Tamoxifen - Scared
I have gone through chemo and a bilateral masectomy, then an axillary node dissection where 3 out of 19 nodes were shown to have cancer. My onc now wants me to take Tamoxifen and I am scared to death. Just reading all the side effects makes me so nervous. I see some of the other posts about what everyone is experiencing and it so scary. I have been doing lots of research and I don't know what to do. I guess I can try it and see how I feel. Anyone else going through this same issue. Thanks
Comments
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tamoxifen
Hi.. I am sure you will get lots of replies to this....I was soooo afraid to take this med....The list of side effects are unbelievable..... I started it in July and so far its not too bad other then the hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings.lol I pray over that little pill every night before I take it....Just think the benefits out weigh the risk..Thats what the docs say anyway...Blessings!!!0 -
I too was afraid to takewaffle8 said:tamoxifen
Hi.. I am sure you will get lots of replies to this....I was soooo afraid to take this med....The list of side effects are unbelievable..... I started it in July and so far its not too bad other then the hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings.lol I pray over that little pill every night before I take it....Just think the benefits out weigh the risk..Thats what the docs say anyway...Blessings!!!
I too was afraid to take tamoxifen. never did well with hormone meds. never did very well with hormones period. surprisingly the hardest thing has been the hot flashes at night. didturbs my sleep. I am on a minute amount of lexapro, and I think this helps with the mood swings. It really has been doable, this from a person who usually doesnt "do" well with meds at all. give it a try you might be suprised! good luck. let us know.0 -
my experience
I finished 7 years of it 1987-1994. I know the protocol is now 5 yrs but we didn't know how long to keep me on it back then. I was Stage 3A. The tamoxifen helped keep my cancer in remission for 22 years and then I had a recurrence in 2009. But, without the tamoxifen, odds are I would not be here. Back in 1987, Stage 3 A with chemo, rads and surgery had about a 25% chance of making it 5 yrs.
As to side effects, I feel I was very lucky as I just had minor ones. Would I take it again? Are you kidding? Of course! I want to throw everything I can at this disease.
I am now on arimidex and I plan to never come off unless side effects become severe (which so far, so good) or unless it quits working.0 -
P.S.CypressCynthia said:my experience
I finished 7 years of it 1987-1994. I know the protocol is now 5 yrs but we didn't know how long to keep me on it back then. I was Stage 3A. The tamoxifen helped keep my cancer in remission for 22 years and then I had a recurrence in 2009. But, without the tamoxifen, odds are I would not be here. Back in 1987, Stage 3 A with chemo, rads and surgery had about a 25% chance of making it 5 yrs.
As to side effects, I feel I was very lucky as I just had minor ones. Would I take it again? Are you kidding? Of course! I want to throw everything I can at this disease.
I am now on arimidex and I plan to never come off unless side effects become severe (which so far, so good) or unless it quits working.
Keep in mind that folks who are not having adverse effects are much less likely to take the time to post here and are much less likely to need to post.0 -
what kind of chemo did youCypressCynthia said:P.S.
Keep in mind that folks who are not having adverse effects are much less likely to take the time to post here and are much less likely to need to post.
what kind of chemo did you get then? I got CMF in 1994. there was no testing for her 2 then or progesterone. I only knew I was estrogen neg. Now I will be switched to arimedex, and no one knows for how long perhaps forever.(my new cancer is estrogen pos)0 -
You need to be seriouscarkris said:what kind of chemo did you
what kind of chemo did you get then? I got CMF in 1994. there was no testing for her 2 then or progesterone. I only knew I was estrogen neg. Now I will be switched to arimedex, and no one knows for how long perhaps forever.(my new cancer is estrogen pos)
Hi,
Tamoxifen suppose to prevent from recurrence. Talk to your oncologist again.0 -
You Never Know
how it will effect you until you give it a try. Though I started off hating to take it everyday and scared of what it was going to do, I had to give it a try. I can say though the side effects were not pleasant and it took awhile for my body to adjust, they did even out over time and got better as time went on. I just finished my 5 years on Aug.31. I'm so glad it's over and feel like I've truly done EVERYTHING to stop bc from coming back. Had I not done it, and the cancer came back, I would have beat myself up with all the "only if" or "what if" questions hanging over my head!
If your doctor is recommending it, I would at least give it the old college try. You can always stop it if it's just too much for you to deal with.
Good Luck!:)
Sally0 -
Thankssal314 said:You Never Know
how it will effect you until you give it a try. Though I started off hating to take it everyday and scared of what it was going to do, I had to give it a try. I can say though the side effects were not pleasant and it took awhile for my body to adjust, they did even out over time and got better as time went on. I just finished my 5 years on Aug.31. I'm so glad it's over and feel like I've truly done EVERYTHING to stop bc from coming back. Had I not done it, and the cancer came back, I would have beat myself up with all the "only if" or "what if" questions hanging over my head!
If your doctor is recommending it, I would at least give it the old college try. You can always stop it if it's just too much for you to deal with.
Good Luck!:)
Sally
Thanks everyone for your replies, I greatly appreciate it. I am going to give it a try and pray every day that all goes well. The I am estrogen positive also. I am having terrible hot flashes now, not so much at night, but really bad during the day. I used to get them at night and they would wake me up but now they seemed to just happen mostly during the day. It worries me that they will get worse. I will start taking it next week and see what how it goes. Bless all of you.0 -
It surely is a hard decisiondenbralou said:Thanks
Thanks everyone for your replies, I greatly appreciate it. I am going to give it a try and pray every day that all goes well. The I am estrogen positive also. I am having terrible hot flashes now, not so much at night, but really bad during the day. I used to get them at night and they would wake me up but now they seemed to just happen mostly during the day. It worries me that they will get worse. I will start taking it next week and see what how it goes. Bless all of you.
It surely is a hard decision to make, even if the pros are greater then the cons. I finally decided to take Tamoxifen, been on it almost 2 months, I too wanted to increase my chances of no reoccurence. I was stage 2, er+, pr+ & HER2. Today I will discuss with my gyno doc the removal of my ovaries, just another measure to cut cancer out of my life b4 it happens. It was highly recommended by my Onc doc and the gyno doc, I thought long and hard about this. It was not an easy decision either. Finally I decided Im not having any more children anyways, Im 42 with my tubs tide, so might has well go for it. Everyone dx is diff or similar, but we all have to do what is best for us. Hope this helps.
Lupe0 -
I am on Tamoxifen. There isPinkpower said:It surely is a hard decision
It surely is a hard decision to make, even if the pros are greater then the cons. I finally decided to take Tamoxifen, been on it almost 2 months, I too wanted to increase my chances of no reoccurence. I was stage 2, er+, pr+ & HER2. Today I will discuss with my gyno doc the removal of my ovaries, just another measure to cut cancer out of my life b4 it happens. It was highly recommended by my Onc doc and the gyno doc, I thought long and hard about this. It was not an easy decision either. Finally I decided Im not having any more children anyways, Im 42 with my tubs tide, so might has well go for it. Everyone dx is diff or similar, but we all have to do what is best for us. Hope this helps.
Lupe
I am on Tamoxifen. There is the hot flashs, but you have to take this. Its a very good drug to fight back with.0 -
It may not be the easiestdenbralou said:Thanks
Thanks everyone for your replies, I greatly appreciate it. I am going to give it a try and pray every day that all goes well. The I am estrogen positive also. I am having terrible hot flashes now, not so much at night, but really bad during the day. I used to get them at night and they would wake me up but now they seemed to just happen mostly during the day. It worries me that they will get worse. I will start taking it next week and see what how it goes. Bless all of you.
It may not be the easiest thing you done, but, remember, cancer has worse side effects!0 -
Lupe and hairPinkpower said:It surely is a hard decision
It surely is a hard decision to make, even if the pros are greater then the cons. I finally decided to take Tamoxifen, been on it almost 2 months, I too wanted to increase my chances of no reoccurence. I was stage 2, er+, pr+ & HER2. Today I will discuss with my gyno doc the removal of my ovaries, just another measure to cut cancer out of my life b4 it happens. It was highly recommended by my Onc doc and the gyno doc, I thought long and hard about this. It was not an easy decision either. Finally I decided Im not having any more children anyways, Im 42 with my tubs tide, so might has well go for it. Everyone dx is diff or similar, but we all have to do what is best for us. Hope this helps.
Lupe
Hi Lupe! I love your picture and am wondering how far from chemo you had this much. I am now 8 weeks post and still have no hair (I am Italian...you would think it would be coming in thick). Just curious. Thanks!
Dawn0 -
I feel the way Sally doessal314 said:You Never Know
how it will effect you until you give it a try. Though I started off hating to take it everyday and scared of what it was going to do, I had to give it a try. I can say though the side effects were not pleasant and it took awhile for my body to adjust, they did even out over time and got better as time went on. I just finished my 5 years on Aug.31. I'm so glad it's over and feel like I've truly done EVERYTHING to stop bc from coming back. Had I not done it, and the cancer came back, I would have beat myself up with all the "only if" or "what if" questions hanging over my head!
If your doctor is recommending it, I would at least give it the old college try. You can always stop it if it's just too much for you to deal with.
Good Luck!:)
Sally
The major reason I did chemo (it was optional for me) and am now taking Tamoxifen is that I couldn't live with myself if the cancer ever recurs and I'm left thinking, "what if I'd done..."
If I ever do have a recurrence, I know that I will go into treatment again much stronger mentally, knowing that I did everything I could, not blaming myself.
Just my own feelings,
Traci0 -
lexaprocarkris said:I too was afraid to take
I too was afraid to take tamoxifen. never did well with hormone meds. never did very well with hormones period. surprisingly the hardest thing has been the hot flashes at night. didturbs my sleep. I am on a minute amount of lexapro, and I think this helps with the mood swings. It really has been doable, this from a person who usually doesnt "do" well with meds at all. give it a try you might be suprised! good luck. let us know.
What is your minute amt of lexapro. My primary dr prescribed lexapro for my anxiety with my new diagnoses. I feel I have had hot flashes from the lexapro--along with other side effects. Ann0 -
I am taking Tamoxifen. I
I am taking Tamoxifen. I started in mid-March. I wasn't thrilled with the prospects of taking a drug for 5 years and worried about the side effects, too. But after weighing the options, I decided to take the plunge and take the drug.
I don't want to go through this again. I don't want to put my family through this again. If taking the drug means that it will decrease my chances of a blasted recurrence, then I will take the drug. I have decided to do everything in my power to make cancer unwelcome.
As New Flower suggested, talk with your oncologist about this matter. Good luck with your journey.
BL0 -
"Make cancer unwelcome"Bella Luna said:I am taking Tamoxifen. I
I am taking Tamoxifen. I started in mid-March. I wasn't thrilled with the prospects of taking a drug for 5 years and worried about the side effects, too. But after weighing the options, I decided to take the plunge and take the drug.
I don't want to go through this again. I don't want to put my family through this again. If taking the drug means that it will decrease my chances of a blasted recurrence, then I will take the drug. I have decided to do everything in my power to make cancer unwelcome.
As New Flower suggested, talk with your oncologist about this matter. Good luck with your journey.
BL
I love that, Bella Luna -- such a great phrase, and a great way to approach life. I may have to have that needlepointed on a pillow, too....
I don't think I realized you're on Tamoxifen, too -- must have missed that entirely. I've been on it just a few months longer than you. How are you doing on it?
Traci0 -
I have been on TamoxifenTraciInLA said:"Make cancer unwelcome"
I love that, Bella Luna -- such a great phrase, and a great way to approach life. I may have to have that needlepointed on a pillow, too....
I don't think I realized you're on Tamoxifen, too -- must have missed that entirely. I've been on it just a few months longer than you. How are you doing on it?
Traci
I have been on Tamoxifen since Nov. A few hot flashes (annoying) & leg cramps (disturbs sleep about once a month) are the only side effects. I will put up with them, considering that tamoxifen will lessen my chance of recurrence. But it is up to each individual....0 -
TamoxifenTraciInLA said:"Make cancer unwelcome"
I love that, Bella Luna -- such a great phrase, and a great way to approach life. I may have to have that needlepointed on a pillow, too....
I don't think I realized you're on Tamoxifen, too -- must have missed that entirely. I've been on it just a few months longer than you. How are you doing on it?
Traci
Hi Traci,
It's going ok for me. Thanks for asking. I do have to say that it took several months for my body to adjust to Tamoxifen. When I first starting taking the drug, I noticed my energy level dropped. I also noticed I became dehydrated. My hotflashes soared a bit, too.
These side effects have tapered off now. My energy level has increased again, thank God. I have been exercising and eating better. Wish me luck on this as I sometimes have a hankering for hammies and fries.
Take care!
BL0 -
TamoxifenBella Luna said:Tamoxifen
Hi Traci,
It's going ok for me. Thanks for asking. I do have to say that it took several months for my body to adjust to Tamoxifen. When I first starting taking the drug, I noticed my energy level dropped. I also noticed I became dehydrated. My hotflashes soared a bit, too.
These side effects have tapered off now. My energy level has increased again, thank God. I have been exercising and eating better. Wish me luck on this as I sometimes have a hankering for hammies and fries.
Take care!
BL
I've been on it for almost a year (actually it might already be a year..can't remember! Go figure!!) Other than hot flashes/night sweats, etc. I'm doing well on it. I get bloodwork done tomorrow and see the onco next week. If my estrogen level is still up we may have to talk about taking out the ovaries. I'm 55 but prior to dx I still had monthly periods. Havne't had one since dx.
No question for me....I wanted to do everything I could to battle the beast!
Patti0 -
tamoxifenpattimc said:Tamoxifen
I've been on it for almost a year (actually it might already be a year..can't remember! Go figure!!) Other than hot flashes/night sweats, etc. I'm doing well on it. I get bloodwork done tomorrow and see the onco next week. If my estrogen level is still up we may have to talk about taking out the ovaries. I'm 55 but prior to dx I still had monthly periods. Havne't had one since dx.
No question for me....I wanted to do everything I could to battle the beast!
Patti
I've been taking tamoxifen since March. When I told the oncologist about my concerns ... he just told me it wasn't a choice ... that I needed to take it. I think my main concern was the fact that I had been taking zoloft and wellbutrin ... and both of them are "no-nos" with tamoxifen. So ... I was more afraid of messing with my anti-depressants than I was the side effects of tamoxifen. We finally came up with a plan ... and we slowly took me off of zoloft and wellbutrin and replaced those with effexor ... then after that was OK for a week or two ... then I started the tamoxifen ... but instead of taking one 20 mg pill a day ... I take a 10mg in the morning and a 10mg at night. I have had NO problems with either the effexor or the tamoxifen. No hot flashes ... etc.
hugs.
teena0
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