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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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Comments

  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 236
    edited March 2008

    Harley - I found some info about Effexor on the Evidence Watch site and it IS a weak CYP2D6 inhibitor.  They recommend using 900mg daily of gabapentin instead.  Here is the link: http://home.earthlink.net/~ckaniklidis/menopause.htm#Hormone 

    Cynthia 

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited March 2008

    Cynthia,

    I asked my pcp dr. to give me referral for an opthalmologist, and when I am ready, I will go for a check up... this way, I am hoping, I will be able to get yearly eye exams, since my insurance only covers ONE exam every TWO years!   Smile  I am hoping the insurance will cover it, since I have risk factors for cataracts.  I just found out that cataracts run in my family, so another reason to keep an eye on things!  No pun intended!

    Thanks so much for looking that up!  I couldn't find anything when I searched, but I may not have looked hard enough.  So, maybe my onc isn't a total fool.  He "seems" to know what he's talking about, and keeping up with all the new research.  He also told me that I can use estrogen topically, for vaginal dryness, but I think I will try to wait until I go back in July for my six month check up, to ask for a Rx... I'll be seeing his nurse, Jennifer, and I am just too embarrassed to bring up the subject again with... a man.  He seemed REALLY interested in ...  ehm... my sex life...  He's a pervert!   but, maybe he's glad to talk about something else besides, ya know,  "C", and he is happy to be talking to someone who is doing ok  so far.  (THANK GOD!)  Uh oh... I read that maybe topical estrogen is NOT good for us ER+ bc ...  I have to re -read that part and I'll ask at my next appt...  in JULY!

    THANKS!  I am still wondering why they require such a high dose of neurontin...900 mg!!  wow!  I never take that much of anything! 

    I filled the Rx, but... I'm too nervous about all the se's and the high dose...

    Oh, it is good to know that the joint pain, stiffness, and the bone pain is not all in my head.  I am thinking that could be part of the reason I had that back pain...

    Best wishes,

    Harley

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited March 2008

    Dear Blinx,

    I am happily on Lexapro all thru my Tamoxifen, and having all the happy side effects, so it seems to be metabolizing.

    Yesterday I had such a huge hot flash that the roots of my hair were burning.



    Everytamoxibody,



    Big art show tonite. Think of me.



    xxBasha

  • Blinx
    Blinx Member Posts: 82
    edited March 2008

    Basha/Harley -- thanks for your reassurances. I think I will start charting my SE -- they seem to come and go, and could be attributable to other things.

    Basha  -- good luck with your art show -- what type of art?

  • dcbkc
    dcbkc Member Posts: 137
    edited March 2008

    Basha,

    Knock 'em over with the art show!  Please tell us what you work with.

    Harley,

    I'm in the same boat you are with the eyes.  We have a history too. Same insurance too.  One more thing to ask about.

    D

  • livinginboji
    livinginboji Member Posts: 9
    edited March 2008

    Hey Nancy,

    I owe you a BIG thank you!! I talked with onc yesterday and he concurred NO lexapro while on tamox. It actually makes the tamoxifen not work!!! He said that 6 out of 10 oncs don't know this and most MD's don't know. He called my MD and had him call something else in, I haven't picked it up yet so don't know what it is. I asked about effexor and he said there's something better?!?!?! So thanks again! You may have saved my life! Can you imagine taking tamox for 5 yrs and find out that the other meds made it ineffective?

    I'm still in shock! And my onc asked what site I found the info and complimented the insite this site has and said he will recommend it to other bc patients!

    My chest xray was negative ! YAY! And he didn't mention my labs so I am assuming everything was ok with those! So no more doctor visits for 3 more months...then I get the good old mammo again!

    So please put the word out there to anyone else...no lexapro while on tamoxifen!

    Take care ladies!

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited March 2008

    Cheryll

    Congratulations on the negative chest x-ray!!  Wahoo!

    YIPPEE!

    Harley

  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2008

    Way to go Cheryll! Heres a happy dance just for you.

                                

  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 211
    edited March 2008

    Woohoo, Cheryll!  Thanks for the info re: Lexapro.  If you find out from your onc what's better than Effexor, please pass it on.  I've been on it less than a week and am getting a very nice placebo effect on my mood, but if there's something even better...

    Taking meds is such a mine field to walk through, isn't it?  With so many new things coming out all the time, it's a wonder anybody can keep up with all the actions/counteractions.  Does anybody know...is it okay to take an occasional Xanax with tamox and effexor?  I don't take the x. very often, but it sure helps out from time to time.

    Basha, good luck w/ your art show!  I didn't know you were an artist...do tell us some details, or did I miss that discussion??

    Harley, hope you're doing okay...thinking of effexor-less you and wishing you cool days.

    D, Happy Palm Springs!  I'd love to go there...sounds wonderful.

    Cynthia, Blinx, et all--hope you're well.  Cynthia, thank God you got your prescription!  There are so many nice people in the world, but the bad ones get most of the press.

    Happy Saturday, ladies...I'm off on a day trip w/ a few teachers to the Noritake factory (big sale today), and a pottery town near here.  Should be fun!  Thanks to effexor, I'm going rather than sitting home on my butt watching movies or whatever.  Sleep well, and enjoy your weekend!

    Lynn

  • louishenry
    louishenry Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2008

    Hi. I'm certainly not an expert on the subject of ssri's and tamox, however, I was on paxil before dcis for panic attacks and noticed that I was not having se's. I got off paxil, took the CYP2D6 test,  found out I was a metabolizer. I struggled with panic, effexor isn't great for that. I went to a pych and she said that not all ssri's are a problem. The David Flockhart study confirmed that. Paxil and prozac are the worst, effexor the best. Lexapro is somewhere in the middle. I was ok with that. I did not have se's on paxil, none in the 3 month interval after paxil, and none on lexapro. I guess my point is that we , or the docs aren't really sure yet. This whole testing thing is new.We just have to make the best decisions that we can at the time. For me, my fear of a panic attack while driving is much worse than my personal dx of DCIS. Don't get me wrong, the thought of invasive is scary, but depression and severe anxiety can be debilitating.

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited March 2008

    Louishenry,


    I hear you! 

    I am thinking that I just can not BEAR these hot flashes!  When I can't sleep, I can NOT function!   Something HAS to be done before I lose my mind! 

    Maybe that is the answer... just commit myself to a mental institution, because this isn't life... this SUCKS!

    Harley

  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2008

    ((((((((Harley))))))))) , I agree with Louishenry , I have had very bad anxiety attacks , and the QOL with those are zero. But so are severe hotflashes. I am taking effexor and it has really helped. But for about two weeks now , I am experiencing them again. So my onc said to wait a little longer , but if they don't let up , I can take one in the morning , which I do now , and can take another one at night. And I also have xanax for anxiety , if I need it. My onc said it was OK. Life is to short. I don't want to spend it as an anxious , sweaty person!lol So until someone says different , I will take my pills.xxxx

  • louishenry
    louishenry Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2008

    Honeygirl... Did you find relief from effexor from your panic? My pych didn't feel that I would because my symptoms from panic are frequently every day. Dizziness, tingling on my face and head, insomina, weight loss. Pretty lousy. I would have to take zanax 3 times a day and she gave that a big NO. That is why I am on Lexapro. Nada.

  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2008

    Hi Nada. Well , I am on the lowest dose right now. Years ago I had panic attacks daily. bc diagnoses had me anxious again. Now they have been sporatic. I can say , since I got the effexor in my system , I haven't had any anxious feeling. But because they have been sporatic , I don't know for sure it is the effexor or not. My dose is 25mg a day. If I start taking two , that will be 50mg per day. And I know people with depression take alot higher dose than this. How much are you taking? Maybe your doseage can be increased.xxxx Melody

  • louishenry
    louishenry Member Posts: 22
    edited March 2008

    Hi Melody. Actually, I'm not on effexor. I'm on lexapro. After paxil, I thought effexor would be the drug, but my pych said it may not do the job for my personal history of panic. I do alot of research on cyp2d6 and lexapro and the results aren't the same as some of the other ssri's. However, in a perfect world, I would like the effexor to work, because in interferes the least. So do you feel the effexor keeps your panic away? You also may not be as nuts as I am!!!! Thanks, Nada.

  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2008
    Yes , when I am in the panic mode I am!lol I'm not sure if it is coincodence or not , my attacks became sporatic just before I started effexor. So I don't know if it tapered off on its own , or the effexor helped. Sorry I'm not much help to you. But I do know , if the start up again , I will take my xanax.xxx Melody
  • beesie.is.out-of-office
    beesie.is.out-of-office Member Posts: 1,435
    edited March 2008

    Just bumping this up so that a real post is at the top of the list and therefore on the front page forum list of the discussion board, rather than the spam post from that scumbag Steven Chang (aka Sophia).

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited March 2008

    Dear Darlings,



    OK so the art show was a blast. I am a representational painter with a lean toward Impressionism. Think Matisse. My show was nudes and portraits. It was a bit slow at first but in the last 15 minutes I sold 2 paintings!!!! Not bad for an hour opening.



    My son just got back from an impulsive trip to Atlantic City. Seems manic. Ay yai yai. Getting him some more help Mon.



    I'm going to use my sales money to buy more TAMOXIFEN!!!!! Love, Basha

  • koshka1
    koshka1 Member Posts: 93
    edited March 2008

    hello ladies...

    well,,,met with oncologist and he really thinks i should take the tamoxifin.  i think i should as well seeing as i have not done chemo.

    he is also sending me to a reproductive specialist cause i am 39.  i am going to freeze my eggs. lol.  my sister n law has this idea that she is gonna be a surogate for my hubby and i!!!

    ahhh..there is never a dull moment in any of this!!!!

    kosh.........

  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2008

    Hi Kosh , are you kidding about freezing your eggs? I think its a great idea. And how lovely of your sil to be willing to do this.

  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 146
    edited March 2008

    Hi, ladies. Just popped my first Tamoxifen pill today, so thought I'd join y'all on this thread. Hi, Harley! *waving*

  • honeygirl
    honeygirl Member Posts: 136
    edited March 2008

    Hi nash , Welcome to the tamoxi train! Pick a car , any car , we have a chocolate car , boose car , sauna car, or any you would like! Thanks for joining us and hang on!

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited March 2008

    Hi Girls!

    I've missed so much...  I've had a horrible headcold and was out of commish for 4 days.  Finally feeling somewhat human again today.  Hadn't seen my Dad since last Weds...  Was a wreck balling my eyes out yesterday.  I said to myself, GOD, I need anti-depressants...  I've been very blue and upset...probably b/c I'm so scared about my dad's health condition...  Anyhow, I hadn't seen him in so long, my sister had him call me on her cell phone last night which started the waterworks all over again.  OYE.  I see my onc on Tuesday...I'll see what she says...

    Honeygirl- LOVED the dancing kitties...thank you!!

    D- bummer about your restaurant.  There used to be a restaurant in NYC called La Fondue.  I LOVED that place.  One day I went there and it was a Chinese restaurant and I just about sat on the curb and cried, "how could they do this to me..."  It was awful.  But, alas, what are you going to do?

    Sorry to not metnion everyone individually...  My brain is full and I can't remember all the goings-on.  Hugs to all...and welcome to all the newcomers.  (You will find me in the Bar car and the Chocolate car!!)

    Virginia 

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited March 2008

    Hey Nash!!   Welcome!  I've been hanging out here since Nov., when I started taking Tamoxifen...

    Make yourself comfortable!!

    Hugs

    Harley

  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 211
    edited March 2008

    Aw, Virginia--

    Welcome back, and sorry you've been so miserable.  Please take good care, and have all the chocolate and drinks you want!

    Harley, I've seen your postings on a couple of other threads...sorry you're having such trouble sleeping.  That's an awful feeling...the nights are so loooooong when you can't sleep.  Hope you get some relief from somewhere soon.

    Nash, welcome!  If you want to add a car to our tamox train, have at it.  Good luck to you.

    Congrats, Basha, on your art sales!  Woohoo!

    Kosh, you have such a caring family; glad you're being taken care of.  Good luck w/ the egg freezing.

    Nada and Melody, I just started taking effexor for depression...no real history of panic attacks.  Hope you both get some relief...

    No news from here.  I had a wonderfully lazy Sunday...it was raining, and I didn't get out of my pajamas all day.  Back to the grind...and this week is Standardized Testing Hell Week. ;-)  A necessary evil...but I'll be glad when it's over. 

    I'm trying to stay out of the chocolate car...there's Easter candy everywhere here!  Weigh-in for our Biggest Loser contest will be here in a few days, so I'm trying to stay on the straight and narrow.  Take care, ladies...and sorry to those I missed mentioning by name.

    Lynn

  • CowgirlTuff
    CowgirlTuff Member Posts: 16
    edited March 2008

    Hi Everyone-- Wanted to check in and say hi because I'm starting my tamoxifen tonight.  I'm really nervous, because after my (double) mastectomy in July, I had a reaction to one of the medications (antibiotic, anesthesia-- they don't know) and developed cholestasis (bile sludging that caused liver problems).  I was jaundiced and sick for all of August and most of September.  My chemo got delayed until November.  But I'm finally done the chemo (yay!) and starting tamoxifen.  I'm so nervous whenever I take a new drug, for fear that the cholestasis could happen again.   I'm 39 and pre-menopausal.  My doctor gave me the option of tamoxifen or ovarian shutdown/Arimidex.  For now I've chosen the tamoxifen. 

    I'll be checking the boards to see how you all are doing.  Reading your posts has really helped me. 

  • nash
    nash Member Posts: 146
    edited March 2008

    Thanks for the welcome, girls!

    Hi, Cowgirl! You and I are the same age, and I was given the option of tamox or ovarian suppression/AI also. I decided the AI can wait until the five years of tamox is over, then I'll have another five years of something else to be on. Sorry to hear about your choletasis--yikes!

  • darah58
    darah58 Member Posts: 2
    edited March 2008

    Hello Ladies,

    I finished rad treatments this past week, and I am now facing the tamox question.  I'll meet with my onc this week, so I will have lots of questions for him.  I've had DCIS with two excisions and 30 rads treatments.

    Thanks to all of you for the opinions and good advice.

    Darah

  • koshka1
    koshka1 Member Posts: 93
    edited March 2008

    honey girl and all!

    yes i am going to pursuit freezing my eggs!!  lol...

    has anyone on here done this...???  what can i expect...lol

    i also asked onc for a breast mri cause i wanted to make sure they got all the bc and that there is nothing else lurking (not a common practice to do mri in canada for breast)..so lo and behold my appointment is today....

    hopefully nothing shows up seeing as i just started rads!!

    i tell ya,,,this traing keeps chugging along.......!!!!!

    kosh.....

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited March 2008

    Cowgirltuff,

    WELCOME!!  Find yourself a car and get comfortable!  Put your feet up and relax! 

    Congrats on finishing your chemo!!

    Here's hoping your ride on the Tamoxi-train will be smooth!!


    Harley

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