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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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Comments

  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 169
    edited August 2009

    Helena, nope dinner didn't happen. :) It was just too hot for me to want to eat. It is about 1:30 am and is finally cooling off. I - as normal - can't sleep.



    The beer was lovely though. Fat Tire Ale.

  • HelenaJ
    HelenaJ Member Posts: 304
    edited August 2009

    oh honey ..no sleep hate that.  Hope those zzzz's come soon.

  • Jean09
    Jean09 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2009

    Hi Ladies,



    Can someone give me a ballpark figure of the monthly cost for tamoxifen? I live in Ohio and am curious of the cost. Also, does insurance cover this med? From what I've read, this med causes weight gain and interferes with sleep??? I've already gained 20lbs from steroids during chemo, I cant afford to gain more :(

  • lisa-e
    lisa-e Member Posts: 169
    edited August 2009

    Jean09, my insurance includes prescription coverage and covers my tamoxifen. $15 per refill. The patent on it has expired, so it is not an expensive drug.



    It can cause weight gain or weight loss. I haven't gained any weight since I've been taking tamoxifen. It does seem slightly harder to loose weight and it seems that my fat is going to my belly. The problem is that I don't know what is a se of tamoxifen and what is a normal part of aging. After all, I am now post menopausal and a slowing metabolism & weight gain are common.



    I do have more trouble with sleep since I began taking tamoxifen.



    I put up with the se as I consider it an important drug for me. It makes a big difference in my chances of recurrence.





  • carollynn79
    carollynn79 Member Posts: 331
    edited August 2009

    My insurance insisted that i buy the tamoxifin from the mailorder portion of our insurance but that is ok, it is $20 for 3 months with my insuracne I am told it is inexpensive.  HF and NS seem to be getting worse, I have actually lost 10 pounds but could be the rads too, will see if it lasts it if does ony 40 more to go!!!!  I was walking more earlier but had to stop due to SE of rads but hope to start back up today with a short walk and work myself back up.

  • Jean09
    Jean09 Member Posts: 25
    edited August 2009

    Thank you for the response Lisa-e. It's good to know that it wont be too expensive, that was a big concern of mine. I too have belly fat and a slow metabolism. Hopefully, I'll fall into the category of weight loss. I have alot of working out to do to get this weight off - but I'm glad to be doing good and on the road to recovery. I already have problems with sleep and my PCP has me on anxiety medication that works wonders. I may have to call and up the milligrams tho.



    Good luck to you!!!

  • PatMom
    PatMom Member Posts: 322
    edited August 2009

    Jean, the price varies from source to source.  From Target in PA, it is $9 for 30 pills retail price.  It is even less with my prescription plan.

    I've lost weight since I started the Tamoxifen, but I've also been careful about what and how much I eat, and have increased my exercise.  I suspect that I could easily gain weight if I went back to my old ways.   

  • Springtime
    Springtime Member Posts: 3,372
    edited August 2009

    I have been off the Tamoxifen a few days now, (1 week prior and post surgery, the ONC said). Anyway, at first I didn't notice a difference, but now, i can tell the hot flashes are not as severe and not as frequent. Isn't that interesting? I guess it must really be doing something in there!!!

    Spring.

  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 86
    edited August 2009

    At my pharmacy the cash price for 90 days is $23.00 for the generic brand.....my insurance won't cover 90 day only 30 unless I do mail order through them and their price is over $50.00....gotta lov insurance. 

    As for SE's....weight loss is more common than weight gain.

    good luck.

  • chelev
    chelev Member Posts: 417
    edited August 2009

    With BCBS insurance, a 60-day supply was $5.00 for me, on my plan. 

    I hope it helps with the weight loss - that would ideal!!  And, I've heard it can increase vaginal secretions, which for someone in surgical menopause since 1997, this will be a big help.

  • Brendatrue
    Brendatrue Member Posts: 487
    edited August 2009

    Gosh--lots of postings to read! Renee, I understand perfectly what you mean about trying to keep up (if I remember correctly I said something to that effect several days back). I, too, have lingering chemofog, and I have a hard time remembering things, like who said what here. I decided I am just going to jump in and out as I can, which is what Helena recommended....



    My balance has been "off," and I think it is not related to tamoxifen as much as going through treatment and not being able to maintain a good exercise routine like I wanted during chemo then surgery. I do like to exercise but my post-chemo fatigue is still difficult to overcome. I know so many people say they feel more energized after exercise; sometimes I do, more often than not I don't, but I try to remember how I will return to the former energized self as I overcome the fatigue. I do love to walk, and I also have a strength building & back stabilizing routine that I do. I am trying to return to tai chi as well. Basically I wish that I could leave full time employment and spend more time on rebuilding my health, but I do believe that I can and will heal as well as grow stonger while working--it will just take a little longer.



    These stories about moms have me thinking about mine. I remember when I first had breast ca (age 38), and I had this strong yearning for my mom to comfort me. She lived about 750 miles a way, and she always sounded worried over the phone; I knew that she loved me and that she wanted me well, but she really did not know how to comfort me, although at times she would listen. During my second breast ca experience she was very preoccupied with many stressors in her own life; although she let me know how much she cared, I often found myself giving her a great deal of comfort. During the last 8 months of this year, with ca experience #3, I have felt her caring & love but also experienced her feeling as if she has been victimized by having a daughter who has had ca 3 times. I'll be honest: I have had a difficult time coping with that. She also has mild memory loss, which has resulted in my having to repeat the same info more than a few times. For the most part I have been patient, but occasionally I have been very frustrated. I guess the "bottom line" is that I am grateful to have my mother in my life but at times I feel a little overwhelmed by trying to "manage" my relationship with her. I have learned to just accept as reality that aspect of our relationship that will likely not change, but sometimes mental acceptance is a lot easier that the emotional part. I imagine that many of us have complex relationships with our mothers!

  • HelenaJ
    HelenaJ Member Posts: 304
    edited August 2009

    Morning everyone,

    My biggest fear is to gain weight - very vain I know but its a control thing!!!  I haven't gained weight but have distributed it differently - mainly because of the interruptions in my "normal" schedule.  Surgeries, appointments, crying etc. you know the deal.  I think if you can somehow manage the sleep dilemna then a lot of the crappy side fx are easier to deal with but then the crappy side fx disturb sleep !!!!!!!!!!!!!  nuts.

    TMI alert - Chelev ..I have secretions rather than dryness - not sure if good or bad ;)

    Brenda - I often wonder how my relationship would have enfolded if my mum had survived (killed by a drunk driver at age 38).  She is forever frozen as my "saint" but sadly I never got to know who she was as a person.  I do however have to manage my relationships with my sisters (well one in particular).  Lots of energy needed there sometimes which I just can't be bothered with now most of the time. 

    Spring - enjoy it while you can :)

    Have a great day everyone

    big hugs

    Helena

  • LeggyJ
    LeggyJ Member Posts: 195
    edited August 2009

    My Mom lives with me, but I would gladly rent her out on a limited plan, to anyone needing a Mom.  She will sit in your living room morning till night, tell you your getting fat, and ask you to repeat everything you say, twice...Any takers?

  • HelenaJ
    HelenaJ Member Posts: 304
    edited August 2009

    he he he leggy.  :)

  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 86
    edited August 2009

    Patti, did Rachel pick you up and take you to the ER?  Hope you are OK and where is Rachel?  Does she get a day off of the boards?

    hugs

    Diane

  • HelenaJ
    HelenaJ Member Posts: 304
    edited August 2009

    I reckon she's lurking somewhere ....

    Hey everyone ... I really do have a life ... but anyway I just had THE call from my genetic counsellor and my BRAC1&2 results are in and I am meeting her at 9.10am tomorrow morning.... hearts beating fast ... wish me luck.  Yikes!

  • didle20Diane
    didle20Diane Member Posts: 86
    edited August 2009

    Good luck Helena.......crossing my fingers for you!

    hugs

    Diane

  • Rachel_BC
    Rachel_BC Member Posts: 679
    edited August 2009

    ::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::

    lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk::::::

    :lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::

    lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::

    lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::

    lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::::::lurk::::lurk:::lurk:::

  • BooBee
    BooBee Member Posts: 288
    edited August 2009

    Leggy.....that was the funnies thing I've heard all day.  DH is laughing too.

    Helena....Hoping for a BRAC-.  DH's 4 sisters have tested BRAC 2+ he is next know that we have all of our insurance squared away.

  • Rachel_BC
    Rachel_BC Member Posts: 679
    edited August 2009

    Sh*t Helena... so now i am trying to figure out what 9:10am there is here, and the two ends of Australia are 2 hours apart time zones, I don't know where on the continent you are, but this page says its 230 pm Monday in "Australia" while it's 1230 am Monday in NYC.  So your appointment "tomorrow" is Tuesday in Australia, at 910am which is (ouch ouch my head hurts from this ) Sh*T gotta get a clock calculator...

    Local timeTime zoneCanberra (Australia - Australian Capital Territory)Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 9:10:00 AMUTC+10 hours ESTNew York (U.S.A. - New York)Monday, August 31, 2009 at 7:10:00 PMUTC-4 hours EDT 

     Or

    Darwin (Australia - Northern Territory)Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 9:10:00 AMUTC+9:30 hours CSTNew York (U.S.A. - New York)Monday, August 31, 2009 at 7:40:00 PMUTC-4 hours EDT

     or

    Perth (Australia - Western Australia)Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 9:10:00 AMUTC+8 hours WSTNew York (U.S.A. - New York)Monday, August 31, 2009 at 9:10:00 PMUTC-4 hours EDT

     There's a couple more time zones, but it's either 710pm, 740pm or 9:10pm EST

    Oy that's a lot of waiting :(

    Well, one more crossing my fingers for ya babe - edge of my seat! :* 

  • Rachel_BC
    Rachel_BC Member Posts: 679
    edited August 2009

    ja leggy I totally roflmao  :)

  • vivvygirl
    vivvygirl Member Posts: 171
    edited August 2009

    Good luck, will be thinking of you tomorrow

    Big hugs

    Viv

  • HelenaJ
    HelenaJ Member Posts: 304
    edited August 2009

    Thanx guys for your kind comments.

    Rachel - I ain't even going to try to work it out but I remember the other day we actually posted at the same time and it was about 8.00am here (eastern Australia - we are just up from Sydney) and it was 5pm NY time.  So I will be getting the results about your 6pm time.  Hey but don't worry honey you guys will be the first to know - outside of Oz that is.  Thanx for trying to work it out you crazy lady ... smooch.

    Have DD's netball final tonite so probably won't be back for santas workshop :)

    Genia - meant to tell you I thought that hillybilly heaven was hilarious then Carollynn (how many ll's and nn's do you have????) posted the picture of the home made wine - just what you guys needed... LOL

    big hugs

    Helena

    Kari - kari, kari ..........kari?

  • Mary22
    Mary22 Member Posts: 428
    edited August 2009

    Helena, GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!! HOPING FOR BRCA- RESULTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    TMI ALERT~~~~~~~ I got it going w/ my hubby last night!!!!

    First day of school, of course the kids got up early and messed with my "ME TIME"!!!!!!!!

    Have a great Day ladies!!!!!!

  • AllieM22
    AllieM22 Member Posts: 188
    edited August 2009

    Ugh Helena--can't believe you have to wait to hear--I guess they don't want to say over the phone but still...I'm sure it will turn out great but good luck!!! :)

  • kfinnigan
    kfinnigan Member Posts: 490
    edited August 2009

    Helena, sweetie!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I'm on the edge of my seat waiting for your results!!!!!!!  Big big hugs
    I'm always trying to figure out what time it is where you live, I think you are 16 hours ahead of us in Cali.  Been thinking of ya and sending you deep breaths.

    Mary!  YAY!!!!!!!!!! for you and DH last night!  Rock on!  You must have been excited for school to start, heehee!! 

    Leggy, so funny.  I visit a friend (coworker) sometimes and her mom lives with her.  I just adore her, she is so attentive to me and she twirls her thumbs around all the time, smiles and drinks a lot!  haha!

    Rachel, you think your dryer will get fixed this week? 

    We got the heck out of town this weekend.  It was fun!  Posted the pics on Facebook for those of you interested.  Rembering and celebrating the year prior 8/28/08's first chemo and toasting to how far we've come, cried some too, but it was all good!  

    Love you ladies!

    Oh Spring, big prayers for you this week during your surgery.  Love ya girl 

  • Munchy
    Munchy Member Posts: 59
    edited August 2009

     Well, I think I spoke too soon about not noticing a difference now that I am back taking Tamox after a month break.  The hot flashes never went away, but now that I'm back on, they are definitely WORSE and happen more often.  Not only that, I am having a really hard time sleeping at night.  Hate it.  Loved the article though, Rachel - it made me feel better. 

    Helena - I am the same way about the weight gain - vanity gets the better of me.  In fact, I am preoccupied with it.  The last time I went to the onc, I told him I wanted to stop taking Tamoxifen because of weight gain.  Apparently, I am now crazy because my vanity is causing my to risk my life, and he sent me to a psychiatrist!  So... the shrink thinks I am anorexic because of my preoccupation.  Here's the kicker... I AM 10 POUNDS OVERWEIGHT!  I am a lousy anorexic!  Whatever... I missed my last appointment because it is a waste of time.  Anyway, I am thinking of you and sending out good vibes (negative, negative, negative, negative).

    Happy Monday!

  • my3girls
    my3girls Member Posts: 1,291
    edited August 2009

    Hi ladies!

    I have been MIA for a little while! Could not possibly read all and catch up, but I do remember a few things.

    Helena...good luck on your test results today. I never had the brca testing done..my ins. would not cover it.  I really doubt mine was anyhow..just a hunch.

    Spring...YES!! I have leg and feet cramps from tamox.  I know it's from that because I had it last year when I was on for a year, and now I am on my 2nd month..and I have them again. It's mostly at night when I lay down.

    No real weight gain with tamox. Last year after my hysterectomy I gained some..and then on the AI's I did. Now...I am doing some great workouts and really , really watching my intake and I am slowly...and I mean slowly losing some weight. Like Helena said..it's redistributed!

    I had 2 dates over the weekend! One was with someone I have gone out with before...a real sweet heart...just not any chemistry for me.  I love being with him...just no spark. He is 44 and his name is Mike. I had a date last night, he is 54 and his name is Steve. Talking to one on the phone..Gary, 48...I figure I will just try them out (not the way you are thinking ladies..get your head out of the gutter...haha) and see who I like the best....no expectations.  I think that is best for me.

    But...I have to tell you my INTERESTING experience on Friday night. I am coming home from dinner, had a few drinks with my dinner, but 5 hrs had passed.  I got pulled over. Now...I am a speed demon..but I was being very careful. The officer told me I was driving somewhat erratic.  I had been on my phone listening to msgs and texting (bad bad).  When I was honest with my answer when he asked if I had been drinking, he had me step out to test my eyes! Well..he gave me the entire test..walking, standing on one leg...even the breathalizer!! My first time ever..but luckily I passed with flying colors! Wow...what a night ! lol

    Spring, just in case I don't stop in here before the weekend...I wish you all the BEST for your surgery!!! You will come out just fine!!!

    Busy week for me. Calling hours for my cousin, he passed away from cancer this weekend. Seeing my grandson on Wed. night, Going to Michigan on Thursday to get FREE botox and Juvedirm (sp?) and then on Friday...flying to Orlando to visit my youngest daughter for the weekend!

    Back to work!

    Love to all!

    xoxo

    Lisa

  • Rachel_BC
    Rachel_BC Member Posts: 679
    edited August 2009

    baby shut door on my right hand. two fingers, no knuckles (i think). didn't go to ER. fingers on ice. no blood, just red marks in nails. pretty funny considering how i live on keyboard.  typing one handed... so much i want to say

     

    helena... thinking of you <3<3<3

     

    munchy hilarious!  @ shrink ask 4 xanax!!!!!

     

    lisa- i will take your rejects ok?  how do you get these age appropriate guys from match.com who take you on real dates? how u get the free face stuff?  you go girl... i am going 2 ty home dermabrasion + fade creams... 2 chicken to inject

     

    ack this typing frustrating!!!! 

  • Mary22
    Mary22 Member Posts: 428
    edited August 2009

    Rachel, hope your fingers feel better. Lisa, you go girl. Munchie we are all vain, but weight gain is not just vanity it is our health. I have been good, but today the classroom teacher brought in dunkin donuts!!!!!

    Spring, good luck w/your surgery.

    Kari, it must have been good to get out of town.

    I had company and we had a blast!!!!

    I did it, I got my tattoo. Pic posted on FB. You know what hurt the worst, my knee from the position I had to sit for an hour. There was a young girl, who was next and when she saw me limping, she almost changed her mind. But I told her that it was from my tron meniscus.

    7days down and only 179 to go!!!!!!!!!!

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