Bottle o Tamoxifen
Comments
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That could be. I had just gone through menopause when diagnosed and I certainly haven't felt like doing much exercise since then. I may just have to really make an effort to push myself to move and stay out of the kitchen!
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Pat Mom--I do think that has a lot to do with it. I think chemo can also put the body through some changes where metabolism is affected. I have not had weight gain with it and I am on the younger side (for BC)--am 43.
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I've just started my 2nd bottle of tamoxifen, took my 3lst pill to be exact. I've lost 2 pounds since starting. Not sure if this is from the tamoxifen or not. Like AllieM22, I am also on the younger side for BC.
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You're making me hungry. ~~Joking~~
I've been spending a lot of time on my butt getting all the info.I could get online about B/C , this site included. Might be neccessary, but it's not help my weight. ~~Serious~~
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Kimmer51 - I know this side effect thing is super confusing; since I've been on T for less than a week, I just went through researching it ! So let's add my two cents:
Yes, the small print instructions with the Tamoxifen do say that weight loss is a possible side effect. But Bonnie is right, the "studies" haven't shown that the weight differences on T are particullarly different from those on placebos. (I've attached one re: weight loss on the bottom of this posting from ttp://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?id=10027; EDITED: Oops the chart wont reprint so use the link and page all the way down; or, better yet, read the whole thing; t's interesting). However, please keep in mind that "studies" aren't always representative of the side effects that women w/ BC are getting. Having just finished Rads, I'm sure you've read of women suffering SE's that are poo pooed by their docs but are certainly real to them and others.
The far more common SE seems to be weight gain. I'm not basing it on scientific studies but rahter first hand reports from women on this site. PatMom's comment is right on point here. Rather than being a direct side effect of the Tamoxifen, it seems more likely that it's due to (peri-)menopause and the related slowing metabolism. Of course, part of this is related to age and part to the Tamoxifen which is making our body change earlier than they would have otherwise.
The ladies on this thread are always helpful so you'll certainly get more responses.
M
Diagnosis: 6/30/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-0 -
Since the Tamoxifen causes body changes re the estrogen then you'd think they'd share
the blame for some of the weight gain. But I guess the studies don't work that way.
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In my case, I know it was the tamoxifen that caused my weight gain. However, having said that, I will say that for me, it was also a transient , early side effect. Before starting tamox, I had my weight stabilized for over a year around low 140s, then within 3-4 months of starting it, without changing exercise level or anything else that was going on, I gained 7-8 lbs. So I increased the intensity and frequency of my workouts and within a month or two got back down to where I was originally.
Since then,.I've had no trouble at all at keeping my weight around 140 where I want it. In fact, now even when I slack off on the exercise and proper diet a bit, I still don't gain an ounce. We'll see what happens over the upcoming holidays.
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CatbirdC - The law has a concept called "Proximate Cause" basically the "but for" cause; for example, but for the first domino being pushed over, the last one in line wouldn't have fallen. But for the Tamoxifen (or the ovarian suppression or the hysterectomies, etc), our bodies wouldn't be changing quite yet ...including weight gain.
Interesting how medical science does make a distinction between the side effects that would likely eventually happen anyway (Weight gain - NOT a SE) and those that are worse because of the suddenness of it all (Hot Flashes -ARE a SE).
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Well and I think Americans need to have a re-set on their eating habits anyway--change of life and/or tamoxifen aside. We all eat way too many processed foods and our nutrients come in a sprayed on form--like in cereal. To quote Michael Pollan, who I love: Eat Food. Not Too Much. Mostly Plants.
This is not to say I advocate being a vegan or not having any desserts, cheese or any of the other tasty things we all love. But we need to get back to eating real food--and eating the "splurge" foods in more moderation and less frequency.
Sorry--getting off soap box now!
I do think diet is so important though--not to lose weight but to help your body work as well as it can for as long as it can.0 -
Thanks for all the comments. I'll definitely be checking back in.
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Vit D
My family doc says she has never seen anyone near toxic levels for this vitamin. Now, I AM in Western Canada, not sunny climes like some of you, but I have been recommended to take a minimum of 2,000iu/day.
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My husband swears by TUMS for instant relief from leg cramps. Maybe leg/foot crampers are not getting enough calcium?
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Hi, all- I appreciate the comments on possible ways of dealing with foot/leg cramps and the conversation on weight loss/gain and healthy eating. And Meg, I am hopeful your body will continue to heal--you have "been through the wringer" lately! It can certainly be quite challenging to decide when to accept a change in condition, when to consider an exam/consult, and how aggressive to be with care....
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I gained about 10 lbs over the whole surgery/chemo/rads/chemopause expereince, but I have not gained further weight on tamoxifen. Actually, I have lost weight in the past 3 months (been on the tamox for 15 months) but I attribute it to exercise and a better diet!
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WHERE IS EVERYONE ??????MAYBE YOU ALL FLEW SOUTH ???????
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Sorry all, I got the flu shot and now I am very sick. So, I am here, just not for long. I didn't read everything, but, thanks Bonnie for the copy and paste. lol And, MTG, I LOVE that pic. You all put a smile on my face. Ok, back to bed. Take care!
Susie
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Shock of all shocks, real life is starting to creep back in !. Instead of researching T and BC, I'm researching Thanksgiving recipes, holiday presents, flights to Florida (anyone else go to Art Basel ?), and finally, finally changing over my closet to winter clothes. I tried to start earlier but kept getting "distracted" by this stuff. For months now it's looked like a clothing bomb exploded in my living room (really embassasing when my neighbor stopped by !)
What's everyone doing for Thanksgiving ?
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Oh, and thanks everyone for the compliments on the cake. I had a great time planning it, making it, giving it and now showing it off. And if anyone wants to borrow a boob cake pan just let me know ! (Good for many occassions - rads, brest surgeon, medonc !)
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Hi Everyone !!!
Susie ~~ I wondered wha hoppen with you? My girlfriend is so very sick too with a flu shotreaction to the regular vacine.
M ~~ think we've all got our minds on the holidays rather than the T or b/c and that's probably a good thing not to constantly dwell. I think we're all up in arms about the "guidelines: but also think they are dead in the water. YAY !
I'll be the cook for Thanksgiving. Used to go to my mother's or his mother's or both mothersbut those days are long gone and much missed too.
Bonnie
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Bonnie - Don't be so certain the guidelines are dead. Read the small print in HHS Secretary Sebelius' statement. As I've noted elsewhere, I think the government is playing a shell game. Sebelius' statement addresses only mammograms covered by the Federal government. That means mammograms covered by Medicare. Think about it - Just how many women under 50 are on Medicare ? As the article says, Medicare "covers older Americans and some younger ones who are disabled." So really, what is Sebelius saying ??? The insurance companies can still cite these guidelines for denying insurance claims.
And by the way, did you notice that there's not one single oncologist on the panel. Lots of pediatric specialists, one geriatric specialist but NO ONCOLOGISTS !!! Aargh !
On to happier things, Thanksgiving- I'm sure you still honor both mothers by using their recipes. It's amazing how food brings back memories. While I always try to add something new and upscale,(This year a cinnamon cranberry relish - how come suddenly raw cranberries are bad for us ?) I find I keep going back to the tradional stuff. Like sweet potatoes with marshmellows - yuck any other time but just right for Thanksgiving. Oh and my 83 year old is still the "official cook". I go over a few days early, play sous chef and she supervises every move I make. Aah family traditions ~smile~
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I will be starting Tamoxifen shortly when my radiation is complete. I will be checking this thread looking for side effects, etc., but there are so many posts I don't think I can read it all!
I hope I will have the energy to cook Thanksgiving dinner. But extended family is sicker than I am. It will be a day off from rads, I wish I could take a short trip instead.
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Be kind to yourself, Linn and stay away from sickies.
Don't forget, the se from rads may start AFTER they are finished - they did for me, except for the tiredness. Keep airing and creaming.
Please fill in your profile, so we'll know who you are most like in diagnoses. Helps formulate responses.
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M~~~
You just might well be right. I was commenting from what I heard on CNN stating that itdidn't look like any action would be taken by insurance companies. She said she hadthe word of some insurance organization and wouldn't hesitate to call them on it if theyreversed. But HEY..... famous last words. We'll just have to wait and see.
I do use Mom's recipes and you're so right about the memories.
Linn~~ Ah...feel bad for you. Wish you didn't have to cook. Maybe one of those dinners youbuy at the food chain where you get the whole kittin kaboodle. I did it one year when I had to and~ Granted it wasn'tsuper duper grandma good but it was restaurant quality good and they all lived. LOL
Bonnie
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Any one know why my words run together when I am spacing after every word !!!!!!!!!
I cannot figure out why. Now watch it not do so this time. LOL
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*%$)++)%^#$+_)(^$_+_(%$#()+__++_*(^&%$*(+_#^%
those are bad words.
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Bonnie - FYI, your words aren't running together on my screen.
Linn - Why not listen to CatbirdC and take a little short cut by buying at least some of the stuff pre-made. You can still supplement with favorite recipes but at least you dont have to knock yourself out making everything. It's really the family getting together that's important. (And by the way, if too many people are under the weather, you can always celebrate Thanksgiving a week or two later. Everyone may actually enjoy it more.
Susie - Feel better.
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Our family has moved to pot luck dinners. The host cooks the poultry/meat and maybe a bit more. The rest is divied up between all who are coming. Works VERY well.
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Hi All,
When I read what I type on here almost every line has a word running into the next one. Gladit doesn't show on yours M....maybe not at all.
Linn....That's great suggestions by M and Bcamnb both. Might give you some idea of how to make it a tad easier on yourself.
Susie~~ Feel better soon.
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What with chemolag, Tamox se's, and whatever else is going on with me these days
, I decided to open my doors to all family who wanted to come for Thanksgiving. I promised a clean home and a clean husband and a clean dog, decided to provide the turkey and a ham and perhaps a veggie, then asked everyone else to bring whatever they want. It works for me, and my family seems happy with the plan. (And I am getting the turkey and ham from the local butcher, ready to eat--yea!) 0 -
Hi ladies. I went to my onc on Monday and she was upset when I mentioned that I was getting my period twice a month since starting Tamox 4 months ago. She sent me to my OBGYN who did a biopsy of my uterus the same day. Today I was informed that they didn't get a good reading so I am scheduled to have a D&C on 12/7 and they'll do the biopsy then under sedation. They're concerned because of the Tamox. The OB said it could be my body getting use to the medication but that I'm not suppose to have a period twice a month.. Has anyone else had this problem? Thank God for Xanax....
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