Tamoxifin-just beginning 4th year?

queenqueen
queenqueen Member Posts: 2
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
OK Old timers- not age but cancer free, I am into my 4th year of Tamoxifen as of June 2006 and I am still finding I am tired so often even though I go to the YMCA 2-3 times a week. I cannot ever seem to catch up after a hectic day. The next day I am soooo tired. Is this the med, the just dealing with a post chemo/cancer body or what? Yes, I am so glad to be alive and still no more cancer after 3 years but I just need a bit of guidance that I am . . .haha, I laugh just getting ready to type this, "normal." If you have been down my path please, a little help here! For all of you just beginning- I am hope for you. I laugh, eat, wear my hair down and enjoy life. You will again, too! Keep the faith.

Comments

  • Future
    Future Member Posts: 133 Member
    #2
    I just recently talked to my medical oncologist about fatigue. I started on tamoxifen in Jan 04 and switched to exemestane in June 05. She ran lab tests and can't find a cause for the fatigue. She said she's seen similiar with tamoxifen and the only solution she knew was to stop the med but obviously wouldn't recommend that. She did tell me that those who had similar complaints noticed it goes away after they stopped the med. A couple of my friend have completed tamoxifen in the last year and one told me she didn't realized how tired she had felt while she was on the med but saw her energy level spike up after stopping the med. Understand it's hard but you're so close, just try to hang in there a few more months.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #3
    Hello,
    I haven't started that part of the ride, just finished rads on Tuesday....thanks for the heads up!
    Hugs, Kathi
  • LesleyH
    LesleyH Member Posts: 370
    #4
    KathiM said:

    Hello,
    I haven't started that part of the ride, just finished rads on Tuesday....thanks for the heads up!
    Hugs, Kathi

    I started Tamoxifen the day after I finished Rads. What is the delay???? :-)

    Honestly, I haven't noticed any extra fatigue, but I have only be taking tamoxifen for 5 months. I take about 20 supplements a day (no kidding), do half an hour of yoga daily, and walk 5 - 7 miles a day. I eat like a horse. I do sleep a bit more than I used to, but I was always sleep deprived before. Now I make sure I get my 8 hours a night.

    I do find that I feel tired when I get depressed. But I have a fairly high set level of happiness and can usually snap out of it before too long.

    Hope you find a solution.

    Hugs.

    Lesley
  • tlmac
    tlmac Member Posts: 272 Member
    #5
    Hi queenqueen,
    I've never taken tamoxifen but read where femara can bring on fatigue in some women. I take arimidex and don't notice any reduced energy levels but I did read where there is another factor that might explain your extended fatigue. The article is entitled:
    Immune systems in breast cancer survivors who suffer from fatigue fail to shut off after therapy. You can find it here:
    http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-05/uoc--isi042706.php
    It's something you should definitely discuss with your doctor. We're all thankful to be survuvors but quality of life is also important, especially if there's something we can do to improve it.
    I remember that fatigue was the one side effect of chemotherapy that I found most difficult to handle. I can't imagine dealing with for 4 years. Good luck.
    terri
  • LesleyH
    LesleyH Member Posts: 370
    #6
    Interesting idea - researchers are testing whether coenzyme Q10 helps for fatigue. I take 100mg a day.

    http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00096356

    Hugs.

    Lesley
  • queenqueen
    queenqueen Member Posts: 2
    #7
    Future said:

    I just recently talked to my medical oncologist about fatigue. I started on tamoxifen in Jan 04 and switched to exemestane in June 05. She ran lab tests and can't find a cause for the fatigue. She said she's seen similiar with tamoxifen and the only solution she knew was to stop the med but obviously wouldn't recommend that. She did tell me that those who had similar complaints noticed it goes away after they stopped the med. A couple of my friend have completed tamoxifen in the last year and one told me she didn't realized how tired she had felt while she was on the med but saw her energy level spike up after stopping the med. Understand it's hard but you're so close, just try to hang in there a few more months.

    Thank you for the info and yes, I can hang in there a bit longer. It's just nice to come back to this site and be reminded by my fellow survivors that "I am sane!" Thanks and God's Blessings on your recovery- Candy

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