Emotions&arimidex&tamoxofin

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zachey
zachey Member Posts: 1
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I have been a breast cancer survivor for 1-1/2 years now. I had a lumpectomy, radiation, and was placed on tamoxofin. I am 58 years old, had a complete hysterectomy when I was 39, so the combination of being suddenly taken off estrogen, plus taking tamoxofin threw me into a hot-flash tailspin. I was given medication to help with those, and I can live with that part of it. Thbe part I couldn't figure out was about six months into the medication, I started feeling sad, mad, and any other emotion you can think of, plus I cried if you looked at me. When I went for my six-months checkup with the onco in Jan, he said it could be the tamoxofin, so we stopped it for two months to see if that was the problem. Apparently it was, because within three weeks I was back to my old self -- mostly happy, and able to handle whatever curves daily life threw my way without having a "meltdown" like my 3-year old grandson! I am now taking Arimidex, have been on it for five weeks, and the emotional rollercoaster seems to be starting up again! I was just wondering if anyone else has this problem with this medicine, or am I just going nuts! I feel so silly about all this -- I've never been in a "chat room" before, but I don't know who else to ask. Thank you. My name is jeanne.

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  • ksfc
    ksfc Member Posts: 251
    #2
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    Hi Jeanne, Did your doc discuss the possibility of using an anti-depressant med? Many of us (myself included) have gone this route to make it easier. I was 45 and pre-menopausal when I was diagnosed - chemo put me into menopause. I've taken Tamoxifen since Sept. and I take Celexa to help cope and vitamin E to help with hot flashes. You don't need to feel sad and depressed - you've been through enough already.
    That's the way I see it anyway - Diane
  • chef
    chef Member Posts: 17
    #3
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    I'm taking arimidex.I havn't had much trouble with it. Hot flashes are few, my emotions were pretty level before and they havn't changed.Things have been good. Except my labedo...(I don't think I spelled that right) but it got up and left. Havn't seen it since...
  • monkeyboymommy
    monkeyboymommy Member Posts: 14
    #4
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    Hi Zachey:
    I have been tamoxifen for 7 months now, and I totally understand about the emotional rollercoaster ride. Its not too much fun, and I have a six year old boy! Whatever has been bothering me lately I have chalked up to the meds. They are strong and powerful, they always say its the cure that kills ya! (A little bit of gallows humor). Anyway, if it makes you feel better, I understand and am in the same boat. I am too frightened of coming off the drug. I imagine the chance of recurrance as the "bogeyman" in my life right now. I take anti anxiety meds too so that is helping me to stay almost straight.
    Hope this helps and that you are feeling better soon.
  • fregede
    fregede Member Posts: 3
    #5
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    Hello Ladies, Funny I should find this post! Long story short: Lumpectomy in 1992, tamoxifen for 5 years, hysterectomy in 1998, recurrence of cancer same breast 2002, mastectomy & reconstruction, back on tamoxifen. Hot flashes will not go away! Surgeon put me on Effexor (anti-depressant). Did not help flashes. Tried to go off and started crying all the time. Was at the Doctor's for something else and told him about crying jags and he said you can't go off cold turkey, you have to be weaned. He also said that it is so mild that I could stay on it indefinitely so I am on it. Oncologist took me off tamoxifen and put on arimidex. Having flashes more often than before. Can't win! I told my family that when I die, please put a fan in the coffin. Sorry for the black humor. See oncologist in May and will ask him if I can take something specifically for the flashes. Good luck and God bless. Kay
  • laurajean
    laurajean Member Posts: 2
    #6
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    Hi Jeanne,
    I can understand...I had a hysterectomy in 1998. I didn't have hot flahes. In August of 2002 I had a masectomy and reconstruction (TRAM flap), and in November started Tamoxifen. The hot flahes are bad. I am 52 years old. I was diagnosed with depression April 2002, before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, July 1, 2002. I am on Prozac. Probably a blessing. I couldn't imagine not being on it. I've actually found good in my experience rather than rage. I've heard of and met many who are unbearably emotional on Tamoxifen. Don't feel silly. Talk to your doctors. I go to the oncologist in another week. Need relief for my hot flashes too. Contact me direct of you like. Laura Jean (laurajean.palma@verizon.net)

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