Hi all, i am almost 3 weeks post chemo and due 3 wks of radiotherapy in a few wks. Following a visit to clinic today ive been told to start on tamoxifen. Ive read some stories about side effects which is making me really anxious and i understand that this is part of my treatment plan and not everyone will have the same experiences and will have no side effects at all. But just wanted to get a feel of wheb is the best time to take, things to avoid if necessary
I am receiving zoledex injections to bring on my menopause and also zometa bone infusions
My story is on my profile but briefly left side lobular, er & pr+ Her2 - left side mastectomy and anc clearance - treatment is adjuvant.
Good luck on all of your journies, remember a day a time and be kind to yourselves xx
Hi Lorraine058
Your post has slipped to the second page, so although I didn't take tamoxifen (I took anastrozole), I am answering to give a boost to your post, if anyone is taking tamoxifen but I can possibly also help a little.
I was diagnosed at 51, but due to my mother's unexpected death and becoming a carer for my dad a couple of years previously, I think the shock kicked me into menopause (I didn't even notice really as I was so 'all over the place'). But, because of being post menopausal, they prescribed anastrozole. As you haven't completely gone through the menopause, this is why they are prescribing tamoxifen.
The tablets do the same thing really - they reduce the amount of oestrogen in your body, so you get these side effects, but as you are having zoledex injections then I guess that's already happening for you. I nearly didn't take mine as I'd read so many stories of side effects, but decided to give them a go and see what happened for a while. I guess now, that the only people who will be discussing the side effects are the people that have those awful side effects - hence only seeing horror stories. For me, I just noticed the weight gain that comes with getting older (I'm about a stone heavier now - all around my middle!) from the time I started taking the tablets. Other than this, it was just a case of taking the tablets for 5 years. I'm now nearly 6 years since diagnosis.
I took my tablet first thing in the morning with a pint of squash - I'm a great believer in drinking plenty to wash out any toxins in the body. I've seen other take theirs late at night so any symptoms happen whilst they are asleep, but for me it was easier to remember. IF you do get side effects, the brands of the tablets can make a difference. They are tiny tablets, but there are things in the coatings that are different. I got given a different brand once and it hit me like a steam roller within a couple of days. (I tested them again and the same thing happened), so I made sure I stuck with the same brand that didn't give me the side effects and got the doctor to write on the prescription sheet (Accord brand only). If they didn't have them, then I was ok with Teva as they had the same coatings. (the ingredients will be in the packet or you can search online).
Hope this helps a little,
Kindest wishes, Lesley
