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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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Comments

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited April 2008

    Hi Gals,

    I go for my mammo next week Thurs.

    I hear people talking about flashes at night. Now I live in a cold climate, but never ever wear pj's. I open my window 3 inches at night and I haven't yet had a night flash. I do get em in the day but usually when I go into a warm environment, like a heated car. For what it's worth...



    Harley, I love the bitchy thread and am feeling that way alot lately. Need to get the kid outta the home and have more fun.

    To everybody's tests; I know, I know........Basha

  • GardenGirl65
    GardenGirl65 Member Posts: 22
    edited April 2008

    Hi Girls ~

    Yes ... Japan Lynn, I will be graduating in 4 weeks with my degree in nursing. I just can't wait! I feel like a five year old waiting for Christmas!

    Welp ... I went 32 days without a period. Then I got up this morning and guess what? YUCK! I knew it was too good to be true, but I seriously was hoping the Tamox had just wiped out my periods all at once.

    Sigh ....

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited April 2008

    Gardengirl- congrats on graduating!!  i give you TONS of credit for working in the health care business...  I am far too squeamish.  I also know that when you get a really good nurse (like for my dad) it makes all the difference in the world.  My 19 year old niece is a nursing student and decided to become a nurse after a bad personal experience when she was 15...  Today is actually her bd come to think of it...

    Harley- hugs girl...thinking of you as you get your results of all your tests!!  :)

    HUGS to all....it's Friday and supposed to hit the 80's today...  The Pope just got here, so The City is going to be a mess...  :O (Not that I'm in the city...but he's REALLY close in proximity to NJ)  LOL

    V

  • Traci-----TripNeg
    Traci-----TripNeg Member Posts: 567
    edited April 2008

    Hi Ladies!

    k....I'm not on Tamoxifen but, I invited myself to this thread so I could visit with my buddy V and see how she's doing!

    txgrl, my yahoo email is texasgirl !! I'm moving to Dallas. I can't wait.

    'bout the hotflashes....get a little spray bottle that will fit in your purse. You can put water in there or even use one of the body sprays that are perfumed. My sister likes to use lotion but I like the spray bottle cuz it's quicker, buy one of the collapsable fans that folds up to a 2 inch in diameter circle (whoever invented that is brilliant!!!!!) and when you feel one coming on, just spritz your neck, front and back and use the fan. It REALLY helps me.

    Photobucket" 

    http://www.finderskeypurse.com/Scripts/prodList_Popup.asp?idproduct=111

    Hugs, Traci

    ps Edited to add, that's a pic of one of the fans....

  • wandralong
    wandralong Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2008

    Hi,

    I'm new to this thread.  (Nice artwork Ashaby).  I finished my rounds of chemo last Thursday and the next step is to sart on the Tamoxifen so I came here to find some information.  Thank you guys for sharing your experiences; it helps to lower some of the anxiety. 

  • 4okies
    4okies Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2008

    I did not do chemo, but 7 weeks of radiation prior to starting tamoxifen. I have been on it now for 6 months and the only side affect are hot flashes and night sweats, which I already had so no big deal. I was premenapasal and er+, but my periods ceased as soon as I started to take it. This could also be a blessing, but must keep in mind if ANY bleeding now occurs I must seek medical attention ASAP. All has been good. I had my first normal mammo, mri and normal pap smear and I am looking forward to the benefits that Tamoxifen gives for curbing a recurrence and attacking any hormone I am still producing, as I am still somewhat confuse, how do you tell if you are in menapause, if tamoxifen ceases your menstral cycle. I guess this is just one more question for my docs. 

  • yellowrose
    yellowrose Member Posts: 181
    edited September 2010

    -

  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 211
    edited April 2008

    Good morning, ladies--

    It's a beautiful Saturday here in southern Japan...and I'll be spending 5 hours at school at the annual carnival.  It'll be fun, though, and then I can hit up the PTO for $$ for supplies since the coffers will be full.

    Donna, I feel your pain w/ the period coming back.  I haven't had one since Sept., and I'm hoping all that's in my rearview mirror.  Every time I feel something that might be a cramp, I think "Oh, no!"  So far, so good.

    Welcome, Wandralong and 4okies!  For most of us, tamox isn't so bad.  4, my gyn says no period for 9 mos=menopause; my onc says 12 mos.  Since my gyn looks like he's about 15 (no joke!) I'm going w/ my onc.  I've read 12 mos. as the golden number in so many places, I feel like that's the standard.  Of course, I'm sure when I get back to NY this summer my onc. will do the bloodwork to see what those numbers say.

    Having said all that about being ready to be menopausal, I really don't want to switch to an AI...the SEs sound so much worse than those w/ tamox.  Tamox has a much longer track record, and I've only been on it since Nov.  I guess I'll drive off that bridge when I get to it.

    Traci, how nice to see you here!  Love your bitchy thread...I read it every day even though I've only posted a few times.  You really scratched an itch by starting it; so many regulars.  Good luck with your move to Big D!

    Hope everyone's okay...we should throw a virtual graduation party for Donna next month!  Take care...sleep well.

    Lynn

  • Miss_Lolli
    Miss_Lolli Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2008

    Traci...thanks for the link. I know a cool wet rag on the back of the neck works wonders for over-heating, but never thought about the spray bottle. Awesome!

    Welcome wandralong, I'm kinda new myself. Don't know what I would've done the past half year w/o this web site.

    4okies, way to go on clearing all those tests. I'll be glad when I get those out of the way for the first time.

    I agree, a train-wide party for Donna.  That's really something to celebrate! Plus, it gives us an excuse to eat or drink something bad. lol

    Have a good weekend everyone!

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

    Hi all,


    Well, all my tests were normal, except my back MRI showed a herniated disk....L1 & L2...  so I guess that is the reason for my back pain.  It is good to know that it's not... well, you know...  I can't even type it, I have been so scared!

    Hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend!  I am sure this is going to be a great weekend, since I have so much to celebrate... good test results and my birthday is Monday!!

    Life is great!!

    Harley

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited April 2008

    YAY for Harley!  Great to hear that the news isn't *terrible* --- although I too have a herniated disk and they are not fun...but, as you say, certainly better than the "Big C."

    Traci girl!  Hi!!!  I think I need to find the "bitching" thread...that one sounds awesome...

    We are having some spectacular weather here in NJ.  Time to abandon the PC for the fresh air!

    Happy weekend all!!

    Virginia 

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

    Virginia,

    Thanks!  I know that you understand, when I am SO HAPPY to have a herniated disk!!! 

    I hope your Dad is doing good today. 

    Hope everyone has a great weekend!

    Harley

  • kitkat04
    kitkat04 Member Posts: 11
    edited April 2008

    Weight loss?   I wish, weight gain seems to be more of an issue.  I have been shoved into menopause with all the chemicals and when that happens your metabolism shuts down.  30 lbs, gained.....

    Good luck

  • Miss_Lolli
    Miss_Lolli Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2008

    Lynn...drive off that bridge. LOL You know..I feel exactly how you do about tamox versus AI. I drove myself crazy trying to research it, and then like you, decided to worry about it down the road, when I actually have to make a decision. Sheesh, so crazy how we get so far ahead of ourselves with decisions. I guess we're used to having to make so many it just becomes habit?

    I had to come back because I forgot to say something so very important to Harley. WOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOO! Cool  I've been checking the convo for this news for days! I'm so happy for you!

  • Dixielee
    Dixielee Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2008

    Caroline,

    I was and still am worried about ovarian cancer.  My oncologist said do what I have to with my obgyn to get it all taken out.  I've started the process.  I just had my pet scan a week and a half ago because of the worry I have.  Hopefully my oncologist finds a way to give the hysterectomy through that.

    Dixielee

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

    Miss Lolli:

    Thanks for the warm wishes, for the tests I have been thru... the last two weeks have been just a whirl of tests... I am SO glad that it's over!!

    Thanks for the positive thoughts, and prayers!!

    Hugs

    Harley

  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 236
    edited April 2008

    Congrats Harley on the good news!!!  I'm sorry you have herniated disks, but so glad that's all it is. 

    I hope everyone is having a nice weekend!  Sorry, I haven't been posting lately.  I've been so moody and down lately that I don't feel as if I'm good company, but I've been keeping up with everyone's posts.  

    Take care all,

    Cynthia 

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

    Cynthia,


    Oh, I am sorry that you've been feeling depressed!!  I have been thinking about you, and hoping all is well.

    Thanks!  I was SO HAPPY, to have 'just' a herniated disk!  Although, as Virginia said, they are NO fun, either!

    Hope you are feeling better soon!!

    Harley

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited April 2008

    Cynthia, dear heart,

    I hate that you are depressed! Are you already on an antidepressant? If so, see if you need an adjustment.



    PM me if you like. I have struggled for years with depression and now it's my skillfull med management that keeps me on track.



    Love, Basha

  • Cynthia1962
    Cynthia1962 Member Posts: 236
    edited April 2008

    Thanks, Harley and Basha!  I love you guys!!  I am not currently on antidepressants, but I don't think I'm experiencing depression (yet, anyway).  I'm thinking maybe it's PMS...it's hard to know since I don't actually have a period, but every few weeks I suddenly feel achy and cranky and start worrying about the "what ifs".  I hope it passes quickly.

    Cynthia 

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

    Cynthia,

    Oh, gee!  That sucks!  I am sorry you are having to deal with these PMS symptoms!  If we have to be going through all this bc crap, and all the se's from the tx we had, we should at least have the benefit of no more PMS symptoms.

    If you want to talk, please feel free to pm me, too.  I am a good 'listener'. 

    Take care, and feel better!

    {HUGS}

    HARLEY

  • Barbie7
    Barbie7 Member Posts: 126
    edited April 2008

    Harley - I'm so happy to hear that your tests have finally given you some results and that they aren't as dire as you had feared.  A huge relief.

    Cynthia - Sorry to hear you have the blues.  Hopefully you are doing a little better today.

    I'm not enjoying the tamox at all.  I've had nausea every day.  Body aches/joint pain every day, and my newest se is pelvic pain. 

    Barbie

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited April 2008

    ((((((((((((((((Cynthia))))))))))))))))

    I swear I was having a nervous breakdown about 6 weeks ago.  My onc gave me Xanax to help me "through the rough patches."  I was EXTREMELY depressed and couldn't stop crying.  they say the tamox amplifies the PMS symptoms...  Got my period a few days later.  I've only taken 3 Xanax...but it's nice to know that I have it... 

    Hope all are well.  Thank you all for your continued support.  My Dad has been doing really well these past few weeks.  He's much "clearer" than he used to be.  Yesterday we made turkey meatballs and chicken curry.  He's working my little bootie off...  We all still wait on him hand and foot, but I am grateful  for the extra time I have with him b/c I sincerely thought he was going to die back in Feb...

    Virginia

  • wandralong
    wandralong Member Posts: 17
    edited April 2008

    Lynn and Lolli thanks for the welcome.  this site has been a true blessing...

  • kiki
    kiki Member Posts: 38
    edited April 2008

    Hey everyone, just checking in.  Haven't posted for awhile.  Yay Harley, can't say I've ever congratulated anyone on having a herniated disc!!

    Virginia, glad to hear your dad is doing better.

    Not much new with me, lost half my eyebrow this morning.  Finished chemo in Dec.  they had grown back and are now falling out again.  Oh yay!!  Still no period (since Sept. 07), still hot flashing, still not able to loose any weight uggghh.

    Take care, and my best wishes to all.  Sorry not to mention everyone, my brain is in a fog today. (Well everyday lately) 

  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 211
    edited April 2008

    Good morning, ladies--

    Harley, so glad you "only" have a herniated disc; sure beats the alternative.  I hope you're having a wonderful birthday...be sure to stop by the bar car so we can all toast you!

    Cynthia, we've missed you here...so sorry you're down in the dumps.  If it truly is depression rather than a passing "blue" phase, I hope you'll consider an antidepressant.  As Basha said, they can make all the difference.  Effexor has done wonders for me...although I did have the mother of all night sweats last night. :-(  As long as my mood is okay, I can stand just about anything.  Please take care of yourself...thinking of you.

    Virginia, so glad your dad is doing better!  What a roller coaster ride, right?  Glad your xanax has helped.  I know what you mean...I have a prescription and I rarely take it, but I like knowing that it's there if needed.

    Kiki, sorry about your eyebrow!  I didn't do chemo...is it common to have them fall out so long after finishing?  Wish I could send you some of mine--if left untended (which they usually are), I can be sporting eyebrows to rival Andy Rooney's. 

    Not much news from here...I actually went to the gym yesterday, and then went out and ate heavenly Thai food at a restaurant that's been closed for about a year; the chef--a real Thai man!--had an arthritic shoulder and couldn't cook.  I guess he got some treatment and is back.  Yum...had chicken w/ sweet chilies and basil that was hot as a firecracker.  I was blowing my nose and mopping my brow--loved it! 

    Take care--sleep well!

    Lynn

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

    Hi everyone, Hope everyone is doing great today!

    Cynthia, hope you are feeling better today!  Maybe you could stop by the 'bitchy' thread, and read some of the posts there, because some of them are kind of funny, and they make me feel better when I am feeling down.

    Lynn, thanks for the warm birthday wishes!!  Yes, I think I'll stop by the bar car tonight!!  You are right... I never thought I'd be SO HAPPY to have a HERNIATED DISC!!!  LOL

    I did something stupid last night... I FORGOT to take my Tamoxifen!!  I took the pill out, and left it on the table... just a little while ago, my dh asked me, "what's with this pill, that is on the table, with the big M on it?"  I flipped out!!  I hope I didn't mess things up by missing a pill!  I cut it into two pieces and took the smaller one... 'cause NOW I'll be taking the other one, before bed tonight!!!  YIKES!!

    Hugs,

    Harley

  • dcbkc
    dcbkc Member Posts: 137
    edited April 2008

    Hello to all!

    It's been a while since I posted.  I've been off the train for the last 4 weeks but saw the med onc today and I'll start back on it tonight or tomorrow.  I'm more afraid of a recurrence than the s/e's.

    Harley,

    I know I'm late in this but.... glad it's only a disc problem!  Having had back problems, I truly feel for you.

    Cynthia,

    I've missed seeing you post.  I hope this 'blue' phase passes, either on its own or with intervention.  I'll be thinking of you.

    Lori,

    Sorry the Wild isn't moving on.  My parents have been here for the last 5 days, so they didn't go to the game in DC on Sat.  My mom thinks she should stay away so she doesn't jinx them -- very superstitious!

    Donna,

    Isn't spring great!  Finally, decent weather! 

    Lynn,

    Hope your carnival went well.  When are you coming state side?

    To all the new arrivals,

    You've found an incredible group. 

    I'll try to keep in better touch.  Take care of yourselves.

    Deb

  • Miss_Lolli
    Miss_Lolli Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2008

    Deb ....thanks for the condolences on the Wild season being over. I  get your mom. I was upset because we had to watch the losing game on a different tv than normal. lol   It was a sad night, but time to move on and enjoy spring.

    Happy Birthday Harley!

    Cynthia, hope you're feeling better, you're in my thoughts.

  • Miss_Lolli
    Miss_Lolli Member Posts: 72
    edited April 2008

    Barbie....ugh! I'm sorry I can't remember, have you talked to your doc about taking two doses in a day, or tried switching when you take your dose?

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