Forum Discussion
Tamoxifen. So Worried
Hi everyone.
Had a checkup today with my onc and now have Tamoxifen in my hot little hands.
Im trying to find the courage to start it but im so scared. Im scared of the side effects and how it will effect my life from here on in.
Im scared of how to cope with the side effects especially with intimacy with my husband :(
How have you all faired?
Jodie xxx
25 Replies
- I forgot to add that for me there has been no issue with weight gain, either. I eat carefully and exercise daily and have actually lost weight. So keep an open mind and you will be fine! :) Deanne xxx
- You were probably overdue for a meltdown! Honestly, after chemo,Tamoxifen is quite tolerable.I've been on this drug for 3.5 yrs.I've found Genox brand suits me and I eased onto it by taking a quarter for a few days,then a half for a week and then the full tablet- my oncologist said it was ok for me to do this.I've had NO issues with sex/dryness- but libido abit lower.Hot flushes and waking at night was an issue so I was put on Endep 10mg which helped.I've stop/started Tamoxifen a few times and this has caused pv spotting (quite common)which then means I have to have a pelvic ultrasound.I don't like taking it but I know it gives me the best protection against another recurrence of bc.Jodie,you can only try it and see how you go.You might be fine on it. Tonya xx
- Aw Jodie,I feel for you.I was very stressed just prior to starting Tamoxifen.I remember the first night that I took it,and after swallowing it,waiting for something to happen!! Almost like waiting for chemo side effects to start! The sooner you take it,the sooner you will see that it is nothing to worry about.In the beginning I took mine before my evening meal,but then when my hot flushes increased,I started taking it in the morning.Even though my hot flushes are a lot better now,I don't think it's because of the change in taking it.Just take it when it suits you.xxxRobyn
Hi Jodie,
I have been on Tamoxifen for 8 weeks and I have had no major side affects. Yes, I have had some hot flushes but really nothing out of the ordinary. I take it at night, and sleep very well most nights. I haven't had any bloating or any dryness either. I was initially nervous as I am generally not good at remembering to take pills, but since going through my various treatments for BC I understand that hormone therapy is something we have todo as part of our medical treatment. You will be fine jodie, and know that I understand your fears but that it will be okay. This is a wonderful site and we are here for you for support and encouragement.
Take Care
Ronnie xx
- Thanks mona. As you can probably tell I've been reading stupid dr google. I've read about a lady where her lady parts got so dry her skin ripped down there when she wore jeans. Other stories I've read where down there shrunk so much it was so painful. The hot flushes shouldn't be a problem as I've had the since chemo started, it's all the horrid stories I've read that have me in knots xxx
- Thanks girls. I've just had a huge meltdown in the shower. I'm more afraid of this little white pill than I was starting chemo. I just feel robbed of everything feminine at the moment :-( I haven't had a meltdown for months.
- Thanks girls. I've just had a huge meltdown in the shower. I'm more afraid of this little white pill than I was starting chemo. I just feel robbed of everything feminine at the moment :-( I haven't had a meltdown for months.
careful that your thinking doesnt turn up the symptoms--and if you get some than it may not be permanant; im hardly bothered by hot flushes anymore and just go along the ride when they come; im not giving up coffee or spicy foods either...but really for the last month they have been hardly an issue after a few weeks of 'hot humidity with change'. as far as intimacy--jump in --and i wondered if intimacy makes the symptoms lessen as i think i noticed less after being ..more active...
Hi Jodie. I've had no problems with tamoxifen either. My hot flushes started after chemo and before I started tamoxifen so I don't know if even they are attributable to it. So really no side effects at all. It probably wont be as bad as you think. Good luck.
Hi Jodie. I've had no problems with tamoxifen either. My hot flushes started after chemo and before I started tamoxifen so I don't know if even they are attributable to it. So really no side effects at all. It probably wont be as bad as you think. Good luck.
