When I was going through treatment for early stage breast cancer last year I was so worried about the effects of tamoxifen. I'm 55 and had had to stop HRT when I found out I had breast cancer. I had 2 surgeries and partial radiotherapy. Tamoxifen felt like the hardest part. I was fortunate to have amazing care from the Park Centre team in Brighton. My oncologist really listened to my worries but also really helped me reframe my thoughts. Everything I had read online was so negative. I thought life would be unbearable. I was planning on not taking it. He reminded me cancer was the enemy, not tamoxifen. Tamoxifen was my friend.
A year on and I feel really well! Today I completed the London to Brighton bike ride for Macmillan. I feel so grateful that I feel so well. Please don't let this post detract from the very real suffering a cancer diagnosis and treatment brings. However, I promised my wonderful oncologist I would write something positive about tamoxifen if it worked out. "It's a bit like Trip Advisor," he said. "Nobody bothers to leave a positive review'.
I've been on tamoxifen for a year now and I'm fitter than I've ever been. I find exercise hugely helpful in keeping symptoms at bay. I've changed my diet to be healthier and rarely drink alcohol. As soon as I had my diagnosis I had acupuncture and I've found that really helpful.
If you're feeling very anxious about taking tamoxifen it may be like me, the reality is different.
All the best.
