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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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Comments

  • ReginaR
    ReginaR Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2010

    Thanks to all my T friends, great post. But I have a ? for any of you that had drain tubes after surgery. The Surgeon took 1 out yesterday ,left  the other cause it was 50cc -(24hrs) & then this Morning I Got 70cc, 20cc more than yesterday. Is that normal? I wondering if it because  he took the other one out ?

     Thanks for letting be vent!

    Hugs

    Gina

  • KorynH
    KorynH Member Posts: 84
    edited February 2010

    Yes Regina - that happened to me too. One of my drians clogged after 1 week so they took that one out. (Too soon!) fluid started building under my arm pit. It was the size of a baseball and HURT. So I went on an emergency basis to my surgeon's office and he pressed at it and WHAM! Splat! Body fluid shot out of the incision hole all over him! We both had a good laugh! Laughing  I had huge pain relief! The next week it happened again...the story gets better!

    I was in my bathroom so I just figured I would try what he had done in the office. I leaned over my bathroom sink and pressed and it shot straight out , not into the sink, but straight at the wall into the electrical socket which blew the GFI alarm (sounds like a fire alarm in your house) and smoke started coming out from the wall! My husband ran upstairs to find me naked, smiling, and saw the smoke. That picture is still worth a thousand words! You CAN laugh at some of this journey!! Eventually I had to pack that little hole for 6 weeks and it healed up but in the meantime it caused the other drain to have more output.

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

    Bonnie, you are so right!  That is exactly what I am doing!  When someone (like DH) says something that sounds stupid, I used to ignore it...but not anymore, Ha!  Especially if it was meant to be sarcastic.....Man, I just pipe right up & let it go!  I think it's funny now, because I used to be such a mouse....& HE just thinks they "did something to me" when I had the surgery!  But you know, I think Tomoxifen is better tolerated than the Femara....I've been reading a lot of the posts from the gals on the Femara thread.....And if we have a choice, I think I'm sticking with  the T pill! 

    bcinColorado....Where in Colo. do you live?  I live in Denver..and aren't you just sick of the snow & cold?    I'm just sorry you gals are still going through so much after your surgery! I'll send you something funny!  xoxoxoxo Jeannette

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885
    edited February 2010

    Chevyboy, I lived in Monument, CO for four years...Moved back to Canada three years ago.  Loved living in Monument...such a beautiful place.

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited February 2010

    Just a note...

     Kory~   cracked me up and had me bending over laughing with her squirting drain episode !!!!!

    OMG   ..  It so true that real things are often times so much funnier than anything made up.

  • nwood450
    nwood450 Member Posts: 38
    edited February 2010

    Hi Girls,

    First-timer posting on this thread.  I was diagnosed with IDC December 2008.  Had a mastectomy of the left breast with DIEP recon in March 2009.  Received a false negative on the sentinel node dissection and had more surgery in April 09 for dissection of the remaining lymph nodes.  This was followed by chemo (AC), then radiation and in September of 2009 I started tamox.  I have struggled a bit with lymphedema of the arm and breast with pain and discomfort.  And I am just recovering from a bout of shingles.  This has been one wild ride. I had hot flashes in the beginning but those have lessened in both frequency and intensity.  I hope the tamox is still working.  That worries me.  I also have developed horrible constipation.  Anyone else experienceing this?

    I go back to Boston on March 3 for my first mammogram since diagnosis.  I am so scared that I can hardly breathe.  I was diagnosed via mammo last time.  I remember that I wasnt worried,  Coudln't feel a lump so what was to worry about.  Even when I got the call back for the ultra-sound I was still okay.  I have dense breasts so this was not unusual.  It had happened before. But then the axe fell and my world changed.  I have tried throughout this whole ordeal to be positive and move forward grateful for each day.  But I've been so moody over the last couple of weeks.  And last night I could not stop crying.  I am so worried and scared to have this next mammo.  The fear and anxiety runs so deep within me.  Some people around me seem to think that now that all of the surgery, chemo, rads is behind me that taking this little pill each day is no big deal.  It is a big deal to me.  Everytime I swallow that pill it reminds me of this lousy disease.  I want to move on ... I want to put it all behind me like a bad dream,  But that is just not happening.  

    I know that I am rambling and complaining.  Maybe I just need a couple of really good "boo hoo" days.  I needed to come somewhere to put down my thoughts.  Let it out.  SCREAM.  I am praying for strength to get through the next couple of weeks and then strength to make it through the day on March 3rd.  I am a bit emotionally fragile these days.  You would think that I would be getting stronger.  Maybe its just the mammo thats looming in the future.  How about the tamox?  Can that cause moodiness? 

    Thanks so much for listening.  Venting helps!

    Nancy

  • bcamnb
    bcamnb Member Posts: 334
    edited February 2010

    Hi Nancy,

    This is a good place to SCREAM. We have all done it and share many of your emotions. Yes, the big T can CERTAINLY cause mood swings.

    I had my first mammo after surgery and rads last month. I too was nervous but SOOOOOOOOO relieved when the results came back negative. HANG IN THERE. try to keep busy - worrying will not alter the results....

    Take good care and best of luck

    C

  • bcamnb
    bcamnb Member Posts: 334
    edited February 2010

    Hi Nancy,

    This is a good place to SCREAM. We have all done it and share many of your emotions. Yes, the big T can CERTAINLY cause mood swings.

    I had my first mammo after surgery and rads last month. I too was nervous but SOOOOOOOOO relieved when the results came back negative. HANG IN THERE. try to keep busy - worrying will not alter the results....

    Take good care and best of luck

    C

  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 80
    edited February 2010

    Nancy, I wish I could give you a big hug!  You have been through so much and now it's almost time for that mammogram.  I can tell you that my 1st post treatment mammo will be in June or July, depending on who you ask, and I'm already stressed out about it.

    I can relate to you wanting to put this all behind you.  I thought I would be able to do that after rads but it just didn't happen.  I'm going back into therapy next month to learn to deal with this post treatment anxiety and depression.  Tamoxifen has made it worse, I think, but it started a couple of weeks before I took Tamox.   

    If it seems like you won't be able to handle the mammo, how about asking your oncologist for an RX of 1 or 2 anti-anxiety pills to help you get through it, and sleep the night before.  Ativan is good and so is Xanax.  You can't get hooked on 1 or 2 pills and it might make it easier to get through the procedure.  It also might help if someone can go with you and drive you home.  ;)

    XOXO-  Tamara 

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

    Hi Nancy!  Geez, I know what you mean about being afraid of a Mammogram!  I had my surgery Dec. 4th, & I'm already dreading June, when I'm supposed to get another one!  You had a harder time than I did, & I feel bad for you....We're always here, when you just want to vent....I get up every morning to read the posts, & maybe we can help someone, or maybe even make them smile! 

    Just take the Tamoxifen....we're all in this together.....I haven't even taken it 2 months yet!  I still haven't noticed any side effects yet, except I tend to speak my mind, & I never did before, Ha!  Maybe it does cause depression, but try & create a little happiness within yourself, or doing something you want to do....

    And Tamara....that sounds like good advice to maybe take something when these dreaded appointments come up!   Well either that or maybe a glass of wine before we go!  Wink  Hugs to you gals! xoxoxoxoxo Jeannette

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

    this thread is moving so fast... I can't keep up with it.

    Hello to all the new riders on this crazy train.

    Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

    Harley

  • nwood450
    nwood450 Member Posts: 38
    edited February 2010

    Thank you girls.  I think tomorrow I may go to the hairdresser ... try a new color .... something to make me feel young (ha ha ha).  My hair is so short it won't take long to grow out or change if I don't like it!  It grew back in grey and I think I need a color boost!

    I have some Ativan in the cupboard ... leftovers from the waiting game prior to surgery.  I may just indulge myself if the anxiety gets too bad.  I've tried the glass of wine, but I'm a cheap drunk ... wine makes me weepy.  After I posted I went for a long walk outside.  It was a really nice day here (Massachusetts) ... cold but sunny.  Breathing the cool air helped.  I will try to keep busy for the next couple of weeks.  Working helps.  Thanks so much for your support.  I

    Warmly,
    Nancy xoxo

  • peg119
    peg119 Member Posts: 190
    edited February 2010

    Nancy - new hair color sounds like a good boost.  Make sure the ativan is okay with the tamox as some of the antidepressents and antianxiety are not.  Good luck with your mammo.  I have my first post rads mammo in April and am not looking forward to it either.

  • Kyta
    Kyta Member Posts: 273
    edited February 2010

    Hi ladies...this is my first post here. I was dx'd in Nov, mx in Dec, no chemo, no rads, agreed to enter the SOFT trial, and was randomized yesterday to the tamox arm of the trial. So as of tomorrow, I'm starting on the 5 year tamox journey.

    I've read through many pages of your posts and I thank you for the information.

    Have a good night all :)

  • bcamnb
    bcamnb Member Posts: 334
    edited February 2010

    Welcome, Mich - a great group here!

    C 

  • MTG
    MTG Member Posts: 337
    edited February 2010

    Just a quick HI to everyone ! The weather got to me so I ran away to Florida. Well, It's been bloody freezing her but  at least no snow and things promise to warm up starting tomorrow !

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885
    edited February 2010

    Mich-m, what is the soft trial?

  • MBCR
    MBCR Member Posts: 51
    edited February 2010

    Michelleboots: I had no choice w/ meds. I was given tamoxifen because I was premenopausal.

    bcamnb:  You go girl!!! Congrats on your "clean" mammo report.  I got my results from my biopsy this week, everything B9   Yea!

  • bcamnb
    bcamnb Member Posts: 334
    edited February 2010

    MBCR - LOVE that B9    Yeah to you as well YES!!!!!

    C

  • Kyta
    Kyta Member Posts: 273
    edited February 2010

    Hi Michele ~ There's 3 arms of the SOFT trial. Tamox alone, tamox with ovarian suppression/removal, or aromasin with ovarian suppression/removal. You have to be premenopausal to enter the trial. They're measuring rate of recurrence and quality of life between the 3 arms. There's also a sub-trial (which you can choose to enter or not) that compares cognitive function.

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885
    edited February 2010

    Mich_M, this is the same trial my onc gave me to consider..I have been doing research, but have not come to a conclusion yet.  How about you?  So far you are the first one to mention the SOFT trail..The SEs kind of scare me for all the options.  I know I have to choose, but I don't want  to make the wrong decision

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885
    edited February 2010

    Mich_m, I see you are also in Canada..where are you?

  • Kyta
    Kyta Member Posts: 273
    edited February 2010

    Michele...It's me, Mich from Ottawa....we've been PM'ing for months LOL

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885
    edited February 2010

    Mich_m...All I can say is CHEMO BRAIN

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885
    edited February 2010

    mich_m, you are the only one I have seen mention the SOFT trial.  That is why I asked about it...as my onc mentioned it as well.

  • Kyta
    Kyta Member Posts: 273
    edited February 2010

    I wasn't sure what meds would be best, so I thought by agreeing to enter the trial, at least the decision would be removed from my hands and I was ok with whatever arm was 'chosen' for me. Basically you're guaranteed the standard treatment (tamox) at the least, so I felt I had nothing to lose, and feel good about helping (in a small way) with cancer treatment research.

  • micheleboots
    micheleboots Member Posts: 885
    edited February 2010

    Mich_m, my onc gave me the impression that it was my decision which one I chose..but am I to believe that they choose?  Perhaps it is a different SOFT Trial.  Now I am confused.

  • Kyta
    Kyta Member Posts: 273
    edited February 2010

    If you agree to be in the trial, then you can't choose....you're randomized into one of the arms and then have to start the treatment within 3 days. If your onc is offering you the choice, then you wouldn't be part of the trial. I'll try to copy the URL to the National Cancer Institute's web page that describes this trial. If it doens't work, just go to the NCI site and search for the SOFT trial. I was also given a package of info that has more detail and possible se's, so PM me if you want more info.

    http://www.cancer.gov/search/ViewClinicalTrials.aspx?cdrid=316456&protocolsearchid=1187374&version=patient

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited February 2010

    Hello, ladies!  It's been months since I posted, but wanted to share that today is my ONE YEAR Tamox.anniversary!!  Just four more years to go.....  It's been quite a year, but at least I'm cancer-free......  I also wanted to share the changes I've experienced this past year - perhaps it will offer hope to some of you.....or depress you more......

    1.  Joint pain - began almost immediately after starting Tamox - fingers and knees for me.   That all but dissapeared after about 9 months....still have occasional knee issues with extreme flexion, but that may be age (lol)....

    2. Emotional lability - I'd cry at the drop of a hat for the first few months, but that has definitely tempered......now I'm pretty much back to my former, somewhat emotional self

    3.  Libido - sorry...not any better in that department.....

    4. Weight  - although I lost some weight during the time of my initial diagnosis and mastectomies, I lost another few pounds, which I'm convinced is due to the tamox, as I didn't change my eating or exercise routines

    5.  Sleep - sadly, perhaps a bit worse......can fall asleep, but wake up a couple times each night, then can't sleep beyond about 5-6 hours....you can get a lot done when you wake up before the rest of the family, though!

    Thanks for being here, ladies!

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited February 2010

    hello ladies just doing a quick "Susie drive-by"! LOL!  I am super busy with family in and out at the mo' so I just hop on and hop off when I have a moment!  But I just wanted to say HI to all!!

     MBCR ~ Yay!!!!!!!!!! Fantastic B9 results!!!

    Gotta run!

    Hugs to all!

    Kelly :)

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