Bottle o Tamoxifen
Comments
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Welcome Wishiwere! There seems to be many different ways women on Tamoxifen are followed by their gyns and other drs. My gyn will give me a vaginal and abdominal u/s when I have my annual in March to establish a baseline, but he doesn't do them after that unless there are issues such as bleeding. I think it's probably a good idea to see a gyn/onc if there are any in your area. We don't have any, unfortunately. I think my med onc would be the person to talk to about side effects of Tamoxifen.
Cynthia
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Thanks. This is all so hard to get a handle on as you know. I really appreciate you taking the time to answer, Cynthia!
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Uterine fibroid growth is a side effect I have experienced because of tamoxifen, which I have been on for 3 and a half years. Both my gynecologist and oncologist believe that tamoxifen is the cause. It definitely doesn't happen to everyone. I had uterine fibroid embolization done but the fibroids didn't shrink much and my radiation interventionist (I think that is his title) said as long as I am premenopausal and on tamoxifen, new growths can occur. But, I am afraid not to take tamoxifen. You really have to weigh the pros and cons and make an educated decision. I have not had hot flashes, have just gained weight recently (about 8lbs) in spite of exercising and eating the same as always - but don't know if I can blame tamoxifen at this late date - probably has something to do with aging!
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Dearest Tamoxifriends,
Head for the chocolate car. My biopsy was B9!!!! I am thrilled. Basha0 -
BASHA....(((((HUGS OF CONGRATULATIONS))))))!!! WOOHOO....SHOUTING CHEERS OF JOY!
EAT ALL THE CHOCOLATE YOU CAN HANDLE! GREAT NEWS!! WHAT A RELIEF!!!
THROW THE CONFETTI!!
XOXO
LISA
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Basha,
Congratulations!!You must be so relieved!!!I am so happy for you>
Have a great evening!!
Love and hugs, Jackie
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Basha,
YIPPEE!!!!!
D
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Woohoo, Basha!!!! So happy for you!
I'm heading toward the chocolate car right now!
Lynn
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YAY**********BASHA I'm doing the Happy Dance for you, what a relief for you!!!! happyhappyhappydance!
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Basha,
YAY!! Glad to hear that your biopsy results were b-9!!
Harley
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Basha,
Congratulations!!! Chocolate car here we come.
Cynthia
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Hi ladies. I had my second bout with BC 2 years ago.The first time being 10 years ago when I had lumpectomy and rads. This time I had a Mastectomy, and chemo ending in Feb. of 2006. I was on the forum a lot in those days durring my second round of BC but then stopped coming on after I was a few months past the chemo. It was like I didn't realy want to hear or talk about BC so much for awhile.
So, now I have been taking the Tamoxifen for over a year and would like to join in to the tamoxifen train. The onc. started me on arimidex first since I was allready in menopause, but I could not tolerate it as I ached so so bad. I could barely walk. Then I tried Femara. Same thing. So, finally he said lets try Tamoxifen.
I had only taken Tamox for 6 months the first time I had BC which was 10 years ago. It made me so depressed I felt suicidal so stopped it.
Now, second time on tamoxifen I don't have super bad side effects from it but I will say I have been very depressed lately ( dont know if it is from the tamox or just everything) ; have definteley been achy more then usual but it is very strange as it comes and goes.
I noticed someone else said that they ache realy bad in all the joints for a few days and then feal better for a time. That is what happens to me. I will ache so bad in all my joints and feal like I am 90 years old and then all of a sudden in subsides for awhile. How many of you have this SE ??
What I have noticed the most in the last year or more is how spaced out I am and forgettful. I don't know if this is still from the chemo or if it is also from the tamoxifen. Also, I am very tired a lot and compared to before all this I feal very drained.
The first time I took Tamoxifen for 6 months I gained a lot of weight' but this time not at all.
I will tell you all tho that for me it is way better then the Arimidex or the Femara . Of course when I am done with Tamoxifen my onc. will then want me to take something else. Hopefully, there will be something new by then.
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Ashaby - So glad to hear your results came back B-9!! Save some dark chocolate for me!
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Hi Basha,
I am so glad for you....my internet is down and I have to check at work whenever I get a chance which is rare....but when I could get on I checked everyday to see what your results were.....and I am so happy for you....here's to you
My MRIs did have some enhancements, but they were still present on delayed imaging (both breasts) my BS called me on her way to a breast conference to tell me that she will be reviewing with the rad. my MRIs this tues., but she feels good about the report and is not nervous so no bx planned for the enhancements but is going with the rad. recommendation of B MRIs in 6 months and she is also rec. B mammo for new calcs in B breasts in 6 months.....she is also going to call me after she actually sees the MRIs with the rad on Tues. so good news for me too.....
Betsy
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OH and for all of you on Tamoxifin, I did take the advice of one of the postings and changed my Tamoxifin from Barr manufacturing to IVAX although it is not IVAX anymore, but my pharmacist feels it is most likely the same formula (fillers/binders) and no RASH:).....Yeah!!! a rash would not look good with my Bikini when I am down in the Keys the end of Feb.:)
Betsy
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Hi everyone. Basha , I am taking effexor for my hotflashes. And it finally kicked in last week. Thank God. I was starting to get anxious and depressed from all the sweating I was doing. Its so uncomfortable and embarrassing. Cynthia , I'll be interested to hear what they find from your tests. I have suffered with palps for years. Then when I started taking ziac for my bp , they stopped. Then they tried to take me off it , and the palps started right up with a racing pluse. So they put me back on it and I was fine , until now. My stress test was fine. echos were fine. Maybe its just our chemical make-up. I just know I hate them and they make me anxious.
Yes , I am due for a pap test. I guess I'll call my onc to see if there is any special test I should have. My gyn is a regular one , not an onc. I haven't had any problems with yeast infections either. Sorry I'm not much help. I sure hope they stop soon for you.xx
Well , I hope you all have a good weekend. I bet Virginia is having a blast on her cruise. I want to go on a cruise!!!!!!!!!
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Basha ,YAHHHHHHHHHHOOOOOOOOOOO! Happy dance , Happy dance. I'm so glad. I didn't read the last page when I post. So good to hear the b-9 news.xxxx
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Welcome aboard to all the newbies!!
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Dear Tamoxiriders,
Thank you so much for the support as I sweated through that wait for biopsy results. Actually, what was found was atypical lobular hyperplasia.I've read so many varied responses of how to treat this on these boards. My BS and I have chosen to continue to conserve that breast;(3lumpects, 2 stereos!!)Watch and wait is the new treatment. I feel good about that but will opt for mx if more DCIS pops up.
Now I get to relax and ride the train with my sisters. I'm sorry if I went a little nuts in the chocolate car....
LOVE, Basha0 -
Wishiwere,
Hope I can help you. I have had similar problems:
1)In 1968, I had an ovary +huge dermoid cysts removed.
2) I had a hysterectomy in 1983, for endometriosis.
3)In 2005 the remaining ovary was removed. I had a gyno for all of those problems and followup and also primary care MD.
4)When I had a lumpectomy in 2004, the surgeon did one followup, my primary care MD continued to monitor me.
5)After the lumpectomy in 04/09/07, my primary doctor +both rads and breast onc monitored me.
My primary MD is certified in gyno so I only go to a gyno for severe problems that need surgery.
At my 6 month checkup, the breast onc and I discussed which docs I needed to see regularly. The breast onc is wonderful and thorough and prescribed Tamox, so I'll continue regular visits with him. He has been monitoring the SE of Tamox. My rads onc has a wonderful "bedside" manner so I'll continue to see her. I'll also see my primary MD for yearly checkups. All three docs communicate my progress. (They are all at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center).
I'm not sure what you mean by "Well, first off, he's a ...oh shoot...Not an M.D., the other one." Is he a DO or an PA?
Hope this helps.
Take care,
Karoline
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Betsy,
That's great about your news. It's the waiting that's a killer. Got xtra room in your bag for Key West??
XXX Basha0 -
Another happy dance here for Basha!!
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Basha,
If I have xtra room in my bag I will take all of you:) Thanks to all for all the support....you are right Basha....the waiting is killer....I feel good about repeating the B MRIs and B mammo in June, but I know as I get closer to June...I will have to work on not getting anxious....I think once I get through a set without any ? it will get easier:)
Betsy
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Basha,
I am very happy for you!!! I am still at the "train station" but I have a nicely painted banner. I will jump on soon as soon as I work the worries out. Some of my friends at work either tell me not to wait too long or start taking it and get it over with.
I guess in my own time I will. Then we will have to head to the chocolate car again, plus I dont know how many more cars to sample, but I gotta start with dessert (had to look the spelling up).
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desert, dessert, we'd have known either way!
I'll be joining sometime before March 8, just not sure. Is there a usual wait between ending chemo and starting it? My last chemo is feb 8th, and be/c of the TRIAL, I have to start the tamox within 30 days. Man, this next 5 years depends on me getting along with it! I sure hope being peri-menopause will help with the extremes of the SE's.
Does being past menopause help women with not having the extreme reactions to this? How long before you start having SE's? Not looking forward to this trip ladies!
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Good question wishiwere!!! I am post menopausal myself last period being 4/06. MMM another thing to ponder.
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I've been on Tamoxifen for 1 year - no hot flashes, no vag. dryness (actually have a slight discharge), no aches (other than my usual ones). I do have VERY THIN hair on the top of my head and part-way down the back
- and I used to have thick hair. As far as weight gain and/or loss --- I am average size, but if I eat bad I gain weight (always have), as long as I follow the south beach diet plan I can control my weight around 135 #. Cheryl
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Yeah, I'm wondering about weight gain too. I've had problems with losing the week after chemo every time but have managed to nearly build it back up by the next time. I'm hoping the tamox doesn't add weight as I know the problems my sister has with her weight over the years.
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Basha,
Congrats!!!!!
Go nuts anywhere you want you've earned it!
Karoline
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Oh Basha, I couldn't be happier for you... I got home on Saturday from my cruise and I was scrolling and scrolling and scrolling looking for good news... PHEW! Again, sooooo happy....
Cruise was good...my friend got a nasty intenstinal virus and was sick for all 5 island days!
My Dad is home from the hospital but VERY sick...
It's awful. He has visiting nurses come and we are all there every day... So so so sad...On a positive note, I have not forgotten to take my Tamox in like a MONTH! A NEW WORLD RECORD! The little pill box with the days of the week DEFINITELY helps me... Oh, and I don't know who mentioned it, but the chemo brain... I hope Tamox isn't responsible... But, I feel very foggy and like my brain doesn't synapse properly anymore... I bought myself a Nintendo DS so I could do brain strengthening exercises (I really do them...I have the brain of an 80 year old...not good).
:O
Virginia
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