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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Hello to all my beautiful Tamoxi-sisters!

    This thread is moving faster, and I haven't been on lately, so I'm sorry if I can't keep up...

    FYI  about vitamin D3:  I did read about the vitamin D3... yes, the research is indicating that D3 is very helpful for bone density, and also it may help prevent a bc recurrence...  there doesn't seem to be an optimal dose, though... I think it may depend on how much D3 you are currently getting.  A bit of bad news, though, is that in the Winter months, even here at the BEACH, we can't get enough D3.  So, I have upped my D3, and I'm taking about 6000 IUs per day.  It also has been shown to help with depression, and I've noticed since I started the higher dose, I feel alot better, and the depression doesn't seem to be as bad.  I have terrible issues with depressions, especially in the Winter months.   So if anyone wants to try adding D3 to their supplement regimen, I say Go For it!!  It seems to be helping ME...

    Hey Susie and Kelly, and anyone else who is interested:

    It's been a week since I started the Femara, and so far, so good.  The dizziness seems to be gone.  I had a headache one day, and before bed, I took my migraine pill, and that seemed to help.  I have noticed that I don't seem to be sleeping as well, but I don't know if it's the Femara or just maybe some stress or it could be that I'm not getting to be early enough to help my system to shut down, so I can get a good night's sleep.  Last night, though, I seem to sleep ok.  Fingers crossed that the sand man will keep bringing me good sleep...

    Hugs to all,

    Harley 

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited January 2010
    Snapshots daily cartoons
  • GG27
    GG27 Member Posts: 1,308
    edited January 2010

    Hi all!

    I've been taking Tamoifen for about 3 months now & am wondering if anyone else is having chills leading up to a hot flash.  I'm finding that more annoying than the hot flashes, I've never been a cold person before.  Bedroom window open, gardening in short sleeves in early spring, now all of a sudden I get these chills that I can't get warm & then all of a sudden, bang, I'm hot, get everything off me! :)   I've even got an extra blanket on the bed.

      

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    CatbirdC,

    Thanks for the pic!!  Too funny!!

    Welcome, mfrog,

    yes, it seemed that I was always either HOT or COLD...  I didn't have chills before the Hot flash, though...

    Good Luck to you and to all my Tamoxi-friends!

    Harley

  • Chevyboy
    Chevyboy Member Posts: 10,258
    edited January 2010

    Hi Caroline!  CONGRATULATIONS ON  "your baby!"  Brought back so many memories of us being with our Daughter when she had both Sons!  Those boys are still our "treasures" and one is almost 24 & the youngest is just 21!  They live in Orlando & still call us every week!  We are so proud!

    And Susie!  Yes, I dumped my Oncologist!  I stayed with Rocky Mountain Cancer Centers, because of my Insurance, but my Radiologist said I could go to a different location, which is even closer, & I called, made the appointment with this female Oncologist...I have an appointment next month!  So I am happy!  

    I've taken 3 T pills, so I only have 727 more pills if I take them for 2 years, Ha!  No side effects yet! 

    Thank you MTG!  I looked up those sites & printed a couple off, to keep with my information!  I'm taking the T with a low dose aspirin, drinking it with a smoothie with OJ, mixed with a banana, fat-free creamer & Aloe Vera...Then I take a Calcium, D3, MultiVitamin, Fish Oil with Omega 3, & Glucosamine during the day!  I really feel good, even though this freezing weather is driving us nuts!   I made a little "blanket" for my tender booblet, inside my bra, because when I get the chills, it just tingles!    I might figure out some sort of "heating unit" for my recovering breast! Undecided

    Someone told me I probably shouldn't be taking Ranitidine for heart-burn, while I am on Tamoxifen!  Well, this is the second day that I haven't taken one, & I feel great!  Maybe it is the Aloe Vera helping?  I know it helped me get rid of an ulcer once! 

    Okay gals, till next time!  Love you!  Jeannette

  • Jeanne_D
    Jeanne_D Member Posts: 50
    edited January 2010

    I am just doing a drive by to all of my tamoxifriends here! I hope everyone is doing well and still on the train.  I see that there are some new names, so, welcome to the ride! 

    I hope to catch up with everyone later.  Just been busy with the holidays and everything!

    Jeanne

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited January 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    Susie:

    Once, years ago, where we used to live we actualy had a line painted on the road like the one in your cartoon.  It was as you go up a pretty steep grade and then turn, so it was super funny.  We wondered if the painter might have been a little tipsey.  LOL   The city did paint over it after a few weeks of being the center of attraction.

    Kelly ~~  I could get used to NO snow with NO problems whatsoever.  Yes it's pretty but pretty for a day or so. 

    After reading your input Jeannette, I looked up "Pepcid"  that I take for indigestion just to see.  I know Tagamet is a big No No.  I couldn't find anything negative on Pepcid.  Any of you know ??????   I never saw a drug that had so many others that interfere with its functioning as the Big T does.  Pain. 

    Bonnie

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

    Tamoxiteam!

    This is my second time typing this...got dropped when I was almost done with the last noteTongue out.  :D

    Bonnie ~ The picture is too funny, hahaha! your last post promted me to look up drug interactions and I found this website where you type in the drug in question and it will tell you if there are any known interactions. Here it is:

    http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/tamoxifen.html#

    Harley ~ I am so glad the dizziness is gone and you are doing well.  I agree stress can affect sleep too, so here's a nod to the sandman! :D Love the new pic! Thanks for mentioning the amount of D3 you take as I was wondering about that.  Also I will check with my onc np at my next visit.

    mfrog ~ Welcome to our group! I think I have had a couple of similar things as you.  I never connected it to T, but who knows? A couple of nights when going to bed I was freezing cold and had to put on a gizillion layers to try and get warm. I then woke up in the middle of the night hot and had to strip down to my nightie! It was crazy, as at bedtime the rest of my fam was comfortable and then when they were snuggling down into their comforters, I was throwing mine off! :D I haven't experienced that in a while and hopefully won't do so again.

    Jeanette ~ Yay on the new lady onc please let us know how the appt goes and how you like her!

    Have a good evening everyone, TGIF!

    Kelly :)

  • GG27
    GG27 Member Posts: 1,308
    edited January 2010
    Thanks for the "warm" welcome!  I think the chills must be related to the tamoxifen, as I've never had them before, I spend half the night either hot or cold.  Frown  Other than that I'm finding it okay, although I do worry about blood clots.
  • awb
    awb Member Posts: 213
    edited January 2010

    jeannette--if you have bc, you should have an oncologist------while the surgeons and the radiologists certainly are important, the oncologists are the cancer specialists.

    anne

  • MTG
    MTG Member Posts: 337
    edited January 2010

    Count me in as one who goes from cold to hot throughout the night.  The comforter and sometime sheet get tossed on and off throughout the night. Last week, I stayed over at my brother's while he was away and he called and asked me what I did to his bed.....apparently the comforter ended up upside down !

    Kelly - the link you have is to a really good site. However, because T inhibitors are broken into 3 categories, I found it somewhat cumbersome to use. So I cut and pasted all three categories into ONE word document. That way, when I want to check a drug's interaction with T, I only need to open the document and use the FIND tool in the EDIT dropdown to check for the drug. Makes it easy.

    I've been trying to find a similar site/list that, as opposed to inhibitors, gives info on things that can have an "additive effect" - like Jeannette's Ranitidine. Anyone have any clues ?

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Hello again,

    Just popping in before I get ready to head to bed.

    Kelly,

    About the new pic... Thanks!  I was getting sick of the old photo...  

    Vitamin D is very important for our bones...  I would ask your dr. to check your levels. 

    Whoa... there is another se I am having from Femara... I seem to be very HUNGRY!!   Oh no...  I have stepped up my exercise, to try to keep from gaining weight... 

    Good night, ladies....  

    Harley

  • Susie09
    Susie09 Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2010

    Good evening tamoxibeauties!  This forum is so fast moving and I move so slowwwwww.  lol

    Bonnie - I love that picture!  Too funny!  You really had a road painted like that?  lol  I would imagine that the dude might have had a few too many cocktails.  lol 

    Kelly, glad that that pic made you smile.  That is my mission in life..to make people smile!  I actually do smile at everyone and usually say hi.  My hubby gets a bit irritated at times, but, I figured if I can get one person to smile back, then, maybe I have made their day.  You just never know. 

    Harley, so happy that the dizziness is gone.  That would be scary.  I hope you start sleeping better.  If not, can you take a sleeping pill or something?

    Mfrog, I don't have hot flashes yet or chills.  I am cold, but, that is just because it is winter and cold here.  I think it is 0 tonight with a - something wind chill.  Is it the tamox?

    Jeanette, good luck with your appointment with the new oncologist next month.  I haven't even made an appointment with a new one yet.  I think I will wait until March or so to see a new one.  There is a new cancer center that is suppose to be joining our insurance, and, I would like to choose one of theirs.  I don't think a few more months will hurt anything.  In the meantime, my rads oncologist is taking good care of me.  I see him next month or March. 

    Hope you all get a good nights sleep!  I love our flannel sheets!  They are so warm!  See, it doesn't take much to make me happy!Laughing

    Susie

  • Susie09
    Susie09 Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2010

    Aw, friends! 

    http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_D-LZxhXlNXY/SUxov9VcDYI/AAAAAAAAHuM/sT4dQhppZsk/s400/funny-animals.jpeg

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited January 2010

    Tamoxibeauties~  huh Susie~~   YEP  ~  that's what we all are for sure.

    Love that picture.  I think that might be a black Lab.  My daughter has a precious Lab.  When she got her, the breeder told her that the pup would be a small Lab probably max at 55 pounds.  Well...   she's 100 pounds.   LOL

    I don't see where waiting a couple of months to make a doctor switch will make any difference.  After all, it tooks years before most of our cancers actually showed up on our mammos  or were able to be felt.  That's scary when you think about it.

    It's just SO COLD in most of the country.  Don't think we should blame the Big T for that one except for the ones that get that chill before their hot flashes. 

    Just dawned on me it's been a while since I've had a hot flash....well ..... they're more than a flash with T.  They last a good time.  LOL 

    It will be 4 months tomorrow that I started the Big T.  It does seem like the side effects for the most part have at least subsided if not left altogether.  Wish that for all of you !!!!!!!

    KEEP SMILING SUSIE~   It does make a difference to a lot of people.

    Bonnie

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

    Good Morning....

    Suzie ~ That picture is so cute it has me smiling from ear to ear!  Animals are awesome!! Labs are dogs with wonderful natures. As Bonnie says, they are precious. We had one and she was awesome with my kids and their friends.  Thanks for always posting us smiles!

    Bonnie ~ LOL! You're right we can't blame the cold on the T.  I feel like I can't comment on the weather because I live in California.  My daughter is always complaining of feeling cold and wants to crank the heat up in the house...drives my DH crazy! Laughing He tells her to put a sweater on and it doesn't have to be so balmy that all you need is a tank top! LOL!! I think that girl would have it set at 80 in the house.  My son lives in southern Cali and he called a couple of days ago to say it was warm enough to go to the beach...I think it's time for a visit! Cool

    Have a wonderful weekend day all!

    Kelly :)

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Susie

    AWW... Love the pic!!  Too cute!!

    I seem to be sleeping better, but I'm having the weirdest dreams now... 

    Try to keep warm...

    Harley

  • Susie09
    Susie09 Member Posts: 225
    edited January 2010

    Yep Bonnie, you are all tamoxibeauties and don't ever forget that!  100 pounds of lab?  Wow, I bet he was beautiful.  Labs are great dogs, very loyal and very friendly. 

    I am glad that you agree that it won't hurt me to wait a few months to try out a new onco.  I really want to get setup with that cancer center inre to an oncologist.  Thanks for reassuring me that I can wait. 

    Yes, it is cold!  I think it is 0 today and that doesn't take in the wind chill.  BRRRRRRRRRRR  So, I have hot cocoa and want to get the fireplace going, but, hubby says all of the hot air will go up the chimney.  Frown Poop on him!  lol  Even if he is right, I still may start it.  lol  I am a REBEL!Wink

    Hi Kelly!  You just keep smiling!  So, you are in CA?  How cold is it?  70's?  lol  grrrrrrrrrrrr  You lucky people! 

    Glad you are sleeping better Harley!  I hope it continues!  Weird dreams?  Are they sexy weird or just weird?????  LMAO

    Have a great weekend everyone!  Stay warm and safe!

    Susie

  • sullykm
    sullykm Member Posts: 13
    edited January 2010

    I have a question. I've read that hair loss/thinning can be a side effect. I'm sure that this has been a topic somewhere in these pages, but I'm curious if any of you are/have dealt with this. Also, if your hair starts to thin, does it stay thin throughout the entire time on T or does it start growing back? Just curious. Thanks!

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Susie,

    I have been having BOTH kinds of weird dreams... some sexy, some just plain weird...

    Hope everyone is keeping warm...

    Harley 

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    sullykm,

    Just saw your post...   I didn't have any hair thinning on Tamoxifen.  In fact, it's gotten THICKER...  I have had problems with thinning hair, due to a thyroid condition.  Now that I'm on Femara, I fear my hair will begin to thin again.

    Hope this helps you...

    Harley

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited January 2010

    Cool  This is you Kelly !!!!!    Send Some Our Way !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    A couple of you mentioned dreaming and could it be pill related.  I think sometimes it is.  I've had it happen twice and both times it was after I was given a new prescription.

    Both times I switched taking the pills from night to morning....and it worked.  I told myself even if it were psychological I don't care....it worked.  LOL

    I didn't have any "sexy" dreams though.....just weird   and   weirder.   LOL

    Bonnie

  • GG27
    GG27 Member Posts: 1,308
    edited January 2010

    Thanks for all your replies, but I don't think my chills can be attributed to the cold weather as we aren't having any, it's like spring here, even one of my rhodos is in bloom.  The chills started shortly after I started taking tamoxifen, but if that's the worst I have to deal with, I'm good with that.

    Cheers, mfrog! 

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

    Hello All!! 

    Bonnie & Suzie ~ LOL! I live in Northern CA so we are having temps in the 50s if the sun comes out, if not in the mid to high 40s.  My sons live in Southern CA and they are having temps in the 70s.  Anyway, I am seriously going for a visit at the end of the month and will take my folks so we can warm up our bones Cool. 

    Sully ~ I have had some hair loss, but it started right after my bmx, so I can't say it is from the T.  However, I will say my hair loss has subsided and the last time I was at the hair salon the hairdresser said she could see new hair growth...Yay!

    mfrog~ I agree if the chills are all you get, that will get a good thing. Lucky you having spring like weather, even though I like my sweaters I am looking forward to it being warm enough to wear just a shirt. Never mind in a couple of weeks when I'm in Orange County! Cool

    Kelly :)

  • awb
    awb Member Posts: 213
    edited January 2010

    sully--I took tamox for 5 years--I would have to say overall my hair actually feels thicker and wavier than before tamox.

    anne

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    anne

    YAY!   Congratulations to FIVE years for you, Anne!!

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited January 2010

    Hi All,

    SUSIE ~  I like being one of the Tamoxibeaauties !!!!!!

    Anne....any chance after 5 years my straight hair might get waves?  I'd love that.  I've heard lots of people say their straight hair grew in wavy after chemo.

    I'm feeling a bit like a caged lion with this horrid weather.   Maybe while Kelly visits her son in even warmer temps in CA ~~~  we could all boogie to her place and enjoy the sun.   LOL

    Bonnie

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

    Good Morning My Tamoxiteam/beauties!!

    Bonnie ~ LOL!! I just have to say this, if you all are gonna boogie on over here, it had better be when I am home so we could all have fun and maybe go do some wine tasting!! Laughing

    Anne ~ It is so good to"meet" you! When did you end the big T? It is good to hear that you and Harley both had thicker hair.  As I said I lost hair after my bmx with a DIEP, as I was under anesthesia for a lonnnng time and attributed it to that and stress.  However, my hair stylist is seeing some new growth so that is good. Of course I feel like most of it is coming in grey! LOL!! I'll take it anyway, that's what hair color is for! Wink

    Caroline ~ How's the new baby doing?

    Well I've got to rush to get my day started.  Have a wonderful day everyone!

    Kelly :)

    Edited to fix my grammar...put so instead of as...sheesh! :D

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2010

    Kelly

    After chemo, my hair came in 'charcoal grey'... UGLY!!   But it eventually went back to my natural color...  I had alot of WHITE hair... so I've been coloring it... cause I like RED...  and hate WHITE!

    I used Nioxxin after chemo, and that seemed to help my hair to come back in fuller and thicker...  I have stopped using it but now I read that Femara causes hair thinning :(  so I'll probably have to start using Nioxxin again.  Also, Biotin is helpful for your hair.  I may start taking Biotin again too...

    Have a great day all you Tamoxi beauties!  Try to keep WARM!!
    Harley

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited January 2010

    Harley

    Thanks for the information! I had heard about Nioxxin from someone else, but I wasn't sure if we could use it being on T and all!  I was lucky I had very thick hair to begin with, but it did get to a point where my DH and DDs were commenting about how much thinner my hair looked. Smile

    Have a good day and I'm so glad that you are still popping in to see us!

    Kelly :) 

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