Come join others currently navigating treatment in our weekly Zoom Meetup! Register here: Tuesdays, 1pm ET.
Take our poll: Caregivers, what do you find most difficult about caregiving?
Weigh in: What are the best and worst gifts for people with breast cancer?

Bottle o Tamoxifen

1…228229231233234…1022

Comments

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited February 2010

    Hello Tamoxibuddies!

    Just a pop in and out. My MIL leaves today, flying back to England. Poor thing has the wobblies a bit! Anyhow, DH has gone for a walk with her so I have taken the opportunity to say hi.

    SUSIE ~ You make me chuckle!! LOL!! 

    CAROLINE ~ I usually do watch the Olympics, but haven't this time with my MIL here. I get to see highlight snippets on the news, but it's not nearly as much fun as following everything. BTW, my daffodil bulbs popped up, but with all the rain this last week are looking a little worse for wear!

    GINA ~ Was thinking about you and wondering how that drain is doing? Susie got some really bad headaches on T. 

    BONNIE ~ How are things going with you? Is the window getting sorted out? As Sparrow says house repairs are horrible! 

    JEANNETTE ~ Haven't heard from you lately...How are you doing?  Did you decide to stick with the T? Sorry fuzzy brain and I don't want to go back and check previous posts and lose all I've written! LOL! I just remember you saying the dr had given you Femera and you were trying to make a decision.

    Thinking about you HARLEY... how's it going on Femera?  Are you still having problems with sleep?

    Well ladies, the sun is finally out and I am going to go out and enjoy it! 

    Hugs,

    Kelly :)

    Edited to correct spelling... sheesh!!

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

    Hi to all my beautiful Tamoxi friends, 

    Hope you are all doing well and having a wonderful weekend.  I haven't been around much for the past few days.  I have a nasty sinus infection, and am just starting to feel 'normal' again.  Still have a nasty headache, though.  My lymph nodes in my neck are swollen and they were really hurting for the past couple of days. 

    Kelly,

    I'm still here, and doing ok.  I guess I'm sleeping ok, but I toss and turn alot.

    Have fun in the sun...

    Harley 

  • ReginaR
    ReginaR Member Posts: 97
    edited February 2010

    Thanks T sister,  Thanks all of you, for Info & post.You are a great  support group.

    Kelly, Thanks for your hugs & My drain is not behaving it self. still 45cc today , it been a little over 4 weeks post-op. I am going for a record! Ha

    I was Hopping to get my tube under 25 cc this week.( I just know it going happen this week) & Was hopping to finally get my 1st fill to the expander & Guess what The Nurse call  me ysterday & gave me appt for March 8th, Because my Surgeon on Vac this week! Bummer! Ugh!

    Been on Taxomifen for 2 weeks now!  Still having a daily headache(for 6 days now )start around 11am & go to afternoon & then eases off . I take My Tamoxifen at 9pm , was wondering if that why I am getting the headaches at that time of the day?? I was thinking if I took the T at night ,I have less SE durning the day? any ideals?

    I Hope you all are having a great weekend!

    HUGS TO ALL !

    xo Gina

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

    Hi Sweet Gals!  And yes Kelly, I want to stay on the T pill for as long as I can....I READ all of your posts every day, to see how you are doing...And even SOMEtimes, it's hard to think I even have/had cancer!  I feel so good right now...and still no side effects, that are even worth mentioning!  I take those vitamins also, to help my bones, & I drink that Aloe Vera smoothies....I made the BEST juice today!  I mixed frozen orange juice, with 2 bananas, maraschino cherry juice, a handful of fresh pineapple & the Aloe, & water!  Then I put it all in the blender, & when I drink it I'll add a little of that flavored creamer!  It was GOOOOOOOOD!!!!!!!!!!  Ha!  So maybe the vitamins help me feel better? 

    Oh Harley....It's so hard to get over sinus infections!!!!!  Man!  I used to get them all the time, but thank God, I haven't been bothered with THAT one for years!  Do you by any chance use those little "Netti-pots?"  That is a sinus rinse, & I know one gal that uses it every day, whether she has trouble or not! 

    Sparrow....Yeah, we use an old little Kerosun heater almost every night!  We had one of those "infa-red" heaters...."Omni-Pure"...But it quit, & they cost too much to get another one...We also bought one of those little round space-heaters from Costco, & it works REAL well, but costs a lot, with the electricity!  We keep the furnace off all day here, & only turn it on to warm it up when we watch TV after dinner...Then we turn it off for the night....Did I ever mention I am so TIRED of this cold & snow?  Wink

    You know, I read the Femara thread, & those Gals, have some serious issues with their joint pain...So as long as I can, I'm sticking with the Tamoxifen! 

    Regina....I don't have head-aches, & I've been on it for almost 2 months also...but I take mine real early in the morning with a low-dose aspirin, before breakfast....like at 6:30 a/m!  But you know, I'm older than you guys....maybe that makes a difference?  I mean with the side-effects! 

    I care about all of you gals soooo much, & I hate to read about your drains, & your very bad pain, & sometimes, when I'm feeling really good, I just don't want to write anything, because I don't want you to feel bad!    I've had so much help from everyone on this BC web-site...& I just wish you gals all the best....I love you all.....xoxoxoxo

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited February 2010

    Hi Everyone,

    I'm o.k. Susie and thanks for asking.  Just reeling a bit from our damage.  And thanks to Kelly,Sparrow, Nancy, and I hope I didn't forget anyone......It's so nice to have buddies that care !!!!!!

    It's fixed so there is no leaking but we have to wait for the repairs like dry wall, painting, etc., because they have over 200 requests.  It must be really nasty.  And we got 4 more inches last night.  It just does not want to quit here and that's unusual.

    I was reading about the drains and I remember how I hated that too !!!!  My heart goes out to anyone dealing with those.

    Take care everybody.

    Bonnie Cool  Maybe I'll wear these some day???? Maybe Not ????  LOL

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

    Chevyboy,

    No, I don't use Nettipots... I can't snort anything.... eeeww...

    Bonnie

    Hope you get your 'cat ass trofee'   all straightened out...  sending BIG HUGS your way!!

    Harley

  • bcamnb
    bcamnb Member Posts: 334
    edited February 2010

    Bonnie, How were you able to get the leaks stopped? Did you find any electrical cable? WHAT a terrible pain!

    C

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited February 2010

    Good Morning All!! :)

    Well, my MIL got off okay, my DH took her to the airport yesterday made sure she checked in and had a bite to eat with her before her flight. We have had a wonderful 2 weeks with family coming to see her, but it has been a very busy time and the house has been over flowing with people! I have loved every minute of it, but my youngest says even though she enjoyed it, she is glad its gone back to just her, me, and her dad! She's the baby of the family what can I say!! LOL!!!Laughing

    HARLEY ~ So sorry about the sinus infection, I hate those things as they make you feel so lousy.  My mom swears by those nasal rinses, but like you I just can't put anything up my nose! 

    JEANNETTE ~ Sooooo good hearing from you! When things are going great please let us know, we want to be able to celebrate the good times too!  LaughingWinkBTW, that smoothy sounds delicious!! Yummmmmy!!!

    GINA~ Sorry about that darn drain! It will eventually ease up, but what a drag to have to wait for it. Let us know when it gets under 25cc so we can celebrate with you!

    BONNIE ~ Glad you got that leak fixed! Wow with that wait to get the drywall fixed, it sounds like everyone is having troubles. It reminds me of the place where I used to live and the first heatwave of over 100 every day for a week happened. Our air con packed in and we had to wait two days for someone to repair it, as there were so many requests. Whewwww that was an unpleasant time... took a cold shower before bed to keep cool. Thank goodness during the day we worked in air con!! LOL! Cool 

    Is it correct that we change our clocks in two weeks (March 14th)? I love springing forward to the later evenings and it always makes me feel like spring is here or on its way! Can't wait!! LOL! You all have a wonderful day!

    Kelly :)

  • CatbirdC
    CatbirdC Member Posts: 235
    edited February 2010

    Good Morning T's,

    Thanks again everyone and thanks Harley and Caroline too.  Kelly ~~ that's always the way when something decides to happen it has to be either the hottest or coldest days of the year !!!

    Caroline...they were on that roof taking off ice for 7 of the 8 hours they worked here.  Once they got rid of the ice.....no leaking. Now we wait our turn for repairs that aren't priority.  Nope...just the ones that make your house look decent.  LOL 

    We're hearing rumors of a big snow storm of some kind due in mid March too.

    I can't wait to spring forward with the clocks either.  Just having a bit more light will be good for the soul.

    BonnieTongue out

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

    Kelly,

    Thanks... I'm feeling lots better already.  I don't know how people use those nasal sprays or those rinses... yick! 

    I agree..it will be SO NICE when we Spring FORWARD!  I love having more light later in the day. 

    Hugs to all

    Harley

  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 80
    edited February 2010

    Glad you're on the mend, Harley!  :)

    I went to a YSC pizza party last night.  I didn't attend the conference, just wanted to meet everybody since they were in ATL.  What a great bunch of girls!  :)  It was so much fun to meet them IRL after reading their posts for so long.  :)  

    It's supposed to be 51 degrees today and DH has the windows open.  :O  I'm barricaded in my studio with the space heater going full blast.  ;)  DH's heater repair didn't work yesterday so we're waiting for the repairman next week.  I'm still coughing and sniffling but feeling better.

    DH is cleaning out the basement.  I went through 2 boxes of books trying to decide which ones I can bear to give away.  I carried the rest up the basement stairs and boy did it make my hip joints hurt!  It feels like I have Barbie legs and if you twist them just right they'll pop right off.  Maybe I'll call my onc and tell her I have Barbie leg syndrome.  :D 

    I still have the constant PMS/crampy feeling.  My onc's nurse suggested I get my yearly gyno exam early if I was worried about it...  I'll see my surgeon 3/24.  I think I'll get his opinion about it before I get an early gyno exam.  Hate those!!!  :(

    Aaaagh, Val, 12 1/2 inches in Texas?  Wow, that's really something!  I think we had that same system of snow but we only got 3 1/2 inches.  Crazy weather for sure!  :) 

  • brendaw
    brendaw Member Posts: 19
    edited March 2010

    Hello to all;  I will be starting my Tamoxifen tomorrow... I like reading about how everyone experiences.  I am hoping for mild SE and hopefully no weight gain.

    Brenda 

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited March 2010

    BRENDA ~ Welcome to our little train.  I also started my T on the 1st of the month... Oct '09.  I agree, here's to smooth traveling and very mild (if any) SEs! Smile

    SPARROW ~ The pictures you paint! Barbie Leg Syndrome! LOL! Man, I am sorry about your aches and pains! You are motivating me to go through my garage... very springish! A couple of years ago we moved from our house that we had lived in for over sixteen years. Well, after tediously going through everything I vowed I would never allow stuff to build up like that. A few days ago, I noticed that there were a few more boxes in the garage so I seriously need to go through it all and purge... LOL! Actually I will do it with my DH 'cos I am terrified of spiders, no matter the size or type, and he'll have to check the boxes before I go through them... LOL! Silly huh?

    HARLEY ~ So glad you're feeling better! :D

    BONNIE ~ Wow, 7 hours to take the ice off the roof! 

    Have a good evening all!

    Kelly :)

  • toughtitties
    toughtitties Member Posts: 5
    edited March 2010

    Hi everyone! Love the tamoxifen train!! 

    Question: My doctors are saying I can take Tamoxifen for two years because I want to have another baby. I am awaiting my oncotype dx results but I am told that the doctors believe I will have a low score.

    Has anyone taken Tamoxifen for this shorter period?

    I had a double mastectomy two weeks ago Friday. Clean margins. Node negative. And Grade 1 tumor not Grade 2 which I was told after the biopsy.

    Thanks!! 

  • bcamnb
    bcamnb Member Posts: 334
    edited March 2010

    Hi All,

    Bonnie - wow - eight hours to get the ice off YIKES! hope that's it for this year! maybe lay the coil heaters BEFORE the snowfall next year?

    Kelly - try living in the same house for over 40 years - my daughter says it is going to be a nightmare when we move....

    Welcome Brenda and  Bridget - sorry, Bridget ...can't answer your question....

    Sorry about your legs Sparrow. Great Cry image....

    Have a good week all and Gina - here's to no more drains.

    xo

    C

  • nwood450
    nwood450 Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2010

    Good Morning friends,

    I was without a computer all weekend so had some catching up to do on this thread. 

    Susie: You really have  a great way with words ... Barbie Leg Syndrome.. that is too funny (not the pain) but just the mental picture of that had me laughing. 

    Bonnie:  Home repairs are AWFUL.  There is really no part of it that is pleasant (especially the bills!)  And the weather is just unrelenting.  We have a water pipe in the basement that is leaking, but the source is in a pipe underground going out toward the street.  The ground has been too frozen to do much ... so we are waiting for a thaw and hoping it doesn't burst.  It's a slow leak but

    Brenda:  Welcome!  Wishing you a smooth ride on the Tamoxitrain

    Chevyboy:  That was an adorable pic!  It is nice to hear that you are feeling well with few SE's. 

    Gina:  You are in my constant thoughts.  I hated those drains, but you have really had it rough.  I'm keeping everything crossed...fingers, toes (even my eyes, LOL) that you have good news on March 8th.  HUGS!

    Kelly, Harley, Jeannette and all my others friends - love to you all.

    It is snowing/raining AGAIN here.  We may see the sun tomorrow.  I go up to Boston on Wednesday for my first post surgery/treatment mammo.  I am scared silly!  Trying to put it out of my mind ... but really; who am I kidding.  Saturday will mark one year since my surgery.  WOW. Hard to believe sometimes.  Please, God ... everything will turn out okay on Weds.

    As I write this, I am in my office on the third floor and the wind is howling and the rain and sleet sounds like a pellet gun on the windows.  This is unbelievable!  I really need a dose of sunshine ... but then, that's why I come here.  Even with the incredibly dreary weather, I can feel the warmth from my beautiful friends here.

    Love to all,
    Nancy 

  • nwood450
    nwood450 Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2010

    Hi again,

    Just wanted to share this with you all ... I work in a high school guidance office.  After I posted my thoughts to all of you this morning I was sitting at my desk, looking out the window at the stormy weather and feeling a bit blue.  There was a knock at my door and one of my students appeared with a vase of beautiful, bright Gerber daisies and two pink roses.  She said, "Mrs. Wood these are 'just because' - I saw them and thought of you."

    So ... as I look at these beautiful flowers and the sentiment behind them ... I am thinking of all of you .. "JUST BECAUSE".

    xoxo

    Nancy

  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2010

    Awww, Nancy, that was nice!  :)  It makes me think about the ripple effect of random acts of kindness.  Your flowers are making me feel good.  :)

    The Barbie legs aren't too bad today but I decided I've had enough of the pelvic pain and pressure.  I made an appointment with a new gynecologist for this friday. That makes 3 doctors' appointments in 1 week.  :p

    Hope you all are having a great day!  :) 

  • pjcrn
    pjcrn Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2010

    Ladies, I have been reading this for a few weeks and I am finally at the end of my rope and had to ask for some help. This drug stinks!!! I am crabby, tired, angry, emationally labile, frusted and just no fun to be around. I took the Tamoxifen for 3 years 10 years after my 1st diagnosis, and I couldn't stand it anymore so I stopped, with my onc approveal. Now, this b----of a disease decides to visit me again....when my baby was 4 mths old. I am now done with surgeries and Chemo(T/C), and my onc say because I am so young(40), and having BC twice(I am - for the gene), I have no other option but t take it for the next 5 years. My beautiful son is now 15 months old, and I will put up with the Tamoxifen, beacuse I have to be here for him!!! Oh, They put on Effexor to counter act the side effects, and they took me off because I got a rash, and it had been working too.

    Thank you so much ladies for letting me vent. I really appreciate it. I hope everyone has a great day.

    Pam

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited March 2010

    NANCY~ What a beautiful gesture from your student... it makes me want to hug her and thank her for helping make one-of-our-own's day so much better! Sending you big ((((((((((((hugs)))))))))!!Smile

    BRIDGET ~ Welcome to our group!! And I'm sorry, I am unable to answer you question.  I do wish you all the best as you search out your answers. BTW, Love the OC!! My son lives in Costa Mesa. :)

    SPARROW ~ So sorry about the pain and discomfort, let us know how your appointments go this week.

    PAM~ You can vent anytime you need to! I think that it really sucks that they had to take you off the drug that was helping with your se's. Sending you good thoughts and (((((hugs))))).

    CAROLINE ~ 40years yikes!! I remember at one point of the clean up in the garage I told my DH I just wanted to take a flame thrower to it all! LOL!  Wink

    Well everyone, have a wonderful day!

    Hugs to all,

    Kelly :)

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

    Hi and welcome to all the new Tamoxi train passengers,

    Bridget... sorry, but I don't know the answer to you question.  If your dr. says it's ok, then I guess it is alright.  I would go to another dr. for a 2nd opinion, just to be sure.  Good luck to you!

    Nancy

    Hi...  I am so happy to hear about the flowers from your student!  That is very nice, and it makes me happy too....

    Pam

    Sorry you are having so much trouble with Tamoxifen.  Sending HUGS your way!!!

    Kelly, Susie, Bonnie, Sparrow, Jeanette, and anyone I may have forgotten...

    Hello... hope everyone has a wonderful week!!  
    I went out with my dh this morning.  We went for a walk on  the beach.  It was kind of cool, but it was nice to be at the beach again...  then we went for lunch at a local place.  It was fun!!!  

    Hugs to everyone,

    Harley

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

    Hi Sweet gals!  Going to the Radiologist tomorrow for a check-up...I have to get another prescription from her for the Tamoxifen...I saw the Oncologist last month, & she gave me 3 bottles of Femara, but I don't want to start them!  So I'll "splain" it to her tomorrow.  I want to ask her if the scar tissue is supposed to feel that hard, like a lump, or something...I don't have a "divot" I have a lump...Undecided  But it doesn't hurt too much, so it's probably just from the surgery?  I also want to ask her about the Oncotype test...I have a 20 which is pretty good, but I want to know what else it means...like can it give you an idea of your survival rate after 5 years of Tamoxifen?   So I'm taking my notes with everything I want to ask...Maybe she will schedule for a Mammogram again...That's how we found the BC in October...Cry 

    Okay my Tamoxibuddies....Love you!  Jeannette

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

    Chevyboy

    Love the pic!!  lol

    Yes, please let us know how your appt. goes. 
    I thought the Oncotype test WAS supposed to determine your risk for recurrence WITH 5 years on Tamoxifen...  that is how it was explained to me...   so even WITH the hormonal therapy, I thought MY # was WAY TOO HIGH!   That is why I got chemo...

    Hugs to all

    Harley

  • Chevyboy
    Chevyboy Member Posts: 10,258
    edited March 2010
    Hi Harley...yeah, I know...but I thought it was to determine whether I needed chemo...and I have the report, but I don't know how to read the "recurrence" factor.  I was in the low range of intermediate, the Onc told me....And Yes, if it would have been higher, I would have had to have it also!  Are we ever out of the woods?  You have been here since 2007?  Are you doing alright now?  Do we ever quit worrying?   Thanks Harley! xoxoxoo
  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2010

    Chevyboy, I'm confused about that too...

    Love the puppy pic!  :)  It reminds me of my dog Boris when he was a puppy.  :D

    boris" 

  • Sparrow
    Sparrow Member Posts: 80
    edited March 2010

    Pam, sorry to hear about all you've been through!  :(  I'm out of my depth here but can you get a second opinion about the Tamoxifen?  

    If you need an AD, my oncologist was OK with Lexapro and I think there are others that are OK with Tamox too.  Lexapro doesn't help with Tamox SEs though.  

    Some ADs counterract the effects of Tamox, like Paxil (I think).  I'm not sure which ones but your doctor should know.

    XOXO- Tamara

  • nwood450
    nwood450 Member Posts: 38
    edited March 2010

    Good Morning all!

    Jeannette - I have "hard" areas as well.  They feel lumpy to me but my onc tells me it's scar tissue from the surgery.  It's difficult not to worry, though. I think it comes with the territory on this journey.

    Sparrow - Your dog, Boris, is such a cute little button!

    Buzzing through today ... busy day... course selection time for students!   Trying to keep my thoughts together and positive for tomorrow.  I have a long day in Boston. 

    Love to all,
    Nancy xoxo

  • pjcrn
    pjcrn Member Posts: 18
    edited March 2010

    Good morning ladies!!!!!

    Thank you so much for all your support, I know you all know how much iy means to me....words can't express my thanks. Today is a good day, yeah!!!

    Sparrow, Thanks for the suggestions, but I did get several opinions and unfortunatly this is the drug of choice for me, but I go back to the onc on Mon, so we will talk about AD's.

    Harley and Kelly, Thanks so much for the hugs, it's great to meet new friends.

    I also have questions about the Oncotype testing, I was under the impression that it was a test determine the risk of the tumor recurring and the benfits of Chemo...... My score was 33, which is pretty high...does anyone esle have a score above 30?

    I hope everyone has a great day,

    Pam

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

    Chevyboy, Pam and all...

    No we don't ever stop worrying...   yes, I thought it was a given that we ER+ gals would be getting hormonal treatment... the % recurrence risk is included in your #. 

    My oncotype score was 28, I think.... gee I can't even remember... but it felt SO VERY HIGH!!  

    Chevy,

    Yes, I have been here on bc.org since July 2007.  I was dx'd on March 15, 2007.  that is when I had my bx, and I've been cancer-free since.   So, I'm coming up on my THREE year cancerversary... Hard to believe...

    Hugs to all,

    Harley

  • kcl65
    kcl65 Member Posts: 741
    edited March 2010

    Hello Tamoxifriends!

     All is well here, just very busy!

    SPARROW ~ What a sweet little pup! How old is he now? Did you get the heat fixed yet or are you stilled holed up in your studio?

    NANCY ~ So glad you are feeling better today... class selection is a very busy time in the counselors office! :)

    PAM ~ Sorry , but what is an AD? I am so glad today is a good day and I echo your YAY!!!!!!!

    Hey Susie and Bonnie, where you guys at?

     Hugs to all,

    Kelly

Categories

Join Us on Zoom: Upcoming virtual meetups. Read more...
Give your account some personality! Add a profile photo.