Bottle o Tamoxifen
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It is so interesting how different oncologists give differing advice. Today, my onc said vitamins ok, but no flax b/c it is related to soy and no soy (or at least try to avoid)- I'll still have to have my occasional asian food with soy sauce, but I don't drink soy milk or anything. He also said yes to antihistamines like Zyrtec and Benadryl which I believe were on the list of potential interactions posted. Who knows? He said antidepressants (some) are no-nos depending on which ones.
I asked about the CYP2D6 test b/c I didn't think I had it - here he did it before he put me on the TAmox. He showed me the paper and results - as a responsive metabolizer. He said, "oh sure, I would never had put you on Tamox if you weren't a good responder." What do you know? So, some of us maybe have had the test, but the oncs just didn't communicate it - probably worth asking. It was a relief to know it's working.
He felt the fatigue might be residual chemo and said that it takes at least 6 months for that chemo fatigue to go away. It made me feel better for the times after work that I just end up in my recliner and fall asleep then get up and go to bed for the whole night! Hang in there everyone & have a great weekend.
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I have fatigue, but, I just attributed that to having rads this summer. My rads oncologist said it take over a year to regain your strength. So, I never thought that the tamox might be adding to it.
I also have the neck aches. I wonder if that is with the tamox too. I need a list of the side effects.
Jeanne
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And, a BIG CONGRATS PattiB!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Jeanne_D wrote: I need a list of the side effects.
Jeane - Okay, here you go. According to the doctors on this site, http://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/hormonal/serms/tamoxifen.jsp
Side effects of tamoxifen:
Tamoxifen's selective estrogen activation effects can cause some serious side effects, including blood clots, stroke, and endometrial cancer. If you and your doctor are considering tamoxifen as part of your treatment plan, tell your doctor if you smoke or have a history of blood clots or heart attack. If you're taking tamoxifen, call your doctor immediately if you have any of these symptoms:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- pain or pressure in the pelvis
- leg swelling or tenderness
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- weakness, tingling, or numbness in your face, arm, or leg
- difficulty speaking or understanding
- vision problems
- dizziness
- sudden severe headache
The most common side effects of tamoxifen are:
- increased tumor or bone pain
- hot flashes
- nausea
- fatigue
- mood swings
- depression
- headache
- hair thinning
- constipation
- dry skin
- loss of libido
For an even more comprehensive list of side effects, along with charts showing likelihood of occurrence, you can check out: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/tamoxifen-side-effects.html .
There's also a list of SE in the small print that comes with the Tamoxifen. The info and stats seem to be the same for each generic. Here's the one that comes with Astra Zeneca, http://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=3420 . I can also give you the link for your manufacturer if you like.
I've been researching this stuff like crazy. I want to know exactly what I might be getting myself into.
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Thanks for the links, Kristine. I had seen the Globe and Mail one (in fact a friend thought I might have written it as I have become so vocal about these tests). I had not seen the second one. I think they had the posting date of Nov 12, 2008 incorrect? This seems to be very new material.
I have not got a receipt for my test. I will request one and give it a try with my insurance. I am sure the public health care will not cover it but perhaps my extended health will. Worth a try.
Cheers
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Cirtus - my understanding is it is the oil and the peel that are the problem NOT the fruit - except for grapefruit - a total no no. Google Tangeretin and tamoxifen and you will get several links.
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Looks like I'll have to start compiling a list of all the no-no's that don't go with Tamox. I'll tell you one thing, my MedOnc didn't offer any information at all about interaction. Even more surprising, he seemed stunned when I ask about the CYP2D6 test, and said they did not even do it but he would check into it for me. What century is my MedOnc from?
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Good morning ladies!
Thanks for the info, Caroline.
Four more pills to go and I'll be done with the third bottle of Tamox. So far, so good. No major SEs.
Be well.
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Hi Everybody,
I have fatigue also but do take 2 other meds that also cause some of it. My onc said that
this just might be like one too many, but sorry charlie basically. I did then start taking half
the Big T in the morning and the other half at night. It helps some.
I just started the Big T the 10th of September, so maybe my bod will gradually get used to
sleepy pills. All in all I can't complain too much about my SE's.
Susie: I thought of you this morning. I woke up with a horrid headache. I don't think it was
any SE ......... just happened. But I thought Poor Susie ~~ How does she stand this every
daggone day !!!!!!!! I didn't hardly move for like 45 minutes, especially my head, and by the
time I got up it was "almost" gone. But you have my "Poor Baby" big time.
CatbirdC Bonnie
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Aw Bonnie..I willl take the "Poor Baby". lol I have been taking Excedrin to get rid of them and it works, but, my oncologist said that isn't good for my stomach to take those everyday, sooooooooooooo, not for sure what I will do. He said, well his nurse, said they might subside soon. She said several women start off with them and then they go away. So, I am hoping.
Hoping the headaches go away and the beetles/ladybugs. I am still KILLING them. lol Darn those lil buggers.
Have a great evening!
Susie
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Americanpinay: I am so happy that you have no major side effects. WOOHOO! Hoping it stays that way and I bet it will. You Go Girl!
Susie
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Patti- Congrats on the 1 year...woo hoo!!! Let me know about upping the effexor, my hot flashes are still an issue!
Linda
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I just ate some grapefruit......what is the no-no with that and tamox???
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Something in grapefruit apparently interferes with Tamoxifen. Because we take Tamoxifen for so long, and it builds up in the body over time, one serving of grapefruit is not an issue, but having grapefruit on a regular basis would be.
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MTG, thanks for the list and the website of the se's of tamox. I appreciate it.
Hope everyone is good today!
Jeanne
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Just a comment.....
seems like grapefruit interferes with more meds than any food I've ever heard discussed.....
wonder why?????
Still I think we could have one now and again in life. I have seen where if you do you should
for instance eat the grapefruit in the morning and take the med at night.
Bonnie
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According to ScienceDaily.com, grapefruit is metabolized in the liver by the same enzyme that breaks down many drugs. There is a report of a Florida man who died after drinking grapefruit juice regularly while he was taking Lipitor (cholesterol medication).
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Oh My Patty......
Lipitor is one of the pills I take. BUT ~ I am not a big fan of grapefruit and ordinarily might
have a half one once or twice a year.
Bonnie
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I am HEREEEEEEEEEEEE! Sorry ladies. I have been killing myself to get my house clean and get ready for some friends that are coming out shortly for a cookout! Steaks, salad, texas toast and twice baked potatoes! YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! It is beautiful here. After we cook out, eat, we will drink some ( beers lol ) by a big fire that hubby already has going in the back. We live in the country, so, it is a big ONE! lol Ok, have a good night all!
Susie
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yeah, Bonnie, it's a little scary, because if you're like me, you have grapefruit so seldom that by the next time you have it, you may have forgotten all about these little interactions....!! Someone needs to invent a little sensor alarm that goes off the minute you pop something in your mouth that says " WARNING!! you are attempting to take Lipitor (or whatever) after having eaten grapefruit!! YOU IDIOT!!! Please check the manufacturer's caution label!!" or something like that.
Susie, sounds wonderful.....have a great evening. We're gearing up for the OSU - Texas Tech game at 7 p.m. (ABC). Go Cowboys!!
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Susie - Sounds like a blast ! But what is Texas Toast ?
All - Well, I met with my new medonc yesterday. I feel like Goldilocks and finally this one is JUST RIGHT. Super well informed (actually suggested the CYP2D6), super patient (let me ask all my questions even though it was at the tale end of Friday afternoon) and super low key. So got my prescription, had it filled today and took my first pill tonight. I'm now official.
I asked him expressly about the Benadryl and he wasn't concerned at all. When I pushed for why since it's considered to be a major inhibitor, he explained that Benadryl passes through the system quickly while Tamoxifen is releases slowly and stays in the system for a long time. I'll still be cautious but it's nice to know we have wiggle room and why.
Oh and even though some of the ladies on this thread have already written about drinking tonic water to ease muscle spasms/ cramps/ tighness, this wonderful man confirmed it without even being asked. Apperently tonic water or quinine is a muscle relaxer. Who knew ? I always thought it was the Gin in a G&T that made me relaxed. ~smile~
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Good Morning All,
Now that you mention it I recall my dad taking quinnine for leg cramps. I wasn't aware that tonic water did the trick too.
And I have a girlfriend that swears by the bar of soap cure.
)I'll never understand it but if it works......It Works.Susie: Wouldn't you put a bar of soap in your bed if it took away your headaches !!!!!
What if it KILLLED beetles ??????
Hope you all have a nice Sunday. It's sunny and Indian Summer like here.
Bonnie
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I've put a bar of soap under the sheets for leg cramps...it works! Don't know how or why but it does.....strange!
What's Texas toast???
Terri
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Terri,
Here Texas Toast is a thick type bread toasted with butter and garlic powder. Some also
include Parmesan cheese and.or even Mozzarella. Lots of the steak houses serve it.
Yep my friend Joan swears by her soap.
Bonnie
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Texas toast? "Here's to Texas, best damn state in the union!" Chug, chug. Oh you mean the other...
It's a double-wide piece of bread. It gets broiled w/ butter or garlic butter, so it can be served with a giant slab o' Texas beef. Not so good for cuttin' the carbs, but makes a good French Toast.
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box elder bugs -- http://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG0998.htmlhttp://www.extension.umn.edu/distribution/horticulture/DG0998.html
Is that what you have Susie? We used to have years when they seemed like they took over the world when we lived in the midwest and east. I remember sweeping them off the porch and the walls of the house they were so thick!
I've been trying to remember the name for about a week now and finally gave in and asked my husband. I don't know if its chemobrain, tamoxifen brain, or just menoopause brain, but my word finding memory has definitely taken a hit in the last two years.
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Texas toast sound yummy! I'll be right over !...lol
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Revkat~~
Well gosh I learned something. The ladybugs I have that "bug" us are called Asian Beetles
or Asian lady beetles. The boxelder bug is similar but not the one we have here. It is more
narrow and oval shaped. Ours looks identical to a red and black spotted lady bug but is a
lighter orange color with round black spots.
We'll have to wait and see what "bugs" Susie has~~~
Hey Susie ~~~ Name Your Bugs
Bonnie
p.s. Oh well it's a diversion from our bc worries. LOL
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I looked up the Asian lady beetle. Interesting. They like to winter in your walls. Sometimes I wonder just what all is living in the walls of my house. Do I really want to know?
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Thanks Susie...hope your headaches go away...
Be well ladies.
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