizz bang super duper cancer doctor who knows everything about everthing...., but you girls know what I mean).....  He then informed that that if I didn't take all these pills and the cancer returned that they couldn't do anything for me..... wow that was a slap in the face........ now, where are those bloody tamoxifen pills......................

  • Angie1966's avatar
    Angie1966
    Member
    12 years ago

    I went and saw the oncologist last Friday and listened to his blurb about Zoladex injections, tamoxifen (hysterectomy at Xmas) and then onto Arimidex.  I already knew about all of this after reseaching on Dr Google.  I asked him if I really had to take all this shit (I didn't really say shit to this whizz bang super duper cancer doctor who knows everything about everthing...., but you girls know what I mean).....  He then informed that that if I didn't take all these pills and the cancer returned that they couldn't do anything for me..... wow that was a slap in the face........ now, where are those bloody tamoxifen pills......................

  • Angie1966's avatar
    Angie1966
    Member
    12 years ago

    I went and saw the oncologist last Friday and listened to his blurb about Zoladex injections, tamoxifen (hysterectomy at Xmas) and then onto Arimidex.  I already knew about all of this after reseaching on Dr Google.  I asked him if I really had to take all this shit (I didn't really say shit to this whizz bang super duper cancer doctor who knows everything about everthing...., but you girls know what I mean).....  He then informed that that if I didn't take all these pills and the cancer returned that they couldn't do anything for me..... wow that was a slap in the face........ now, where are those bloody tamoxifen pills......................

  • Genetten's avatar
    Genetten
    Member
    12 years ago
    I have been on Tamoxifen for nearly three years now. I started on Arimidex but the joint pain was too much for me so I asked to swap. I certainly have hot flushes and still some joint pain but not as bad as before. I consider that the additional benefit Tamoxifen gives me is worth the discomfort I have and just get on with things . When I am finally off this drug I will look back and think it wasn't too bad. But I agree give it a try and if it is not for you ask to try a different drug.
  • Genetten's avatar
    Genetten
    Member
    12 years ago
    I have been on Tamoxifen for nearly three years now. I started on Arimidex but the joint pain was too much for me so I asked to swap. I certainly have hot flushes and still some joint pain but not as bad as before. I consider that the additional benefit Tamoxifen gives me is worth the discomfort I have and just get on with things . When I am finally off this drug I will look back and think it wasn't too bad. But I agree give it a try and if it is not for you ask to try a different drug.
  • Janet_Plummer's avatar
    Janet_Plummer
    Member
    12 years ago

    Been on it 19 months Angie and I've not had any problems. I get mild hot flushes - very occasional now -  but they started after chemo put me into early menopause so might not even be due to tamoxifen. Like the others here I do make an effort to exercise regularly, eat heathily and only drink alcohol occasionally all of which I think helps.

    I understand your fears. I felt the same way before I started taking it. I seriously considered not taking it for a while. But it is considered very effective in minimising recurrance. It makes me feel safer now.  Why don't you at least give it a try. If you do find you get unpleasant side effects you can always reconsider your options. Good 

  • fionaf's avatar
    fionaf
    Member
    12 years ago
    I have been on tamoxifen since January this year and to date have had no side effects at all, not even a hot flush. I eat well, exercise regularly and do not drink alcohol at all. As my doctors have said everyone's metabolism is different so therefore side effects may be different. Just remember that the list of side effects are there as a guide to what COULD happen and not what WILL happen. Sometimes it is easier for people to write about the 'bad' experiences they have had but I am sure there are many more women out there who like myself have had no issues. Good luck with your decision. Cheers Fiona
  • Merlins_mum's avatar
    Merlins_mum
    Member
    12 years ago
    I have been on Tamoxifen now for three months and apart from changing the time of taking it from evening to morning, I have no issues that are a problem. Like Robyn, I exercise everyday and eat plenty of veg. I do get the odd hot flush but nothing I have googled, and believe me I think I have read the good , the bad and the ugly, frightens me more than not stopping the estrogen effect. At the end of the day we all make a personal choice on this my my experience is positive. Stay well Regards Julie