Tamoxifen positive stories of coping please!

Hi Janszham

I think you’ve nailed it with the comment about not wanting to be perceived as ‘boasting’ but, as you have specifically asked for some positivity regarding Tamoxifen, here goes! 

I have been taking Tamoxifen for three months. After a couple of weeks I had a few days where I struggled to concentrate and kept forgetting things. It may just have been getting accustomed to the medication but so it did not interfere with work I changed the time of taking it from lunchtime to 5pm and since then had no issues. I am slightly warmer some nights but nothing lighter pyjamas can’t fix and I think my appetite is a bit lower but nothing concerning. Other than those very minor things I feel overall positive about Tamoxifen. I’ve had regular periods which I’ve never had before, and my skin is clearer. Like you I am an active person and go to the gym and run with no aches or pains nor have any tiredness. I have also changed brands and it hasn’t made any difference.

I know I am fortunate and feel awful for people who struggle with this medication, it must be terrible when people just want to move on in their lives without ongoing issues, but wanted to share that it is not a given. I hope things work out well for you. x

Thank you, really appreciate your reply, that is massively helpful amd gives mecsome hope! It is crazy when we have to feel like we are lucky just because our experience is kess awful than other, I guess all of us are pretty unlucky on a general scale

I am on zoladex and exemestane but like you, was terrified of the side effects and coping. I ended up looking up reviews on drugs.com and filtering on 10/10 reviews only. It really got my head in the right place to start having the hormone treatment

Hi

this probably isn’t massively helpful or relevant but…… just to say that I feel like I could have written your post!! You want to be prepared for the worst but also super hard to read all the tough stories about the side effects.

so I’m on letrozole (only 6 weeks in). Not tamoxifen I know but I think it has basically a broadly similar effect on the body? 
so far it’s been fine. I’m exercising very regularly and not really drinking and taking a bunch of vitamins (most importantly the vit d and calcium) . Agree I’m a bit foggier and definitely more emotional. Oh and a bit less tolerant!! But that’s all manageable. Just tell your naughty students to mind their eye!! 

its been fine for me so far , it’s early days I know and absolutely not boasting as I think the side effects can kick in months down the line. Will cross that bridge when I get to it.

Personally I’m convinced that exercise is the answer to it all. Annoyingly didn’t stop me getting breast cancer but has most definitely helped cope with everything since (so far 3 operations , few weeks of letrozole and 5 days of radiotherapy……with 10 more to come so I’m not counting my chicken yet ).

hope that helps a bit?? 

Hi there, i started tamoxifen 23rd May and apart from a couple of hot flushes , which could be down to the menopause ive been ok. I try to walk 10k steps a day and usually i exercise at least 3 times a week . Walking really helps to clear the mind too . I hope this helps you to feel a it more positive x

Totally agree with c22 and Langkawi22.I’m convinced exercise has been key to my recovery and coping well with treatments. 

Janszham

Hi, I was a teacher . Please remember that cancer is a recognised disability and you have rights to have adjustments.

Consider asking for additional free periods, until you recover and have adjusted to your medication. You will need this.

As a teacher you get reasonable sick leave, don't be frightened to take it. Also when you are ready to go back ask for reduced hours phased return.

Don't be guilt tripped by your school. You need to go slowly and carefully so you do adjust. All teachers work double (unpaid) hours be firm put you first and you will be the fabulous knowledgeable teacher you are. Also if you return thinking you are ok and things creep up on you go to your GP and ask for a sick note or as it euphemistically called these days a fitnote.

BUT you need to initiate  & ask your GP. Mine was fantastic and fully understood but he wasn't a mind reader.

Remember you are your priority, take what you need for you. We are all different and react differently to the drugs - doesn't make you  good or bad, hardworking  or lazy. Take what you need and Good Luck

X

Thank you for all theses responses,  this is so helpful. Rozalia,  really goid advice re school. They have been really supportive and have given me reduced tt and my HT suggested various other supports should I need them, which was great. I am teaching only A level atm but have a fantastic co teacher  I have asked for (and been given) room changes so I don't move around so much, air conditioning units in room I teach, lift key so I don't have to carry stuff up the stairs and no cover, all in prep for the tamoxifen side effects, can you think of anything else I should ask for? I work from home already for 2 days a week as I run a cpd training hub through school so this also helps. 

Thank you everyone for all the positivity xx

You sound pretty positive and your school one of the better ones. It is nice to have A level, challenging knowledge wise but nice because students are mostly more motivated and able to see you as a human as well! 

No year 9s , A really big bonus. I taught Geography for a bit and all those giving it up in year 10 just didn't get why they should stretch their brains to participate in anything at all challenging.

You will probably sail through , not everyone has problems. I went straight to AIs because of age but the couple of people I know on Tamoxifen are actually doing fine. One had some weight gain but not too horrendous. Neither have had brain fog except for the one who had it during chemo.

Xx