Bottle o Tamoxifen
Comments
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It took me a while to stare at the little white bottle and finally open it, but when I did I didn't have one side effect. I fully expected the worst, but now, 4 months in, nothing! I hope the same is true for you! Not sure about weight gain... I can blame the Tamoxofin, but I think the extra pounds are my own fault for loving Mallomars!
Best of luck to you. Be well!
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Susie - I think those bugs might be stinkbugs (can't remember the real name) Sometimes they are orange & black and some are just tannish brown. My Golden likes to play and eat them too.
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Good evening ladies! It is really nice here tonight, almost warm out and a beautiful Harvest moon. I do love those! And, the beetles/ladybugs go to sleep...shhhhhhhhhhhhhh LOL
Brenda: Thanks for letting me know how your headaches went away within a few weeks. I hope that is the case for me. I don't normally get headaches and never days in a row. I thought it might have been from the allergic reaction to the CAT scan and everything, but, I don't know. I think it might be more the tamox. Dang it..........
CatbirdC: YES, these darn bugs do LOVE my house. But, it isn't just mine. Everyone has them, even the town people. I think it is just worse here because we live in the country and are surrounded by bean fields. They started harvesting some today, so, maybe they will leave if the beans are out of the fields soon. I hope so! And, I could use a bug-eating dog! LOL Know of one?
Mary: I just started tamox myself, and so far, I just have a headache daily. I want to wish you good luck! Keep us updated on how you are doing. Ok?
PattiB: They only stink if you sweep them up or squeeze them. lol I stopped squeezing them and just sweep them now. I did put out a little bowl of soap and water and I have been picking them up and throwing them in there....drowning them. lol OMG, I am so evil.
Susie
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LOL
We've had more daggone fun with those beetle bugs and I've learned all kinds of things
about them.
Don't know where we could find a bug eating dog though. We need one of those lizards
that snap their tongues out and eat bugs. LOL
CatbirdC
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Susie, yes, I have had a prescription for Ambien since diagnosis - I could not sleep (gee, wonder why???) and my bs gladly gave me the scrip. I was on it every night until I finished rads, then started weaning myself off and when I could finally fall asleep by myself, it was great, until I started the tamox, and have the occasional insomnia nights. Now I take it if it looks like I am not falling asleep by 11-ish so I am not up all night. Insomnia is also a by-product of menopause, which I've been in (surgical) since 1997, and I would take benadryl. Since chemo, benadryl doesn't do anything for me, so it's Ambien all the way!
We have plenty of lizards in south florida that I would be happy to ship up to you, Catbird! Most of them are on my screened in porch.
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Allie, I think you might be onto something with the green tea. Last week, I didn't have much of it and noticed I was eating a lot more. When I drink it, I feel it doing something to my stomach, like it's shrinking or something, that definitely reduces the appetite, must be that it's so acidic. As far as losing weight, I recommend exercise, the only thing that I know for sure really does work as well as cutting out the bad carbs and bad fats and eating lots of whole grains and veggies. Soup is great too, I'm always making up my own with veggies and beans and olive oil.
Susie, you do look way too young to have BC. I feel the worst for the younger women, who still may be way premenopausal, especially with the more advanced stages of cancer. Many of them are subject to the worst of the treatments, that have lifelong impact on things like fertility and quality of life. Happy to see that you have a very early stage.
Rachel, yes, Naughty nurse, that's me! My Onc was a little horrified by the tamoxication, I told him after the fact because I knew it wasn't likely to be OKed by him. I also knew that it wouldn't harm me, and being so experimental, I just had to know, is it menopause or is it tamoxifen? My Onc did laugh though and say "Grrh, you nurses, you're all the same." There are women who wouldn't tell their Oncs at all.
Harley, what stage did you have? I hope you can get back to the place of not thinking about BC much again.
I also use ambien on occasion, I've always had sleep problems, got really bad these past couple of years and for me, it works great without any side effects. I don't want to become dependant on it though, so I only take 5mg and won't let myself have it more than once or twice a week, if even that. I also use an over the counter sleep aid called doxylamine succinate. For me it works better than benadryl. I also try to use this sparingly. I'm going to ask my Onc about Melatonin on the next visit, it's supposed to be a natural sleep aid that also helps to supposedly regulate the hormones.
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Morning people! Hope everyone is good today!
Bonnie: Yes, it has been funny talking about the beetle bugs, but, I really, really hate the lil buggers. I have been on sweeping them up duty already this morning. My poor sweeper. lol And, that is a great idea..the lizard! Now, where can I find one at? lol
Chelev: That benadryl they gave me on Monday, after my CAT scan reaction, really knocked me out and once I finally woke up from it, I felt great. Too bad that we can't have that stuff more often. But, someone wrote that it wasn't good to take it with tamox. I do have trouble sleeping as I am sure a lot do. I seem to have a lot of nightmares ever since I got diagnosed with bc. But, I just figured it goes hand in hand with it until we can feel some sense of security again.
Susie
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Morning Rose! Yes, I was more than a little shocked to get bc at my age, but, I know there are ones much younger than me. Wasn't there a child in CA that got bc this year? I can't remember her name. I just remember reading or hearing about it. I pray that she will be ok. And yes, mine was caught early, but, it still has a huge impact on my future. I know it is never easy to have bc, it is just that I do tend to think of a recurrence a lot. And, none of my girlfriends have it and they seem afraid to even hear about it, which I don't blame them. I never thought I would get it either. Don't get me wrong, they are very supportive and great to me, but, I can tell that it scares them to think that they might even get it. Ok...enough of that.
Sweeping up beetle time again! lol
Susie
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Hi Everyone,
Chelev~~ I could have used one or two of your porch lizards earlier....LOL.
Pack up 3 or 4 and send them to Susie. Poor thing is busy sweeping them up.
)Hi Susie, Hope you don't mind me ordering you a few lizards.
)Have any of you ever heard of getting dry eyes from Tamoxifen? I have that. The doctor said
it's sort of rare, nothing serious, but honestly some days I look like I've been "tippin a few"
with these red eye balls of mine. I'm using two different drops and my eye doctor told me
to get fish oil caps and take them. That's my mission today.
Hope you all are doing well today.
CatbirdC Bonnie
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I've been trying to make myself drink green tea because its good for me, could never enjoy it and had a hard time doing it. Eating less would be the best reason I've found for green tea, I'll have to try it again
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Kap, good luck with the Tamox break. From what I've read sometimes a brief hiatus can help.
I've always been on the thin side resulting from a good metabolism, somewhat healthy (mainly vegetarian) diet and exercise (yoga/pilates/weights 4x a week). I gained some weight with rads, so when it was over I bought a spin bike (so now there's no excuse), increased my cardio to 5x a week and largely replaced simple carbs with healthier stuff . I lost what I gained, but I really had to work at it (which was never the case) and now I'm just barely maintaining. Pehaps I'm also experiencing a metabolic slowdown.
When I was first diagnosed (last spring) at my doctor's suggestion I briefly poked around the Young Survivors Coalition board and most of the posters were in their twenties and thirties and a lot of them had very aggressive cancers. I quickly checked out. This disease knows no boundaries.
MTG, welcome to the wonderful world of Tamox! I am taking Teva (manf) Tamox and other than an early period and pms type cramps (and perhaps a slower metabolism), I haven't experienced any other SEs. Like you I am concerned about the known and unknown SEs, but as with anything else, I am balancing the risks with the benefits. And I am getting my Tamox directly from my insurance company, which has a mail service pharmacy - 3 month supply for $15. I think most insurance companies have a similar program.
And right on, Rachel. Support has always been in abundance on this thread and you have always been one of our greatest cheerleaders. Negatvity and personal attacks are very uncommon and when it does happen just about everyone vigorously responds to it. That's not "starting" negativity - that's how we stop it.
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Kap, good luck with the Tamox break. From what I've read sometimes a brief hiatus can help.
I've always been on the thin side resulting from a good metabolism, somewhat healthy (mainly vegetarian) diet and exercise (yoga/pilates/weights 4x a week). I gained some weight with rads, so when it was over I bought a spin bike (so now there's no excuse), increased my cardio to 5x a week and largely replaced simple carbs with healthier stuff . I lost what I gained, but I really had to work at it (which was never the case) and now I'm just barely maintaining. Pehaps I'm also experiencing a metabolic slowdown.
When I was first diagnosed (last spring) at my doctor's suggestion I briefly poked around the Young Survivors Coalition board and most of the posters were in their twenties and thirties and a lot of them had very aggressive cancers. I quickly checked out. This disease knows no boundaries.
MTG, welcome to the wonderful world of Tamox! I am taking Teva (manf) Tamox and other than an early period and pms type cramps (and perhaps a slower metabolism), I haven't experienced any other SEs. Like you I am concerned about the known and unknown SEs, but as with anything else, I am balancing the risks with the benefits. And I am getting my Tamox directly from my insurance company, which has a mail service pharmacy - 3 month supply for $15. I think most insurance companies have a similar program.
And right on, Rachel. Support has always been in abundance on this thread and you have always been one of our greatest cheerleaders. Negatvity and personal attacks are very uncommon and when it does happen just about everyone vigorously responds to it. That's not "starting" negativity - that's how we stop it.
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Sorry, I posted the same thing twice and deleted the second.
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Everyone has been so kind and so supportive of me. And, it has been so great to get the PM's of encouragment and I thank all of you so much! You have given me a wealth of information and kindness.
And, it is nice to share a laugh about the beetle/ladybugs invasion that I have now! lol
Susie
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Kmmd: It took me awhile to really like green tea. I still don't like it as well as just regular hot tea, but, I know it has a lot of good benefits for us, so, I drink it instead anymore. Maybe, if you add some lemon or honey or something to it? That might make it taste better. I have always loved hot tea. Hope you can learn to drink it and like it better!
Susie
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Bonnie, I will be expecting those lizards any day from you then. LOL
Dry eyes? No, I don't have that yet. I will be curious to see if others do. I think I have read about that being one of the side effects of tamox, but, I am not for sure. Hope it gets better for you!
Susie
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Hi,
I just saw my On today and got my RX for Tamox. I will start it next Tuesday when I am all finished with rads. I saw someone post that they got their SE's about 2 weeks in, is that typical or does it vary from woman to woman?
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Hi Jburke1! Congrats on being almost done with rads! That is a huge accomplishment. I was so glad when I was finally done. But, then I kind of missed going as it made me always feel safe. I kind of missed going because it was such a routine, but, also because it made me feel like I was really doing something to still fight the beast. I know that sounds weird, but, I did. I just love my techs and rads oncologist and still see them quite often. He is actually taking better care of me than my oncologist, whom I don't care for and may terminate.
As for side effects with tamox, I just started Sunday night and have had a headache everyday since then. And, I never used to have many headaches, so, I am thinking it might be a se of it. I hope that you have NONE! Good luck to you!
Susie
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Just thought I would post some on this thread. I have been MIA for awhile, but, figured it was time to get back on here. I have headaches with tamox too Susie, so, I think it is fairly commen. My oncologist seemed to think that they will go away eventually. Praying that he is right. But, who knows. I haven't had the dry eyes yet, so, I hope that will clear up for you. I know many have had the hot flashes. I haven't had those yet, and, not for sure why not. But, I don't want to borrow any more trouble. Have a good day!
Jeanne
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Hi JBurke,
It varies from woman to woman. I didn't experience any SEs until I was 60 pills in and they weren't too bad (an extra period, PMS type cramps). I think my metabolism has slowed a bit too, but that was going to happen eventually - I'm eating less and exercising more these days, which is okay.
The first pill is the hardest, but you will feel much better after you take the plunge.
Best,
J0 -
I haven't had more frequent headaches with Tamoxifen, but the ones I have seem to be more intense. I used to ignore minor headaches, and they would frequently go away within an hour. Now I need to do something to make them go away. Ignoring them isn't an option anymore.
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Well, I am just looking forward to the day that hopefully, the headaches do go away. It is just odd for me to have them. But, it could be added stress too. My CAT scan monday and the reaction did upset me and maybe I am not over that yet. And, I don't have the results either, so, that could be adding to it. Just praying that it isn't cancer again.
Sorry you are having problems with tamox too Jeanne_D. I hope your headaches get better with time also. What do you take for them?
Susie
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Susie, you look so young. It breaks my heart to see such young women go thru bc. It seems that there are so many anymore. I just wish noone had to go thru it ever!
I want to wish you good luck on your CAT scan. Please let us know when you can. We will all be praying for a good result for you!
Jeanne
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Thanks Jeanne! Yea, I never thought that I would get bc, and, certainly not at this age. But, I am dealing with it and will continue. I have the best hubby in the world, a great family and wonderful friends. I have wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too much to live for to ever not keep fighting this. A girlfriend came out today and kidnapped me to take me shopping for a little while. We had a great time. I even forgot about bc for awhile. She even bought takeout dinner for us, so, I don't have to cook tonight. YEA!!!!!!!!!!!! There is just so much to be thankful for, and, this site and my new friends here are at the top! I can use all of the prayers for my CAT scan. Thank you!
Susie
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Thanks Susie and J
I am joping that I am spared some SE's for a while. Susie, I can totally relate to missing the routine and the people at the clinic where I do radiation. I love my rad onc and the techs also! I will miss them and may stop in from time to time to say hi. It does get to be a routine and I know I feel like I am actually doing something to fight this thing.
Thank you and take care!
I will keep up posted on how I do
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Hi,
Is there anyone here who is her2 positive and taking Tamoxifen, or is that on a different thread?
I have a package of Tamoxifen that I stare at daily with dread but I have not taken it yet..afraid of side effects. I had to take herceptin for a year until Sept. 09 which caused side effects. I did have the CYP2D6 metabolizer test and am a normal metabolizer for Tamoxifen. BUT, I am weakly ER positive so my benefit of taking this stuff is around 4-6%. The onc is leaving it up to me whether to take it, or not. Any ideas would be great!
tucker
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Hey Tucker. I am Her2+. I am still taking Herceptin, my 52 weeks is up mid-January...and I soooo look forward to that day because then I can lose this port!
I am scheduled to begin Tamox as soon as I get through one last surgery I need on the 19th. I will most likely begin taking it around the first of December. My onc says I will be on it for 5 years. I have not had the metabolizer test -- yet...I will discuss this more with my onc on the next visit (25th).
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tucker- my .02 is ... I'd TAKE the 4-6% !
oh but one thing, there is new research showing a possible increase in hormone negative cancers among tamoxifen users.- but only tamoxifen users who take it for 5 years, not less. Maybe ask your ONC how this might apply to you. Maybe just take it for a year or two?
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I forgot to mention - finally a positive thing about the HFs.
I went in for rads today and the room was FREEZING. The techs were complaining. Well, I thought I was going to be miserable, but lo and behold a big HF hits me just as I'm in position...didn't notice the cold after that...
2nd batch of brownies is baked and frosted...pound cakes (mini loaves) just went into the oven...
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Hi Tucker,
I'm Her2+ also. I finished my year of herceptin in June, but have been taking tamoxifen since the beginning of this year. I do have side effects like aches in my hips, feet, and to some degree my hands. My hair is thinning, and my eyes are dry. I have a few hot flashes every now and then. However, since being on tamoxifen I was able to lose the 25 pounds that I put on during chemo (plus about 5 more) and keep it off. All these symptoms still don't add up to anything "bad enough" to stop taking it (for me). I know that everyone seems to have symptoms in varying degrees, and some people don't have any at all.
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