Hi,
I'm hoping to learn from others as to how you've all coped!
I was diagnosed October the 11th with oestrogen receptive breast cancer... had a lumpectomy on the 21st October ( so lucky it was so quick)...waited 2 weeks on tissue results and they got it all out...then waited another two weeks for where I scored on the genome scale and that came back low...then waited again for the radiologist and discovered I needed 15 rounds of radiotherapy ( that was a bit of a shock , though I know its for the best as it's to treat any cells that may remain due to the cancer being right up to the margins!)...started my treatent on the 21st December a day after starting Tamoxifen to block the oestrogen. It's been quite a roller coaster of emotions obn this journey, one I couldn't have done, firstly without the amazing staff I have seen throughout my treatment, and also without my boyfriend by my side and my mum who have both been amazing!
And so it brings me to a question I have about Tamoxifen...I've just completed day 12 of radiotherapyI saw the nurse today and she confirmed that it does lower mood, I've really gone down and I'm having alot of anixiety. Is anyone else getting anxiety? Nurse thinks I should speak to doctor to go on low dose of antidepressant,but it really makes me nervous as its something I've resisted over the last 14 years of dealing of dealing with massive life changes and lots of loss and grief impacting my mental health, preferring to talk it out. Currently I'm talking with a Psychologist through the hospital.
I know this current mood is in part very much caused by the Tamoxifen, however I still struggle with fluctuating mental health and I'm also currently dealing with my eldest brother having been diagnosed a few weeks before me with terminal lung cancer.We were estranged for 20 years due to his health and mine but are back in touch, which is bitter sweet.
Has anyone else had experiece of having both low mood and anxiety on Tamoxifen and if so what helped? Did taking medication help? What were the pros and cons?
Many thanks to anyone who takes the time to read all this and reply. Hoping someone is willing to share their experience of coping with the side effects of Tamoxifen.
Hi and a warm welcome to the Online Community although I am so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and your ongoing challenges. This is such a challenging and stressful time for you but I do hope you will find lots of support and comfort as you interact on the Online Community.
The New to Community is like our reception desk where we can signpost you to our various cancer specific support groups and services so can I recommend you join our Breast cancer group. This will be a safe place to talk to others who may have a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions including your questions about Tamoxifen and get support.
If you'd like to connect in with a group, you need to join the group. First click on the Green link I have created above. Then once the page opens click on the black banner that says [click to join] at the bottom, or the [Join] button under "Group tools."
You can then introduce yourself by putting up a ‘new post’ by clicking in the box near the top right with + New (Computers) or + (Mobile Devices). You will then see a dropdown menu so hit ‘Start a Discussion in New here, say hello’ and you are ready to go.
You could copy and paste the text from this your first post. You can also search through existing ‘Discussions’ and click [reply] if you want to put up a comment.
The Macmillan Support Line is open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00 or via web chat. This service provides cancer information, emotional support, benefits and financial guidance or just a listening ear. You may also find our Ask an Expert section helpful but do allow a few working days for a reply.
To find information covering diagnosis, treatments and pages covering most types of cancers check our Online Information and Support Section.
Talking to people face to face can indeed help a lot but during these strange times it’s not that available but do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area has opened up. Do also check out for a local Maggie's Centre in your area as these folks are amazing.
Always around if you need further help in navigating the community.
All the very best ((hugs))
Good to hear that you have been getting help through out various Macmillan Support routes.
I have been on my incurable cancer (blood cancer) journey for over 22 years now and over the past 5-6 years being on the Community the journey has been much more understandable as you can pick other people’s brains as they already have the ‘T’ shirt.
All the very best ((hugs))
