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3_mastectomies's avatar
3_mastectomies
Member
12 years ago

Heather

Hi everyone.

I have had 3 mastectomies in 3 years and they don't seem to know what to do with me just yet.  Next week maybe.  the discussion is radiotherapy - chemo or just tamoxifin.

My first mastectomy was in 2010 and I had a skin preserving reconstruction.  The cancer came back in the reconstructed breast so I opted to have both off this time.

After the first mastectomy I was given Arimidex but after only 6 weeks I has such acute insomnia and chronic fatigue I stopped taking it.  I am worried that Tamoxifin will have the same effect and make it worse as I have suffered from severe insomnia ever since.

Has anyone else had this experience?

mastectomy

3 Replies

  • 3_mastectomies's avatar
    3_mastectomies
    Member
    12 years ago

    Thanks for your reply.  I started the Tamoxofin today so we will see what happens.  My insomnia is so severe that I have nights when I do not sleep at all.  I am under the Sleep Clinic at SCGH amd will be having a comprehensive sleep study on Monday.  In the mean time I have been given some  different medications to just get me out of this severe 'zombie' like faze I am in at the moment.  Thanks for your good wishes.

  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hey HeatherWelcome to BCNA website. I am so glad you have found us.  Sounds like you have had a rough trot you poor luv.  I sometimes wish I had opted for mastectomies cause there is always that fear of recurrence.I was originally put on Arimidex and I couldn't function at all between tiredness and major major hot flushes to the degree of being wringing wet all the time in the middle of winter while I was going through my 7 weeks of radiotherapy.  They eventually took me off of that and I have been on Femara of which I am having a break from and will have to go back on next week.I am not sure about Tamoxifin but I know there is a lot of ladies on this site who are on Tamoxifin who will be able to give you some feedback.  Have your doctors suggested to you why you were so tired on the Arimidex and do they feel you will be the same on Tamoxifin?Wishing you all the best with whatever plan your medical team decides for you and I hope you will be able to cope better on the new drug and that the rest of your treatment is smooth sailing.  Sounds like you need a bit of good luck on your side now so I am sending you good vibes and hoping it comes your way now.Lots of love always, Mich xoxoxoxox
  • Mich_x's avatar
    Mich_x
    Member
    12 years ago
    Hey HeatherWelcome to BCNA website. I am so glad you have found us.  Sounds like you have had a rough trot you poor luv.  I sometimes wish I had opted for mastectomies cause there is always that fear of recurrence.I was originally put on Arimidex and I couldn't function at all between tiredness and major major hot flushes to the degree of being wringing wet all the time in the middle of winter while I was going through my 7 weeks of radiotherapy.  They eventually took me off of that and I have been on Femara of which I am having a break from and will have to go back on next week.I am not sure about Tamoxifin but I know there is a lot of ladies on this site who are on Tamoxifin who will be able to give you some feedback.  Have your doctors suggested to you why you were so tired on the Arimidex and do they feel you will be the same on Tamoxifin?Wishing you all the best with whatever plan your medical team decides for you and I hope you will be able to cope better on the new drug and that the rest of your treatment is smooth sailing.  Sounds like you need a bit of good luck on your side now so I am sending you good vibes and hoping it comes your way now.Lots of love always, Mich xoxoxoxox