Back to work and Tamoxifen

liz11808
liz11808 Member Posts: 34
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
Hello Everybody,
I went back to work June 30th and it went OK. My boss already talk to my co-workers about my condition and they didn't ask me anything about it. But there are other people too in our area.
Because I have a work related injury, they thought that this is my reason of being out. They welcome me by saying "oh, welcome back and how is your shoulder?" Then at the same time look at my headscarf. This is OK, the guys didn't ask why I am wearing the scarf. Maybe they don't care or being a man, not interested in details. But one lady engineer goes "what happen" then pointing at my head. I thought it was rude doing that hand gesture, I didn't say anything. I just smile at her. My first week is very tiring. My legs are killing me but its my brain that is a little slow. Maybe I am out for a while or is it what they call "chemobrain"? 2nd week, my legs are getting better as well as my brain. But still it's not like before. My problem is the scarf and turban I'm wearing. They were hot, it's been really HOT here in the Bay Area so it is not comfortable.

I also start my Tamoxifen 10 mg twice a day. My question is when will I feel the side effect like the hot flashes? At my work, the area maintain a certain temperature and it can be really cold inside. But I'm like a roller coaster that all of a sudden I will start wetting and even my scarf will be soaking wet. Then I will feel normal. In my 8 hour shift, I'm counting about 4 times this happens. Is this the hot flashes? I'm just about 2 weeks of my tamoxifen.

Anyway, all in all my back to work experience is good. I'm happy that I'm feeling better and working again. It is true that we can come back to out "new normal" life. God bless and take care!!! Liz

Comments

  • mmontero38
    mmontero38 Member Posts: 1,510
    #2
    Hi Liz: So happy you are back to work. It is overwhelming the first few weeks as your body adjusts to many changes but it does get better. I can't say specifically when my memory improved but it did. My last infusion was in November. I am also on Tamoxifen 10 mg twice a day. Don't know if the flashes are part of menopause or the medicine but like you i get really bad flashes about 4 to 6 times during the day and about 2 or 3 during the night. I feel like I'm wearing myself out from soo many showers. I don't know if it gets better since I am on the Tamoxifen since December, Hoping someone else can give us more insight. Hugs, Lili
  • liz11808
    liz11808 Member Posts: 34
    #3
    mmontero38 said:

    Hi Liz: So happy you are back to work. It is overwhelming the first few weeks as your body adjusts to many changes but it does get better. I can't say specifically when my memory improved but it did. My last infusion was in November. I am also on Tamoxifen 10 mg twice a day. Don't know if the flashes are part of menopause or the medicine but like you i get really bad flashes about 4 to 6 times during the day and about 2 or 3 during the night. I feel like I'm wearing myself out from soo many showers. I don't know if it gets better since I am on the Tamoxifen since December, Hoping someone else can give us more insight. Hugs, Lili

    Hi Lili,
    Hot flashes at night, I get thru the night having the electric fan on the whole time but still wake up with my pillow soaking wet. Thank you Lili and take care, OK. God bless, Liz
  • seof
    seof Member Posts: 819 Member
    #4
    I had hot and cold flashes, used a fan at my desk and took sweaters as well, switched back and forth. You might try getting your scarf damp with cold water whenever you have breaks, if you can. I tried scarfs, but I like the way I look better in hats, so I use them. A damp scarf under a sunhat might help keep you cool. The chemobrain should get better when the meds stop...you get used to it, I use a notebook and calendar much more. As far as co-workers and their comments: I decided on a "if they don't ask, don't tell, if they do keep it short and sweet" approach. I just say, "I have cancer and the medicine I take to get rid of the cancer makes my hair fall out. Thanks for your concern" then I change the subject.

    I hope you continue to feel like being active as you go along. best wishes, seof
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    #5
    My hot flashes started with chemo. I have been on tamoxifin about a month now and I think they are less and mostly just at night. I do feel like an old lady when I get out of bed in the morning and my legs feel like I have been walking on hard pavement all day. I take lots of vitamin D and calcium. My skin has actually improved (less blemishes).
    I am so glad to here you are back at work. You and I are members of the same army, serving at different posts. The army of BC fighters. If you get a few crummy remarks at work, please feel the solidarity with your fellow soldiers - I am with you. Love, Joyce

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