Bottle o Tamoxifen
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okay, I am going to try the soap tonight. I have ony been on Tamox for about 6 weeks now but the night leg and foot cramps are killing me!! The heating pad isn't working. I don't like the hot flashes and night sweats, but they aren't as bad as the leg pain.
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Try the soap trick Keno. I think any kind of soap works. Just make sure that it is unwrapped and under the sheets. I would imagine at the foot of the bed too. Let us know if it works for you.
Harley, your thanksgiving dinner sounds so good! I know some people that have a dinner like that at Xmas too instead of ham or turkey. I ought to try that sometime.
I have had trouble sleeping since I have been on tamox, so, sometimes I stay up later than normal. My oncologist did give me some sleeping pills that work. I just hate to take them.
I hope your headaches get better for you Susie. You are so pretty and so young to have bc and to have to deal with this. It just is not fair. I wish that they would find a cure. Sometimes it seems that they are not much further along than they were 20 years ago and that just doesn't make sense with all of the millions and billions that has been donated.
Ok, I hate to sound dumb here, but, Canada has Thanksgiving too?
My turkey was quite large this year HAHAHAHA!
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PattiB wrote: "NP ... said drink 1/2 glass of tonic water 1/2 hour before bed. I did get a small bottle, but yuck, don't really like it.
Ummmm, I'm guessing we dont have to drink straight tonic water. Some lemonade or OJ would probably make it a lot tastier.
Re: the soap - the atricles I cied above do note that the soap needs replacing every few months. Many, many sources say it works! For those trying it: Good Luck and please keep us posted.
And thanks all for the feedback on the turkey photo...I thought it was tooo perfect for us BC ladies, esp those who recently finished rads. .....My family tried something different for Thankgiving this year - we normally have so many hors d'oeuvres before we sit down, that we're all full by the time the turkey comes out. This time we had the munchee stuff like cold shrimp and crab stuffed mushrooms on Wednesday night and the turkey and trimmings on Thursday. Worked well. Of course, we'll still be eating turkey for days !!!! But hey, hot turkey, curried turkey, turkey sandwiches....lots of variations.
Edited to Add: Jeanne: Love the photo. With a bird like that, you'd be eating the same one at Christmas time! LOL
M
Diagnosis: 6/30/2009, IDC, 1cm, Stage I, 0/1 nodes, ER+/PR+, HER2-0 -
Hello! I just joined this site and hope to find some support and help here. I got my tamoxifen prescription, but, I am just staring at it. I am afraid to start taking it even though I know that I have to and will. Did anyone else go thru this or did you just take that first pill without even thinking? The literature with the side effects is so long. I almost wish they didn't even give that to us.
That picture of the big turkey is very funny! I am getting sick of turkey already, but, this is the last day. I always heard only eat it for 3 days.
Also, is anyone else having soreness still in their boob after rads? I have been done with rads now for about 5 months and my boob is still sore. My rads oncologist said that it might take up to a year to get over the effects of the treatment.
Thanks! Debby
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Hi and Welcome to the site DebbyM! You will find lots of support, help and encouragement here now. I, like you, stared at the bottle too, afraid to take it. So, I just waited, did research and when I felt comfortable about it, I took my first pill. I told myself that if I have bad side effects and find it intolerable, or, find it having an adverse effect on my quality of life, I will stop it. I am not 100% on board with what it does anyway. So, I hope that you do what is best for you. If you decide to take it, just see how you do on it. If you don't take it, that is certainly your choice and noone here will chastize you for that decision now either. Just hang around and read and maybe that will help you to make up your mind.
I am a few months out of radiation too and my breast is also still a bit sore. But, I think that is normal. Just have to tell hubby to take it easy. Ok, TMI! Sorry
I hope that everyone that went shopping yesterday survived. It looked like havoc on TV. But, I guess there were some really great sales.
I am glad that you liked my turkey pic MTG! Want some turkey??? HAHA!
I am thinking, only thinking, of having hubby drag down some of the Christmas decorations today. I should clean this house really good first. Hmmmmmmm, maybe I won't.
I love this board! Jeanne
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DebbyM - I was really scared because of the stuff I had read. I was terrified especially of mood swings, anger, emotionalism - I really hate that stuff and didnt' want to become that way. I even made my husband go to a therapist with me to prepare 'in case' it happened, so we would know what to do. I set the first day to take the pill, and did all my worrying ahead of time, but then when it was time to take it, I did it when I was very busy with other things - just quick took some water and popped it. And after that it got easier. It has been 7 weeks and all I see so far is a continuation of the hot flashes (which started during chemo) and maybe a tiny bit of joint pain but I'm not even sure. And a little weight gain but that could be holiday-related (lol). No mood problems at all. In fact I am so relieved that I have been on top of the world lately. So go figure.
Try to get started and see what happens. I put a lot of energy into being worried and then nothing happened. I wish I hadn't wasted all that energy worrying but...... easier said than done.
Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.
Amy
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DebbieM,
Hello and welcome to the Tamoxi Train! It can be a rather bumpy ride, so get a nice, comfortable seat, and hang on tight. All the ladies here are on this same journey and they will be able to help you with any questions you may have.
Amy,
I wondered about all those se's at first, too... of course, I know we were all kinda scared at first, but eventually, we just took the plunge and started the Tamoxifen.
I am probably going to be switching to an AI next month. So, I am still doing the Tamoxi countdown... 14 days and counting!!
Oh, and I'm such an idiot!! You said that the bar of soap has to be UNWRAPPED... I put it at the foot of the bed, but kept it wrapped last night. So far, though, I haven't had any cramps. I don't get them EVERY day, but when I do, they are just HORRENDOUS!!!
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! The weather has been kinda nice, and sunny, even if a bit chilly.
Hugs
Harley
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Hi everyone!
I just started taking tamoxifen a month or so ago. My doctor wanted me on an aromitase inhibitor, but my bone density is so terrible (-2.2) that she wants me on tamoxifen for at least a couple of years. Depending on how my bone density is doing, she wants me to switch to AI at that time.
I've had a few mild hot flashes, but I haven't noticed any other issues, unless worsening tendonitus can be blamed on it. I had a hysterectomy/oophectomy seven years ago, so had most of the menopause symptoms out of the way before now.
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Hi Debby and Gryffin Song! Welcome to what some call " the tamoxitrain"! lol Debby, if you aren't ready to take it yet, don't worry about it. It took me awhile to actually take it too as I was afraid of the side effects too. I am on it now, but, can't say I feel really safe on it.
GryffinSong, I have heard where some are on tamox for awhile and then switched to the al's. Glad your side effects are minimal.
Ok, this is quick cause I have to go. Hubby is impatient! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Susie
And, YES Harley. I do believe you are supposed to UNWRAP the soap! lol I hope it helps you!
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Hi Everybody and There Are Lots of Folks Here !!!!!!!!!!
Susie .... like that one....the Tamoxitrain....and the Big T too !!!!!!
It IS hard to jump on that daggone train I KNOW. My doctor gave me the prescription a month ahead of time and told me to start it the following month.
I looked at it every day for a month and dreaded it because I knew all the SE's that "might" happen to me. Very few did and some did and left but I can honestly say it's not that terribly bad.
Oink Oink Jeanne. I had it again Friday and froze it today so I won't eat yet another turkey dinner here soon. Just so easy to heat Tom up and shovel him down. LOL
I've got a COLD. Popped a sinus pill and then realized it was Benadryl. Oh well. I'll have to ask the pharmacist if there are any meds that don't intereract with the Big T. This does get to be a pain sometimes ....always having to check.
Bonnie
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hi there
When they told me to start taking tamoxifin i was not ready to take it. However, i was taking supplements and vitamins and those i was not ready to stop during treatment. I love my supplements, i hate the tamoxifen. Now i have been on it for almost 2 months, hoping it would shut down my ovaries otherwise i will go for ovarian suppression. In the meantime, my SE are fine.. I get hot at night, wakes me up and i think that the house is too hot, then realize its me.
I am missing alot due to this whole cancer thingee. I want to move past tamoxifin now as its the last thing,,, i want to get back to life, or rather get a better life, better than before... any suggestions
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It is hard to move past bc, but, I try to look at it as the "hard" part is done now. I am on tamox, but, may not stay on it for the total time. It will all depend on how I continue to do on it and if I really feel that it is a necessary part of my treatment.
I think we all just have a new normal after going thru bc. Don't you? We can't go back to the way we were before, so, we have to move forward and find a new us. And, that isn't bad maybe. It might make us open our eyes more to how wonderful and beautiful life is. It might make us appreciate the smaller things that we never noticed. Ok, this is sounding too mushy. LOL
I really think we all just need to give ourselves time, allow ourselves to heal, not only physically, but, mentally from going thru such a traumatic experience. A lot of bc survivors are diagnosed with PTSD.
This is hard, but, we can and we will get thru it!
I like that tamoxitrain too Susie!
Hope you feel better Bonnie!
Jeanne
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You are all so helpful and so kind, and, have given me lots of good advice already. Just popping the tamox one day and not over thinking it is probably the best way to ever get started on it. I have read way too much about the se's on the internet which has scared me. But, I know I at least that I do have to try it.
Thanks again!
Debby
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Hi All,
Woke up today with the "cold" being a bit better....but still there. I'm thinking now that it might be a sinus infection. Just have to wait a few days and see.
Jeanne ~~ thanks for the good wishes. And I can certainly understand how bc could cause post traumatic stress. It doesn't get much more stressful than being told you have cancer.
We all need to pat ourselves on the back a bit for doing as well as we are !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Susie ~~ Are the headaches easing up any in number ?????
Bonnie
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Debby - I filled my prescription as soon as my onc. gave it to me in June but was told not to start until after rads. I new my precription co-pay was increasing 7/1 so I filled it in June. The day after rads I took my 1st pill didn't give it much thought but as with every step on this journey, once I new what had to be done, I said let's just get it going and done!
My boob started hurting about 1 1/2 months ago. Rads were done 7/14. I am tender when any pressure is applied in a 1/2 circle around my lumpectomy site. Onc said she feels it is the nerves regenerating or something like that. What was a little difference today I tried a 65 cm core ball. One of the exercises is like sit-ups on the ball. With arms stretched hands behind head, back curved around the ball, It really felt painfully tight in the whole breast area and armpit. I didn't think I had any lymphodema symptoms but maybe that is what it is. I am going to keep it up and maybe the stretching will help loosen the muscles and the pain will get better.
I do add grape juice to the tonic, but I still don't like the taste much. As I said the soap has been working. I do have it under the fitted sheet at the bottom near my feet or calves.
Have a great week!
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Just popping in to say Hi, y'all. I just started tamoxifen yesterday... so far it's been OK - a little fatigue and a little inappetance but OK otherwise... we'll see how it goes over time. I'm glad you guys are all here.
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My, good grief! I have not been able to check in here for about a week and I am now too tired from reading (okay, okay, maybe too tired from eating too much, and not exercising like I should, and goofing off, and not getting enough sleep....) to offer any brilliant insights! (And how long can I blame chemofog as well?) I've had some extra stressors this past couple of weeks, and I am grateful that I still have my wits about me.
I just have to add: thanks MTG and Jeanne D for the turkey pics. I really needed a laugh, and you guys gave me two! See you again soon------
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hi again, just wondering your opinion-should i bother to call the dr. or just try to adjust to what's going on? (s.o.b-joint pain?) tired??? any suggestions would be greatly appreciated
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Okay girls im with you on the tamoxitrain eight weeks in and waiting for surgery decision... wait wait wait... so am i unreasonable, hormonal, stressed-out, ungrateful or just fed-up! How do you keep that calm exterior when your brain is going like pop-corn?
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Just popping in to say Hi... and welcome to all the new Tamoxi train riders.
I'm too tired, and can't get caught up on all the posts...
Thanks for all the advice, about the cramps and the bar of soap. I'll try it, but I have to go get some soap maybe tomorrow. I don't want to use the 'decorative' soap that I got on my cruise.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Harley
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I hope I can copy this on here. Someone sent me this picture and I thought it was a riot!
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Hi Laurie09 and welcome to the tamoxitrain! I hope you have 0 side effects with tamox. And, if you have some, we are here to help you. So far, I just have a headache almost everyday, but, it does seem to be better somewhat and I can get rid of it with a couple of Excedrin.
Brendatrue - Good to see you! Sorry you are so tired. I know I am just from Thanksgiving. I ate too much, drank too much, talked too much and laid around too much. LOL But, I loved it!
Mabbam - Call your doctor if you are having problems and feel you need help. The way I look at it is that all of my doctor's work for ME. I pay them, so, that makes sense, right? So, if I bother them, too bad. That is what I pay them for. lol
Hymil - Calm? Who is calm? You haven't had surgery yet?
Harley - Get some rest! And, get some soap! lol I bet it works.
And, Hi Bonnie!
I hope that you feel better! 0 -
Susie-that pic is too funny! Made me smile!
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OMG Susie! That picture is hilarious! I can't stop laughing! Thanks for posting it! I love it!
I am so tired too. I think these holidays really take so much out of us physically and mentally, especially when we are still so fresh out of treatment. Or, is it tamox? It doesn't make you more tired, does it? Is that proper English? More tired?
This thread is moving so fast that I can't keep up.
Welcome to the newbies and hi to everyone else!
Jeanne
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Welcome Newbies and Oldies, who've popped back in for a boo. Boy oh boy, though - if you miss a day or two, as I've just done, you need to read and read!!!
Yes, I asked about a sore boob, as mine seemed be be getting more tender with the tamox. Maybe it is just the rads/nerves/whatever.....and I certainly feel the tightness and soreness if I stretch my chest wall. My onc wants a new 'baseline' mammo in early January, so I hope what feels like swelling/lump goes away.
Taking the pill - I had mine for a few days before the end of the month. I decided to start on the 1st day of the next month, so I'd always remember whan I started. So I began Oct 1 and now have two months down!
BTW does anyone know about omega 3 pills - like fish/seal oil? I have restarted taking them (found them in my frig) and now wonder if I should be. Seems to be conflicting info from several sites (so what else is new!)
Cheers all, Caroline
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Caroline - I've been reading up on fish oil, as well as flax seed oil. Used to take flax seed oil pre bc but I've read a lot of negative things (bascially same sort of stuff as soy) so even though I just bought a 300 capsule bottle, out it goes ! Everything I've read on fish oil - Omega 3s is positive. great for heart, BC, and it seems also great for T side effects (depressions, stiff joints, dry skin/eyes and others). Purity - PCBs, Mercury, etc is apparently something to watch for. I'll posts some links and articles tomorrow. And I have asked about brands on the Natural Girls thread but there are some older threads that talk about those too. Bed time now. Night all !
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LOVE the photo Susie !!!! Our new healthcare plan at work !
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Thank you all for the welcome! I love that pic Susie! It is funny! I take fish oil capsules. I didn't even think about it. Glad to read that it is ok.
I may start tamox next week or this week, however you want to call it. I know I have to sometime, so, why not now that I have found such great support here.
Debby
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Love the photo am sending it on to others.
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Hello all. I started tamox last week. I have experienced some fatigue, nausea/dizziness and headaches so far. Hopefully, that will be the extent of the SEs! Thank you all for all the information and suggetions! It is very nice to have somewhere to go and get clarification!
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