new to tomoxifen

LindaR48
LindaR48 Member Posts: 26
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have been taking tomoxifen for two weeks. I have experienced minor side effects(more intense hot flashes and occasionally slight nausea). My question is about how long does it take for side affects to appear? Do they last the whole five years? Also how bad does it effect you hair? I know everybody is different but I would like to know what might happen down the road.

Comments

  • cruf
    cruf Member Posts: 908
    #2
    Hi! I found the Tamoxifen to be totally tolerable. The hot flashes were progressive and for me, never went away! I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years and I can say, the major side effect was hot flashes. I did have some vaginal discharge but not bad. I also had some minor joint pain but I never associated it with Tamoxifen. Then, I went on to Femara for 8 mos then Aromasin for 1 1/2 years and thats when the side effects hit! I won't go into them at this point but all in all, the Tamoxifen wasn't bad. As far as hair loss, I didn't notice any on Tamoxifen but I did notice it with Aromasin. I have been off the aromasin for 2 mos now and the hair loss seems worse and the joint pain is still there. I sure hope with time , this lessens. Please don't sit around and worry about what might happen with Tamoxifen. Be diligent with getting GYN checkups to monitor for uterine cancer but other than that, just relax and enjoy life. If you have any further questions, please feel free to e-mail me here. HUGS!! Cathy
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #3
    Hi Linda.
    I took tamoxifen for 7 years. The only side effect I experienced while on it was the hot flashes (I was at 'that age' in any case). I developed osteoperosis and arthritis, both of which I might have had anyway but the drug is notorious for producing these conditions long term.
    But here I am 21 years after diagnosis (age 59 now) and who can say if I would still be here without it? So if this is the best chance for you to continue with your life I would say go for it and try not to borrow trouble. God bless.
  • KathiM
    KathiM Member Posts: 8,028 Member
    #4
    Tamoxifen. Just over a year. Short term MILD hot flashes (I had a total hyster for colon cancer 1 year earlier, so I was menopausal). Tamoxifen, unlike it's aromatase cousins, actually guard against bone loss. As a result of the chemo, I was found to be osteoporotic...-2.7T...bones of an 80-year-old who didn't take care of herself...lol....The aromatase inhibitors are NOTORIOUS for bone loss....so I am on Tamoxifen and Actonel(bone density builder) for at least 2 years. Then another scan. I don't think, tho that I will switch...I have had no long lasting sides....

    Hugs, Kathi
  • phoenixrising
    phoenixrising Member Posts: 1,508
    #5
    Hi There, I've been on Tamoxifen for about 6 mos and I can tell you that my hot flashes are alot more severe and carry some anxiety with them. I fall asleep well but within a couple of hours wake up and remain awake for hours after....soooo I'm a little tired too. Check ups are important as it can cause endometrium cancer, cataracts and blood clots. I wouldn't normally worry about these but I seem to be falling within the small percentages of getting incurable diseases of late.
    I haven't noticed any hairloss though.
    Good luck to you
    cheers
    jan
  • Watercolor
    Watercolor Member Posts: 45
    #6
    I was diagnosed with DCIS five years ago. Have had only occasional warm flashes and occasional leg cramps from Tamoxifen. Nothing bad.

    Only thirty tabs remaining -- and I'm done!

    Mary D.

Discussion Boards