Tamoxifen

Dear Kim,
Have you thought about that the combo of gaining weight and not having abdominal muscles to support your back can be responsible for your back pain? It seems to me that's it. As far as the weight gain, what I have done to calm my cravings with Tamoxifen, I eat very small amounts of food every two hours. Nothing with too much fat or sugar, this boosts your metabolism and if you excersice 20 a day, 3 days a week it will do the trick. Also, try having a lot of water to make you feel full and prevent you from eating a lot. Meal replacement shakes are also an option as a morning meal or afternoon snack. Hope it helps.
Love,
Jenn

I am there with you too! I have gained 40 lbs on tamoxifen since Feb-02. I am in chronic pain in my back, my feet, my hands and hips. I am 32 - was diagnosed last year andt had a mas w. immediate reconstruction & tram flap. I had a full hysterectomy this summer. I have been on tamoxifen since my chemo has been over. This is the first time I have logged on - and I was searching to see if anyone else was expereincing the same acute pain. I wanted to share with you that I asked my oncologist for a script for Physcial Therapy. I started just yesterday - but am on a schedule 3xs a week for 8 weeks in hot water aquatic therapy, after I regain my strength we will move to "land" and the PT will work with me on a training program to get back into shape. I am so excited because yesterday after my frist heat therapy treatment I actually was pain free for about an hour!!! I hope this helps you. God bless

stefaniek said:

I am there with you too! I have gained 40 lbs on tamoxifen since Feb-02. I am in chronic pain in my back, my feet, my hands and hips. I am 32 - was diagnosed last year andt had a mas w. immediate reconstruction & tram flap. I had a full hysterectomy this summer. I have been on tamoxifen since my chemo has been over. This is the first time I have logged on - and I was searching to see if anyone else was expereincing the same acute pain. I wanted to share with you that I asked my oncologist for a script for Physcial Therapy. I started just yesterday - but am on a schedule 3xs a week for 8 weeks in hot water aquatic therapy, after I regain my strength we will move to "land" and the PT will work with me on a training program to get back into shape. I am so excited because yesterday after my frist heat therapy treatment I actually was pain free for about an hour!!! I hope this helps you. God bless

Hi,
I too gained a lot of weight between surgeries and chemo and tamoxifen. The lifestyle plan that has worked for me is Atkins. I read the book cover to cover and really learned how to do the 4 level program and have lost 32 lbs and am looking to do another 30. You must choose to do it fully or it won't work. I've also known the omega 3 oils, ie. Evening Primrose, Borage Oil, Carlsons Lemon Cod Fish oil all are naturally anti-inflammatory and the recommended oil for the body. The vitamin E natural one again helps even with the hot flashed. I take Bellaspar for the extreme hot flashes and night sweats. Back to the diet -The induction is strict, but again I learned how and make very attractive looking meals easily. The breakfasts could be western omlets with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole, cucumber slices, celery sticks, an olive or two. Lunch could be chicken salad or salmon, egg salad, stringbeans, or asparagus, and 2 pkts of knox unflavored jello made with 1/2 cup splenda and the unsweetened cool aid packets for flavor or the juice 2-3 tbl of lemon juice. Use one cup of room temp water and sprinkle jello to dissolve, then other ingredients, then add the 1 cup hot water, stir till all dissolved, refrigerate. Slice into cubes to have a pick upable treat any time. Here's the website: www.atkinscenter.com. All the recipes and journaling are available. Good luck.
Hugs, Iris

You all are depressing me - LOL! I'm a plus size to start with, and I've only been on Tamoxifen since September, but I'm already
gaining. I was really beating myself up about how much junk I'm eating. Are you all saying that you actually crave more food, vs. just gaining weight without eating more?
Also, I've noticed a lot more joint aches, not necessarily back pain, but knees, shoulder, neck, and wondered if the tamoxifen was making things worse. I'm interested in what Jenn does - can you explain more about eating every 2 hours - what you eat, etc. - maybe that would help me. I have started riding my exercise bike again, but it will be awhile until I can do the 20-30 minutes a day. I so appreciate the help and support I get on this board. Diane

tamoxifen
OMG I just started tamoxifen and you all scare me with the weight gain of 30+ pounds. I noticed I'm always eating but I've always been a fan of South Beach so I naturally eat often but I make healthy choices. But I have noticed a craving for boxed mac and cheese mmmm. I haven't ate that since high school. The hot flashes were really drive me crazy but not as much since I incorporated flax seed in my diet. I put it in yogurt, oatmeal, on salads, or just a spoon full every once in awhile. I just love the stuff but not the oil that's nasty. Love the nutritional tips, thanks for the posting.

Mesa2009 said:

I just started 2
I read the entries also and WOW - 30+lbs. I have trying to exercise and eat right since my dx and I have been doing good. I have not had major side effects other than some leg pain. I started five days ago and kind'a waiting for that side effect whatever it may be! What about you when did you start? Are you experiencing pain?

I pray every time I take this pill that this pill do what it is intented to do and kick some **** and that my body takes it.

Well good luck!

wow
Had excisional biopsy of 2 areas on Friday. waiting for results. but already know I will start tamoxifen soon...before my surgery I went on sounth beach for 2.5 weeks and lost 10 lbs. We have numberous people bring high calorie meals to us in the last few days including desserts. I've let my self indulge over the weekend but this thread is motivating me to get back to it. I have not had a life where i ever felt in control of my weight or what goes in my mouth. but now I'm getting that this is the one area of my health that i really can contribute in a positive way. I'm just talking to myself now...Thank you so much. I'm not anxious to take tamoxifen..but I want to do all I can to live and hold grandbabies...for a LONG time!!!
The common thread of back pain and other random pain is disconcerting..I'm really sorry that the pain is a part of it for you guys..that just makes everything so much harder.
keep us posted