Tamoxifen and Coronavirus

FormerMember over 4 years ago

3 replies
11 subscribers
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Hi everyone

I need to try and find out if taking Tamoxifen makes me immuno compromised? Tamoxifen is taken for breast cancer to stop it reoccurring. I'm 5 years post diagnosis and chemo/radio. Have not thought of myself as being in the risk group until this pandemic - I've read conflicting information on various websites and forums. Tamoxifen is a hormone therapy and according to what I've read doesn't affect the immune system. I'm currently working from home but work for the emergency services so would ideally like to get back to work to support my colleagues and so some concrete advice or knowledge would be fab. Thanks. Shelly:)

FormerMember over 4 years ago

I have just had surgery, working from home and waiting for work Dr to inform my manager if I have low immunity. I am also to start Letrozole and I am really worried about the effects the medication will have on my body? How have you been taking Tamoxifen? Have you had many side effects? I will let you know the reply from work Dr when I receive the reply. Thanks Gill

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Gill

I hope you are resting and recovering well and looking after yourself.

I have been taking tamoxifen for 5 years nearly. Following BC , low grade, not aggressive and not in lymph nodes so not bad considering. However had chemo and radio and double mastectomy due to there being 2 tumours in breast, the other side mastectomy was elective preventative surgery.

The Tamoxifen will have to take for another 5 years so 10 years altogether. I have had some side effects, on and off over the 5 years. Weight gain, tiredness, aching body, some hot flushes, palpitations, sleep issues, digestion problems, mood and anxiety changes. These are on and off and.not always there, and not all at the same time. But I am aware of them and have learned to live with them over time. What else can you do. I try to carry on as normal and not moan too much but I'm a 43 year old woman who feels like an 80 year old and dream of the day when I don't have to take it anymore.

I hope you get the advice you need. I have this morning spoken with my BC nurse who had reassured me on a few things so I'm happy but am going to continue to work from home for now.

Take care

Shelly x

FormerMember over 4 years ago in reply to FormerMember

Hi Shelly

Thank you for your reply. Sorry to hear about all the side effects of the drug. Something that I am not looking forward to or the radiotherapy. It is good to hear not all of the side effects are at the same time. I keep battling with myself thinking is there another way but have ran out of options. It is sad that after dealing with cancer then you have to deal with more health problems trying to keep the cancer away. Let’s hope in time they will find another way of treating cancer that does not create more health problems. Thank you for replying. Best wishes Gill