Tamoxifen and fatigue

scaraher

Hi Everyone
I haven't been on in awhile but I finished chemo at the end of August and started Tamoxifen. I have been on Tamoxifen for 1 week and started to feel extreme tiredness since. I am not sure if it is the Tamoxifen or not but to make it through the day I have to take a nap. Which is fine and dandy for now because my 3 yr old is still taking naps most of the time but when he wont take a nap I find myself dragging by dinner time. Is this a side effect that is normal? Have others experienced it? If so any advice short of not taking the Tamoxifen.
Steph

zahalene

common issue
Fatigue is a common, I might say even universal issue for most of us here whether on tamoxifen or not. I am surprised you did not begin to notice fatigue while on chemo.
I took tamoxifen for 7 years. I was always tired beyond what was reasonable and had a 1 year old as well so I can relate to those blessed 'nap times'.
If you can simplify your life in any way and just be more kind than usual to yourself it will help. Ask for help more often and let go of the standards for housekeeping, etc you usually uphold. Dust bunnies are definitely off our priority list during and after treatment.
Talk to your doctor about vitamins and energy drinks too. He will have suggestions that fit your specific health situation.

kbc4869

Yep
Hi Steph,

Fatigue? Do I ever! I've been on Tamoxifin for a while now, but since my baby didn't sleep through the night until she was 2 years old, I just attributed the fatigue to lack of sleep. About 8 months ago, when she started sleeping (and I did as well), I noticed that I was still bone tired. Not normal tired, but almost dibilitatingly tired. I work full time, so naps aren't an option. I've been to a slew of doctors and after several months have come to the conclusion that it must be the Tamox because my blood work is normal. I was DXed 5 years ago this month, so the treatments are certainly out of my system.

I'm not sure if I have any advice for you since I'm struggling through it myself. If you can take those naps, that's wonderful! Maybe your body will grow more accustomed to it. Apparently, not all Tamox users are this tired. Despite the fatigue, I have forced myself back into an exercise routine and it has helped a bit. Boy, was it hard getting started though! I'm supposed to jog around the block when I can barely get out of bed? Are you INSANE? LOL.

Oh, and my endocrinologist told me the fatigue was all in my head and offered antidepressants. During my follow up with him, he said (very smugly, I might add), "Well? Do you feel better?" I said, "Well, I'm still exhausted, but I have a much better attitude about it." Like most of my drs, he has no sense of humor. He recommended a psychiatrist. Now I'm not claiming that I'm the perfect picture of mental health, but I thought that was a bit harsh. I've been depressed before. I know what it feels like. And I know that this kind of fatigue is not normal for me. I've been an insomniac most of my life, as are most women in my family, and this just isn't me.

Hang in there! You got through one of the hardest parts. I wish you a lot of luck in your journey. Whoo-hoo on finishing Chemo!

Hugs,
Kim

p.s. Zahlene, I'd be really interested in those energy drinks. Have you tried them? Do they work?

zahalene

kbc4869 said:

Yep
Hi Steph,

Fatigue? Do I ever! I've been on Tamoxifin for a while now, but since my baby didn't sleep through the night until she was 2 years old, I just attributed the fatigue to lack of sleep. About 8 months ago, when she started sleeping (and I did as well), I noticed that I was still bone tired. Not normal tired, but almost dibilitatingly tired. I work full time, so naps aren't an option. I've been to a slew of doctors and after several months have come to the conclusion that it must be the Tamox because my blood work is normal. I was DXed 5 years ago this month, so the treatments are certainly out of my system.

I'm not sure if I have any advice for you since I'm struggling through it myself. If you can take those naps, that's wonderful! Maybe your body will grow more accustomed to it. Apparently, not all Tamox users are this tired. Despite the fatigue, I have forced myself back into an exercise routine and it has helped a bit. Boy, was it hard getting started though! I'm supposed to jog around the block when I can barely get out of bed? Are you INSANE? LOL.

Oh, and my endocrinologist told me the fatigue was all in my head and offered antidepressants. During my follow up with him, he said (very smugly, I might add), "Well? Do you feel better?" I said, "Well, I'm still exhausted, but I have a much better attitude about it." Like most of my drs, he has no sense of humor. He recommended a psychiatrist. Now I'm not claiming that I'm the perfect picture of mental health, but I thought that was a bit harsh. I've been depressed before. I know what it feels like. And I know that this kind of fatigue is not normal for me. I've been an insomniac most of my life, as are most women in my family, and this just isn't me.

Hang in there! You got through one of the hardest parts. I wish you a lot of luck in your journey. Whoo-hoo on finishing Chemo!

Hugs,
Kim

p.s. Zahlene, I'd be really interested in those energy drinks. Have you tried them? Do they work?

Blushing
NO, kbc, I spoke of which I know nothing (something I am good at):).
I have never tried them but have seen others here talking about various protein 'potions' which helped them.
But do nothing without checking with your medical professionals first.

tan39

zahalene said:

Blushing
NO, kbc, I spoke of which I know nothing (something I am good at):).
I have never tried them but have seen others here talking about various protein 'potions' which helped them.
But do nothing without checking with your medical professionals first.

all normal
Ive been told its all normal to experience the fatigue , especially so soon after your chemo. Most people do suggest light excercise , especially walking or Yoga. Ive taken up both and it does help. But just be easy on yourself, if you need to rest then rest. Ive been taking Tamoxifen for afew weeks now, not really added to my fatigue just get lots of hot flushes.
take care and take it easy . tan x