Topic: Newbies on Tamoxifen

Jun 17, 2012 05:22 PM MissTW wrote:

I have been on tamoxifen for 16 months now. Mild hot flashes and severe bloating are my only symptoms.

Does anyone on this board have severe stomach bloating. It is so bad that my teen girls say I look pregnant. My mother constantly tells me to lose weight, like I want to look like this. This is really upsetting me, not only appearance wise but I feel like I cannot breath since the bloating is higher up. Exercise and diet doesn't seem to help. Can't take it anymore!!!

Jun 18, 2012 01:02 AM DeeLew84 wrote:

gerrib, I'm glad you got a little sleep. One little bit of advice: make sure you are ready to lie down as soon as you take the ambien. I found that out the hard way. I took it one night and decided to finish loading the dishwasher. Within a few minutes I was stumbling around like a drunk person and my SO told me I was talking crazy. LOL It really does help me though and even on the days when I have to get up super early I don't feel terribly groggy.

Jun 18, 2012 06:04 AM NancyHB wrote:

Good morning!  New to this thread.  Just started Tamoxifen 10 days ago.  From reading some (but not all!) of these pages it looks like it's too early for real SEs, and so far I feel pretty good.  Still struggling with hot flashes left over from chemo, so my MO gave me a low dose of Effexor (started that the same day as Tamoxifen).  My chemo exhaustion and neuropathy is all but gone (25 days PFC) and I feel like a rock star again, so I'm praying for few SEs from Tami because I *need* this energy back!  But - today is my fifth of 30 rads, so I expect that'll change pretty soon.  I am having trouble getting to and staying asleep; don't know if it's because of rads or Tami.  Thanks for the wealth of information on this thread - not looking forward to the next five years if it's going to be too difficult!

Jun 18, 2012 07:07 AM Kaara wrote:

Nanacy:  Welcome, but sorry you have to be here.  We are all in the same boat...taking this tamoxifen and hoping it is working for us.  My SE's have been mainly hot flashes, but I was having those before as I was taken off all BHRT when dx.  I didn't do chemo or rads (my older age is working in my favor for a change;) ).  I think part of the reason I feel so much energy is because I follow a strict anti cancer diet with no sugar and very low carbs.  I eat mostly veggies, fruits, lean protein, nuts and seeds.  It's helps with weight control as well.

All the best to you...sending you positive energy 

Jun 18, 2012 09:24 PM lisak7290 wrote:

Well I've been on tamoxifen for a whole week and don't feel anything yet. I have my hot flashes but those started with chemo. Not sure if the reason they seem more intense is cause of the heat or if it's the pill...
I take mine @9am everyday

Jun 18, 2012 10:43 PM gerrib wrote:

Welcome Nancy

I have that restlessness in bed. I think it is T as I didn't have it before. Last night I wore a mask following someone heres recommendation and was surprised that I slept until 5.30 am which is a record as I have been waking at 2.30 am. I can never sleep in now.

I have been on it for 3 months now and have started having occasional dizzy spells with mild nausea. I've seen others say they have this too.

Still no hot flashes so that's something to be pleased about.

Gerri 

Jun 19, 2012 07:13 AM Kaara wrote:

Hummm....never thought of wearing a mask to bed!  Thanks for the tip...I'll have to give it a try.  I take my tamox at night and it doesn't keep me from sleeping.  I've never tried taking it during the day.  My MO said night was better because you sleep through any SE's.

Jun 19, 2012 04:01 PM tenaj wrote:

I've been on tamoxifen for about 21/2 weeks now, switched from femara. My hot flashes are much more intense, but manageable most times. My joint pain is going away. Yay!!!
I just got my mail order delivered & of course it is another brand. Has anyone had different experiences with the different brands?

Jun 19, 2012 05:41 PM MissAngie wrote:

Okay, I think I am going to have to get a sleep mask as well.  I've been wearing ear plugs because I am normally a light sleeper but Tami has made me an even lighter sleeper!

Jun 19, 2012 06:23 PM CookieMonster wrote:

Jun 19, 2012 06:52 PM tenaj wrote:

Thanks CookieMonster!!! How's it going?

Jun 19, 2012 09:07 PM Cynbest wrote:

Hi,

 I had abdominal cramps for a little while but it definitely subsided. It gets a little worse towards my period although lately I have barely been having them. I have been on Tamoxifen for about 10mos and some SE have come and gone. The one constant is the night sweats, even of Effexor. Not too bad that I can't handle it. Hope you feel better soon!!

Jun 19, 2012 10:30 PM CookieMonster wrote:

Jun 20, 2012 10:20 AM dragonfly1 wrote:

I'm catching up on this forum...I also have the bloating that many are mentioning and it's so frustrating! I've been on Tamox for almost 10 months now and the bloating happens daily and it looks like I'm five months pregnant by late afternoon:(

On another note, some of you may remember me complaining about really severe joint pain that started within one month of Tamox-shoulder, hip and back. Well, after a LOT of workup it appears that the Tamox is not to blame and the timing was coincidental. Instead, the doctors now believe that chemo either caused vs. instigated/uncovered an autoimmune disorder, Rheumatoid Arthritis. I'm certainly glad to know what's causing all the pain but now I'm stuck with a chronic problem. The interesting thing to me is that RA is an immune system breakdown which is worrisome. My immune system doesn't seem to be doing a very good job and that makes me wonder if I'm more at risk for recurrence. Anyway, the good news for everyone here is that the Tamox did NOT cause this severe joint pain. However, if any of you have something similar and went through chemo, see a rheumatologist and get tested for RA.

Jun 20, 2012 10:30 AM kestrelgurl wrote:

Actually, I asked about that and was told, and have since found supporting documentation, that Celexa is one of the ones we CAN take. I know someone else posted a link about it in another thread.

But thanks for pointing out the possible interactions.