Bottle o Tamoxifen
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Morning Gals! Yes Surf...like Jo says....just don't worry about if you think you miss a pill.... Wait until you are 103 like me, then you wonder if you've had breakfast! Ha, ha! You don't want to double up on THAT pill...I wouldn't think.
msphil.....wait...I forgot what I wanted to say........Okay...had to go back a couple pages....You should be CONGRATULATED! Awesome, that you have accomplished so much! You should be proud...You have gone through an awful eternity of junk, and I applaud you for your perseverance! Glad to have you with us....and you telling us about your 5 years on this pill.....Did you ask if you could take it longer? Just wondering....
And AustinNana ....What's a period? Just kidding..
Been so long since I had one of those, I darn near forgot what it was. I'm so sorry for all you are going through..... So what did the Doc's figure out? Stay on them.....Even if you don't take Tamoxifen, we are still here for you! Let us know what is going on! (((((nana))))))I have to go in this afternoon...has NOTHING to do with Tamoxifen or even BC...I just can't hear out of my left ear!!! Over 3 months now! Had to try all this other "stuff" my primary care thought would help, & it didn't! But at least I will find out what is WRONG with my DARN ear! I'm so sick of asking DH "WHAT".....And then him yelling! I know I have whined about this before to you all, but maybe if I whine a little more, it will help.... Maybe if you all scream "CHEVY, CAN YOU HEAR US?" .....it would help? Oh well....I can SLEEP good, cause I can't HEAR anything...Ha!
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I have to confess. My housekeeper is coming this morning and I went around and picked things up and straightened other things. Made the bed and even did all the laundry so we would not have to pick up a full basket and put it back once she cleaned in that area. I'm bad.
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Chevy - Can you hear us? Hope the ear problem has a simple, quick fix.
Sorry, I did read all the messages but can't remember who said exactly what. I didn't take notes. For you ladies who have someone clean - congratulations and enjoy.
Msphil - Awesome story. And I love that you give God the glory.
Singletona80 - WELCOME aboard.
Thank you - glad everyone enjoyed the poem. It is a nice reminder to me not to stress over the small things, to enjoy each moment and cherish those who are near to me.
June - glad you enjoyed your evening and hope you got a good night's rest.
Eastcoastgirl, Tinker, Sandee, Jo, Chevyboy, Just MeAlicia and all you other terrific ladies - Good Morning.
Surfette - I agree with the advice you've already been given. Don't double up on your Tamoxifen if you miss a dose. I actually asked my onc this question because I happened to missed one and mentioned it to my DH. He was very concerned so on my next appointment I asked what I should do if I missed a dose. Dr told me that if it was still within a few hours of my normal time, take it, if not skip it and pick up on my normal time the next day.
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Dear all-
As a researcher, former cancer patient (ovca), and a participant at these bc discussion boards, I have become interested in learning more about patients' reactions to the information they receive as they are diagnosed and presented with treatment plans that involve chemotherapy.
This interest has led to the development of a survey that asks about experiences with patient education materials provided at oncology centers across the nation. This is a formal study, and the research protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board at Brown University, where I am on the faculty of the Division of Biology and Medicine.
The survey is anonymous and brief. It will take you about 15 minutes to complete the survey.
To participate in this research, here is the link:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/PatientEducationMaterial
Your participation will add to the body of information on this topic and is intended to contribute valuable data regarding patient education materials for oncology patients.Thank you, and your contributions are greatly appreciated.
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Sorry, mtri111, but I won't click on any unknown link for fear of viruses!
And ladies, I too asked my onc about the missed pill.. and he said the same about not worrying about it ~ don't double up.
Feeling very tired this morning! TGIF!!!
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Chevy and all - I think one of the reasons no more than 5 years on tamox is recommended is that this sneaky cancer can adapt to lack of estrogen and mutate into ER negative. It was probably many pages back but I posted an article on the "father of Tamoxifen" who is now trying to get $ for clinical trials where at end of tamox you switch drugs to keep the cancer confused. I'm hoping before our five years is up there will be something new.
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JanetinVirginia - I hope so to other than the AIs since I can not take them. I did read your article and it was really good - thanks again for sharing.
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June - It is lunch time and I am starving. I indulge every once in awhile in this. Guess I should have eaten more breakfast.
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I began taking Tamoxifen in Nov. I only had a one month supply, and since I have moved to a different state and son't have insurance, I haven't been taking it since. I'm working on that, though. Anyway, not sure if it was the chemo or the tamoxifen, something caused me to go into Menopause. The last period I had was on the day of my mastectomy. Is anyone else concerned about the warnings that state that Tamoxifen sometimes increases the chances of ovarian cancer. how can it help reduced recurrance of breast cancer, but possibly cause ovarian cancer. If I am wrong please let me know. It's all very confusing. Also, I cannot get any good sleep, wther due to hot flashes or pain, I don't know. Any advice on what to take if I can get refills on my antianxiety/depression meds. How can I know the best combination or cancer drugs, sleep meds,pain meds, and anxiety/depression meds? For 2 1/2 months now I haven't been on any meds. Without good sleep and with the menopause and pain, I have some really rough times and it's all so confusing and overwhelming.
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JanetinVirginia, my oncologist talked about the possibility of 5 years on Tamoxifen followed by 5 years of an AI. I am hoping more studies are completed before my first 5 years are up, since the AI's don't sound like much fun.
dksindistress, I was a bit concerned about the possible side effect of ovarian cancer, but the chance is so slight (1-2 in 1000, I believe) that, to me, it was worth it for the 14% decreased risk of a relapse. (That was the decrease for my particular case.)
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dksindistress-My onco told me I had no more of a chance to get ovarian cacer than to have recurrance elsewhere in the body. He said that if you are BRCA+ then your risk go up and a oomph would be good, so I had the test done and i was negative. Risk of Endometrial cancer is higher, but I don't know what that is and did not pay much attention because I have had my uterus removed so I don't have that risk.
Susan I am with you my onco also talk to me about tamoxifen for 5 years then AL's for 5 years. I am switching to a new onco on Tuesday so will be interesting to see his take on it.
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Ugh. I don't want to do another 5 years after this of AI's either. I sure hope they will have more options in 5 years. Or perhaps a more accurate test for reoccurence? Or heck, why not a cure!
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I want the cure, I'm tired of worring already
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Well this insomnia is getting to me. switched my tomaxifen to mornings like they said and I have been taking an ambien cr at bed. That has me sleeping 5 hours and waking up and then i cat nap the rest of the night and of course I am conscience of what time I need to get up. Since getting bc I have really changed my lifestyle and I exercise alot and eat healthy and gave up caffiene. I have lost 23lbs. This not sleeping has me weary, I actually went to McDonalds and got a chicken sandwich, fries and a diet coke. WT......., I really need the caffiene. So the game plan tonight is a glass of wine and ambien cr. Then by my bedside will be a antihistime the RO gave during rads for my bad itch and it makes me very sleepy so if I wake up I am taking that so that maybe I can get a full nights sleep and feel human again. I really do not like taking drugs like this but I feel so desperate. Tuesday I have an appt with my new MO and I can't wait. This will be a good discussion him. With all my other questions that I have and now this he may not want me and send me back. LOL
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OH a cure would be wonderful ladies!!!
Good to know about the Tamoxifen being in your system awhile. I didnt take my a.m. dose, had fasting blood work today and cant take it without food, by the time I finished at the docs ran some errands and ate, too late in they say.
DISTRESS.I am so sorry you are having such a rough time!.. From my understandin Tamoxifen doesnt cause Menapause just symptoms but chemo can.. I think thats right? I am not too worried or should I say anymoer worried about the ovarian cancer as I am a reoccurance. My onc said the risk was low and my gyn said any signs of irregular bleeding pain come right in we will be very aggressive in finding out whats going on so having a doc that will jump on it helps me feel better about it. Is there some kond of clinic or county facility you can go to, it concerns me that you are not able to get your Tamoxifem... please try oneof those services and see if they can help you so you can have some protection from the bc.... hugs to you and I hope it gets better!!!
Jo and June.. how are you too lovely ladies feeling today!!
Exodus.....a big Tink hello
!!!!!! loland Happy friday to all the rest of the wonderful ladies on this thread!!!!!
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Dear alll.....YOWSEERS!!!! It is FRIDAY!!! We have made it through another week. What a gift, hmm? Despite the snow and the cold weather , I feel really alive this week...have made some strong 'take care of Sandee' decisions, removed a toxic person from my life (don't think I will toss her on the fire though...just going to let her go) and I have enjoyed feeling like me...sleeping better..last night took the glycine, the zopliclone and David's Sleepy Time tea....worked...I also went to bed 20 mnutes after taking all this stuff...which helped..instead of waiting longer...which I think just puts me into overdrive.
I made an appt. with my dr to see if she can give me a new tamox. presctiption that is for 10mg..otherwise I am goign to ask the pharmacist to cut them in half for me..I can't seem to get them straight and then they get powdery and I am afraid I am not getting the full does!!
Distress...in Canada, Tamoxifen is about $18.00 per month without a plan...is it more expensive in the states? I hope you get back on it soon...
Friday hugs to all. Off to African dance now!
Sandee
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tinkertude - I am doing great today. I have been taking my Tamoxifen in a split dose. This morning I took the plunge and decided to take it all at once with breakfast. So far so good. I am going to keep trying it this way. It is a pain in the butt to have to not only split the pills but to remember to take the other half at dinner. How are you doing today?
If there is a decision to put us on AIs for 5 more years after 5 years of Tamoxifen - I will flat out refuse. Yes, it is more protection but my poor body can not handle them. Perhaps there will be something else or better yet a cure.
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Jo ~ I have to say I am with you on refusing the AI's in 5 years. I just don't know if the SE's will outweigh the risks for me at that point? I'd almost rather have my ovaries taken out at that point if the risk reduction was the same?
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SherryC - hope you get a good night's sleep. You are doing a wonderful job at experimenting to find the perfect combination that will allow you go get some much needed Z's.
Hooray Jo - glad you are feeling so much better. Maybe your system is finally adjusting to Tamoxifen and you will be able to take the 20mg dose once per day.
Sandee- You Go Girl - Love your "take care of yourself" attitude.
There are wonderful strides and discoveries being made every day in BC research. Wouldn't it be wonderful to see a cure in our lifetime! Let's hope they get the vaccine perfected in time to save the next generation.
Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. Take care ladies.
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sandee - glad you are having such a great week! So nice to get rid of someone toxic in your life! Now you're off African dancing? You go, girl!
Yes, there is no way I will take an AI for another 5 years. Although, we have to remember - estrogen positive cancers have the highest recurrence rates at 5 years and between years 7 and 8. So, as usual, our decisions are between bad and worse.
Janet - I saw that article you posted, and I'm so glad this brilliant guy is still working on something for us. I just hope he finds something that leaves our estrogen alone - at least most of it!
Sherry - I hope you can solve your sleep problems soon. It's AWFUL not getting enough sleep! It catches up with you and wears you down. I had it for years, and then my doctor prescribed a small dose of a blood pressure pill to take about an hour before I go to bed (to help me wind down, I'm very ADD), and then at bedtime I take 2 mg of clonazepam. For me, that combo works like a dream - haha, no pun intended! But, I still want to try the Glycine people have recommended, because I don't like taking prescriptions either...
Distress - I hope you can get back on your tamoxifen soon! I don't have insurance (well, I do but I have a huge deductible), so for now I'm paying the full cost and it is also $18 in the U.S. It probably was the chemo that put you into menopause, but sometimes your periods will start back up. Maybe you could try the Glycine some women are using here to help them sleep. Read back a few pages - I think you take 1500 mg before bedtime. It is sold in health food stores. I hope you can get everything settled down!
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Hi Gals....Nope I still can't hear....but I have an appt. March 2nd to try out different hearing aids. He said it isn't allergies, nor fluid in the inner ear, nor a polyp....Just probably from nerve damage, like when I had a brain concussion once, AND a ruptured ear-drum years ago...Maybe from all the ear infections I had when I was little.....So now that I am older, my hearing is shot....BUT I'm kind of anxious to try out different hearing aids! God, that makes me sound old! Ha!
And I get my Tamoxifen from Super Walmart, for $18, and that's for a 3 month supply. I have Secure Horizons with Medicare Complete....Maybe it's because, again, that I'm older?
But I'm relieved to know this hearing problem isn't from the Tamoxifen.....Bye kids.....Love ya! xoxoxoxo
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Chevyboy-sorry about your ears but my husband also has nerve damage from ear infections as a child and the newer hearing aids they were able to change to tones he cannot hear into tones he can hear and they work much better for him.. Good thing it is only one hear for him. They newer ones are so much better, very expensive though just one was 3K.
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Jo that was so what I needed today!!! Yum yum......
Feeling fantastic Tinkand I am so thankful, however I still have no period....argh!!! I used to be like clockwork, not anymore!
Hope you ladies have a fantastic weekend.....I am off to much needed drinks and I will pretend I am on the train with all you lovely ladies and getting smashed......
Wish I could catch up on some post, but not enough time.....
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SusansGarden - I am with you on having the ovaries taken out. I don't have much use for them anyway - just something else to worry about.
Exodus - I made it throught the day with no problems taking the full dose this morning. I am going to keep trying it and see if it works. I still have some of the pills split in case I have to go back to that. I really hope not. Much easier to do just one dose a day.
June - Glad you enjoyed it.
Friday night is typically movie night - I brought the popcorn.
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Exodus, Heartandsoul....thank you ladies....I think I have turned an emotional corner...plus meeting Kim40, also a Haligonian, really helped yesterday.....to meet someone face to face who knows exacly where you are....what a gift!
I think if my dr. does not go for the new presription, I will ask the pharmacist to split 'em..or invest in a pill spliter myself. Jo, to remember to take it at night, I have it in a specific place that I can't miss when I get home form work...I did have to make a concerted effort to remember it when I was away for the weekend thogh...guess I could set my alarm on my phone to remind me....!
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Happy Friday everyone!!
I'm up to 7.5mg of Tamox as of today!
LOL , I'm slowly moving up. All is well.....except everytime I 'up' the dose I get the funny feeling in my tummy and the ever so slight nausea. UGH 
Not awful though, I'll take that over some of the other SE's. Hope you all are enjoying your evening.
I am home relaxing and going to go get comfy and watch a movie. Night all!
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Sandee - If I take mine in the morning, I can put it in the mix with the rest of mine.
EastCoastGirl - I had that same tummy feeling with Tamox - I fixed that by taking my pill with some milk. Took care of the problem.
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Thanks Sherry! Just read your post....I go in on the 3rd, to try hearing aids....I just want it to help...My left ear is much worse, & could probably go without on my right ear, but I will try both sides. Did your Husband get different opinions about the hearing aids? Did he try different ones I mean? Thanks for any help....I know it could have been worse....0
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Chevyboy you are a hoot! You crack me up sometimes! I'm just 50 and DH is 51 but he got some hearing aids and now he won't wear them. He says it gives him a headache. So I just keep repeating myself................
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You guys! What did you do with my last post? It was there, & then it was gone! Maybe because I posted in Fire-fox & not through AOL? Dang! Okay BCin Colorado....why doesn't your Husband wear his hearing aids?
You would THINK that spending the same amount as a Volkswagon Beatle, you would want to wear them....And you shouldn't have to spend your kids entire college fund just for hearing aids! Maybe Walmart has some sort of mark-down or Roll-back or something? Or maybe I should just get a job there as a "greeter" to fund my newest luxury?
Oh....I found some winter sweat pants there on sale, for only $2.50! So I bought 3 pair!
Now I have to talk DH into going back so I can splurge on the sweat-shirts for the same price! I will tell him I'll buy him those chocolate covered marshmellow cookies that he likes....
Okay, here's your morning pick-me up! A Chocolate Coke!
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