Bottle o Tamoxifen
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hope and Deb, THANKS FOR THE MESSAGES! It's a happy household here.
Layne, dear heart, are you ok? We all miss you and the Jewish mom in me worries. I hope you're just flaunting your gorgeous self on a beach somewhere..
Basha
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LOL Deb, my Wii fit is trash talking me b/c I only check in once a week. The B&J isn't helping with the waist line, for sure.
Munchy!! Have GREAT time in Maui. My sister used to live in Kihei. It's so beautiful there...
Hope, is that you in your avatar? Are you a ballroom dancer? That's very cool!
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Deb,
Sorry to hear about your loss! We lost our first cat, Axel, about 6 1/2 years ago, when he was 11, and it hurt so bad!! Sending HUGS your way!!
Virginia,
I played wii bowling at my neighbors house a couple of weeks ago, and I got EIGHT strikes in a row!! I know it's not the same as exercising, but it's fun and it got me up off the couch!
Harley
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ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, Deb, mental head slap. I'm so sorry I didn't acknowledge the loss of your cat... Most sincere sympathy... 18 1/2 years old...that sounds like a long happy life for your kittie... I'm sorry for your loss...
Harley- LOL - 8 strikes in a row! Impressive!! I'm still rocking out with Guitar Hero and now Rock Band (although, me living alone doesn't make for much of a band...)
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Deb,
About my dh keeping the list of questions... he was in the room with me when I talked to this gyn onc, and you would think we were in TWO separate rooms! He thought the guy was GREAT!, maybe because he said that he didn't think it was anything to worry about, but he STILL wants to do this biopsy, so there must be a chance that he thinks something bad could be going on. This dr. thinks there is NOTHING wrong with going from a 4mm endometrial stripe to a TEN mm stripe?
I am not sure that my dh is the person to protect me from malpractice, from a dr. who was obviously not listening to me, because when I said that I was worried, because the last biopsy I had, was cancer... THE DR. said "You had an endometrial biopsy before?" I had to say ...NO...the breast....
I am not sure what to do, since there are NO other gyn oncs in my area, and as it is, I have to go to Wilmington to see him!
Thanks though...
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Layne
Happy Cancerversary!
BTW, you are still premenopausal, so maybe the THICK endometrial stripe is only REALLY worrisome if, like me, you are postmenopausal. I was dx'd with premature ovarian failure at age 35.
Thanks for the info about ovarian cysts, although I am hoping to not have to deal with anything on my ovaries, since I am postmenopausal. That would be yet another scare!
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Layne, thanks for sharing about your supplements, I keep hearing about vitamin D. I am happy for your 1 year anniversary too!!!
Harley 4 to 10mm is a big difference...glad you don't have to worry about all the ovary issue.
all you Tamoxi gals have helped me so much. I had my 15th dose of tamoxifen tonight I have my chart, and my kool. been walking, taking my iron for anemia, eating my ground flax and taking 'CoQ10 and now the new addition Melatonin,,,I started with 3mg...am not sleeping, but somehow I am getting the REM (dreaming) and I feel more rested...the lady at the health food store told me to increase to 6mg if the 3mg didn't help and that it may not help at all...so I think I'll try the 6mg tonight...I will lt you all know how it works.
Virginia, Deb, Basha, Munchy, Lynn, Murph, Joan and everyone you are the best...
God bless and good night, sweet sleep!
Amber
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Layne,
It's wonderful to hear from you. And your long posts are great! So much news!
To everyone,
Thanks for the good wishes on our losing our cat. It's really appreciated! The house is really different without her. The dog keeps looking for her.
Short post for now -- more later. Have a terrific Tuesday!
Deb
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Layne- you are hilarious!! Dirigible...I almost choked when I read that word...so funny. Yes, the ice cream is definitely a down fall and it doesn't help that the product developers go around with a cart giving the stuff away. I have NO will power. We would get along just fine...you and me, eating ice cream...
Congrats on your Cancerversary. That's big news. I kind of celebrate all the milestones... I had a big BBQ with my family last weekend to celebrate my last Herceptin...
Was looking at my calendar today and my period was due on 7/20....now it's the 29th... UGH. I don't want to deal with this... My period is TOTALLY reliable...so I'm annoyed...
Thanks for asking about Dad... He's acting crazy still and now he's pissed at my brother... This is the bro that doesn't do all that much and evidently they had a big blowout... Well, this brother is having a birthday party for my sis at his house and my dad says to my sis yesterday, "I AM NOT GOING!!!!!" So, he's punishing my poor sis... I feel bad for her. I am exhausted going there every day...but I can't complain b/c the only alternative would be if he weren't with us anymore. But it's been extremely emotionally and physically draining. Again, thanks for asking... I know you can totally relate with what you wrote about your mom. Again, totally hysterical and I don't mean that in a mean way....as my dad comes out with things and I'm like "WHAT???" I try to be patient and decipher what he's talking about... I think my brother DOESN'T try, and that's why they had the big blowout...
As for my neck...I have this "disc ridge complex" that I cannot manage to Google and find out what it is. My next alternative is to go see my spine surgeon and let him decipher it, but I am sick of doctors and am so happy to not have to go every 3 weeks ... I don't see my onc until November...
One of my co-workers may have been diagnosed with lymphoma... She is at an onc as we speak. My onc didn't have any openings until Sept. I am so scared for her...
Ok, enough babbling!!
Luv and hugs to all you girlies...you all feel like my link to sanity!!
Virginia
ps. Need to post my new avatar...did actually take another pic on 7/22 (one day late...)
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Wow, lots of posts to read and enjoy. Congrats on the 1 year anniversary, Layne.
I'm sure in some ways it feels like a long time, but in other ways it's still surreal. I didn't have any issues with the eye doctor and the testing ... it's all computerized and so technical. Except that my vision needs a little more help with "transitional" lenses! I also decided to get a skin cancer screening and made appts for both hubby and myself.
I have to laugh about the ice cream - my daughter works at an ice cream shop during the summer and I make sure I go to her window. She gives me an extra scoop of my favorite, coconut almond. Of course, I can't go there too often.
My son's friend is having a party to celebrate her being cancer free. Last Summer she was diagnosed (14 years old) and went through alot. Had to leave school and came back right before school got out. So, the family is having a party to celebrate her success in beating this disease. I'm so happy for Tori. It's good for my son and his friends to see these successes. My son would NOT talk to his friends about what was going on with me, but his friends would always ask me how I was doing ... the girls especially would hang around and talk to me. They loved how I put my radiation certificate on the frig!
My brother-in-law was visiting last week from FL and we had a wonderful BBQ and enjoyed a fire outside. He was so sweet during my treatments, calling and checking in on me. My dad also flew up to visit, so it's been a good month. We are having our good friends over in a few weeks for a cookout/fire, I'm hoping I can stay up late by then ... I've been going to bed at 9:30 pm since I started working again!
I see the med onc again on 8/13, I'm going to make a list of the supplements you all take so I can ask her. I only take a multi-vitamin and fish oil each day. I have heard alot about the Vitamin D, as the nutritonist had shared that info with me while I was having radiation.
Take care all of you.
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Murph, did your son's friend have BC at age 14? I have a 14 yr old son and a 16 year old daughter, it pains me to see younger one's with cancer. Your daughter must be between 16 and college age...I have worried for my own daughter....do you also worry. I have tried to talk to her some about breast cancer encourage her to be open about anything. It seems to strike younger women and teens more than ever. I asked my surgeon when my daughter should be checked and he seemed surprised that I asked.
Virginia,hope your friend had a good appointment and good report. you will be an awesome support for her.
Day 16 for me on tamoxifen and my cycle is due, say yesterday, crazy thing is that my face is breaking out. Looks like a teen face and I am 43. I suppose it is the tamox. and I have had trouble being positive especially in the evening...I have to talk myself out of thinking negative. but with the inability to sleep thru the night and ? PMS... I am just plain tired...
Murph, what's the story on fish oil...I tried it years ago....but I always felt I had a fish after taste in my mouth...but if it is beneficial for us I will look into it. I would really be interested in what your onc. says about all the supplements.
Well I hope I can sleep tonight...and that worries won't overtake the brain...
Hugs,
Amber
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Girls, thought this might interest you, on another thread someone said that benadryl shouldn't be taken with tamox. I have been using benadryl for sleep so I googled and found a BC pamplet on Tamoxifen, here is the link:
http://medicine.iupui.edu/clinpharm/COBRA/TamoxifenGuide.pdf
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Hello all,
Day 32 for me, and it's been going well. I still have the vag discharge, which for me, is better than dryness from Arimidex. Zits are poppin up like crazy! I tried all kinds of OTC acne medication, and finally switched to Unscented Dove. That cleared it up. My joint and muscle pains have become less and less, as I continued my cardio and weight exercises. Sometimes I just feel too lazy to work-out, but knowing that I feel better afterwards is my motivation. I have also been sleeping better -- thanks to Tylenol PM and Melatonin. I saw my onc last week and so far, good report. My next appointment is December. Wow, this is freedom!
I know there is light at the end of the tunnel, but never expected it sooner. Thank You Jesus! Praying that all you ladies are feeling good today, and better each day.
Sleep well!
Aurora
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Hi Aurora,
I was wondering about the zit situation...do you think this is a side effect of tamoxifen? thanks for the advice on the unscented dove. I use the regular dove...next time to Walmart I'll do the switch. I didn't know if you realized it or not but tylenol pm has benadryl in it. I just learned that benadryl may interfer with the metabolism of tamox. someone on another thread mentioned it and I found a brochure on tamox that says it indeed does...I am a nurse and felt benadryl one of the safest drugs around...and I have heavily relied on it since my diagnosis to help me sleep....but now I can't, because it could cause the tamox to not work properly. I pasted the link from the tamoxifen drug interactions above your entry.
God bless
Amber
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Amber,
I had to laugh when you talked about getting a fishy taste in your mouth after taking the fish oil. I had EXACTLY the same thing happen -- I couldn't take it any more. I was getting nauseous just from the aftertaste! YUCK!!!!
Virginia,
I'm looking forward to the new pix. You are overdue. Hang in there with your dad. Your brother needs a swift kick in the arse. But don't ALL brothers?!?!?! I have two and there have been many times I'd like to smack 'em. Good thing they are half way across the country from me! My parents arrive today for a week. Mom's platelet count is holding for now but she could be on some form of maintenance for a long time to come -- she was told another person in the doc's practice has the same thing and has been maintaining for over a year. Oh well -- take this one day at a time. My dad has Parkinson's -- dx about 2 years ago. It's still pretty mild but he's 81 and otherwise doing well. I think it bothers Mom more than Dad.
Anyway, to the ladies I didn't mention -- I think about you all and wish everyone a great day!
Deb
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Hello ladies! I've been trying to catch up here - it took me two days to read all the posts!
Anyhow, I'm glad to know that the shoe-buying SE is taking hold. Good job Layne! and congrats on the anniversary.
Deb - so sorry to hear about your cat. Losing a pet is so difficult.
Virginia - I cannot wait to see your new hair. I'm getting mine chopped and highlighted this week. Sorry to hear about your coworker. I hope that her appoitnment went well.
Harley - you've been in my prayers. I wish I could package up my doc and send him fed ex to you. But, I think that is probably not going to happen, instead I'll just keep you close in my prayers. AND I'll pray for those silly doctors of yours that they may be more open and compassionate with you and all their patients!
To everyone else, it is good to see that most people are doing well for the most part. Sorry I'm not mentioning everyone by name - I still have vacation brain!
I've been on vacation, now I'm back at the office for 4 days, then off for another week. I decided NOT to take the tamox break. When it came right down to it, the fear I had about going off of it was greater than the SE's. At least for now. Still having nausea, pelvic cramping and low back aches. Joint pain some days and fatigue.... oh the fatigue. Anyhow, I'll continue to chart and keep and eye on things.
Have a great day everyone! Barbie
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Amber, Deb, and Barbie- thanks for the kind word RE my co-worker (yes, friend too). She let me feel the back of her neck and she had HUGE lumps back there... Not sure if they were lymph nodes or not. she saw an onc yesterday and he was very kind she said. Sent her for another CT scan of her upper body/neck today. Then will take out the lumps and biopsy them. He said that she needed to be prepared for the worst, but that it's not necessarily going to be cancer.
It's funny how you said I would be a good source of support to her...you are right... I now realize that you almost have to go through this horrible experience to really be supportive to someone... Does that make sense? Not to say that our families (especially my sister who has been my ROCK) isn't supportive, but somehow going through it makes you stronger...
I watched the Primetime special on Randy Pausch last night and bawled my eyes out. I have to watch his entire lecture and read his book... So inspirational....
I have not cut my hair ONCE since chemo... Today I walked into TJMaxx and the lady in the dressing room told me how much she loved my hair... It was very sweet... I just can't bring myself to cut my hair...even though people say it looks good short. Some day...
Deb- have a great visit with your folks. It's so horrible and sad to watch them suffer... My Dad is 81 too... Yesterday he was super nasty to my poor sister who is the sweetest kindest person in the world. She stood up to him and told him not to be mean to her... Then she locked herself in the bathroom and called me sobbing. I felt HORRIBLE. We have to keep remembering that he's just not synapsing right, but it's hard...
Ok, too long a post. Sorry girlies... Hugs to all of you!!
Virginia
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I also use the Unscented Dove since my radiation onc suggested. I work for a large consumer goods company and it kills me when I buy the Dove and not my company's brand, but Dove is a good product. My sister in law bought me a body wash, cream, and body butter that is all unscented and I've been using that also. She purchases it at her beauty supply store (she's a hairdresser).
I have noticed a few leg cramps in my calf, especially today. I had to stop and massage it, it was that noticeable. I walk 2 3/4 miles each morning and haven't had any issues with cramping until today.
The fish oil pill doesn't give me an after-taste. I take it with my dinner - hubby and my son take it also. My daughter won't ... you now how fussy girls are!!!
My son's friend did not have BC, I honestly can't remember the type ("rad brain" again!). We are fortunate to have Dana Farber here and she went there for her treatments - my surgeon was also from Dana Farber. I do worry about my daughter, Amber. She will turn 20 in August, right before she goes back to school. Fortunately, she attends Providence College which is only 50 miles from us in MA, so I am able to get there within an hour, which is a big comfort to both of us. The genetic counselor gave me a terrific suggestion for my daughter's screening. She has an annual exam with the ob/gyn during the Summer and then when she's home for Xmas break, she should go to her primary care doctor for a check-up and breast exam. As the counselor said, "have another pair of hands exam her", to which was daughter's reaction was "ewww". I'm just waiting for 8/13 as that is when I go back for my genetic testing results. Once I hear that news, I'll have a better idea as to what screening my daughter, sister and my two neices should receive. I also have heard that boys can have the gene also, and they are at an increase for prostate cancer. A friend of mine is scheduled for surgery on 8/8, his mom died from BC when we were 20. I did share with my son's pediaitrician at his check-up that I had BC, just so they have it in his medical files.
I also watched the Randy Pausch special last night. When I heard last Friday that he had passed, I was really saddened. What a truly inspirational man and a tremendous father/husband, it just didn't seem fair. I'm not sure if I'm ready to read his book, a friend of mine said it was fantastic, but she cried alot throughout reading it. I did see his interview on the Oprah show after my diagnosis, and found him to be very inspiring. He was like a kid in a candy shop when he was at the Steelers training camp - and he didn't drop one pass!!!
During the same episode of Oprah, there was a young woman who was also fighting a battle with cancer. She has a book entitled, "Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips". I have not yet had an opportunity to check it out, but she also had such a wonderful outlook for a young woman. Not sure if anyone else has heard of it or not?
Well, I have to get back to work. Take it easy everyone!!!!!!!
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GO DOVE!! Whoo hoo! I work for the company that makes DOVE! LOL
Murph- can I ask who you work for? I am guessing you are a direct competitor of ours...
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VirginiaNJ - You should have guessed ... P&G! Yes, a direct competitor! LOL!
I'm pretty lucky, I love my job!
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bump
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"Crazy Sexy Cancer Tips" is a good read for any "younger" folks. Definitely an irreverent look at having and surviving cancer. Highlights some amazing young ladies and their stories - many have founded organizations that are helping other young (adult) cancer patients. Some good tips as well.
VirginiaNJ - are you at the Englewood Cliffs offices? If so, our offices are relatively close as I am on the East side of the Tappan Zee Bridge.
So far I'm doing ok with Tamox. Some back pain which may actually be from overdoing it at the gym the other day and then trouble sleeping but not much else. Hoipe I'll be abel to say that in another few weeks!
Joan
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Hey all,
Welcome back, Layne. Glad you're not MIA. Sorry about your kitty Deb. I have 2 that I cherish.
So today I am driving to Northampton, MA, to see if I can find a bra that works. Over time my bc breast is at least a size smaller than the other and I can't find a proper fit. Any one else have this? I've had 2 large lumpectomies.
I'll fill you in on results.(no pun intended)
xxxx Basha
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Murph- LOL, that was my guess...you are the ones we are always chasing to catch up to...with no avail. We just sold our olive oil business and our laundry business. Dove is a jewel brand, so they will never get rid of it...) What area do you work in? I deal with consumers....I too love my job.
I've seen the Crazy Sexy Cancer gal on many news progams... Her name in Kris Carr (something like that). She had like Stage IV cancer and is beating it... I haven't checked up on her lately. I think her web page is crazysexycancer.com or something close to that. Yes, another inspirational story, for sure...
Joan- Yes, I am in EC. That's cool....where in Westchester are you?? I have traveled the TZ bridge many a times...and gone under it in a boat many times...
Basha- I have the opposite problem...my "bad" boob is probably a size bigger than my good boob. Swollen from rads... Was JUST talking about that this am....
Happy Thursday...almost there to 1/2 day Friday! WHOO HOO!!
Virginia
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Good morning, ladies--
I'm so glad to have the day off from dr. appointments...I had one Tues. and two yesterday. Everything's going well, though...nothing like last summer's drama, thank God. Yesterday was the one-year anniversary of my diagnosis--it's been quite a year!
I saw the breast surgeon on Tues. She ordered an MRI, which she does routinely a year out from radiation, but I won't be here in Nov. She did think I looked swollen, but she said my breast would never be "normal" again after radiation. I love this woman...she's so competent and caring...but she said it had been a difficult year when I asked how she was, and seemed a little more subdued than usual. Her office manager told me that Dr. A had lost her husband in March--he was diagnosed with melanoma and was dead in 5 weeks. How sad is that??! She has two daughters in their 20s. I just feel so bad for her.
Yesterday was the oncologist, who I love. He said everything's fine, renewed all my prescriptions, etc. He said one more year of tamox., and if the bloodwork says I'm definitely menopausal he'll recommend switching to an AI; he also said that some women ask to stay on tamox. for the full 5 years and he's fine with that. The SEs from the AIs (here I am in Acronym Land) seem so much worse, and I'm already having such hip pain... We'll see. Amber, thanks for the heads up on benadryl and tamox being bad together; I asked him about it, and he said I should stop taking it (I'm a regular Tylenol PM user). He rolled his eyes and said, "You're not supposed to take ANYTHING with tamox, apparently." Wrote me a prescription for Lunesta...has anyone tried that? I hope it works...I'm a b**** w/out regular sleep.
Tomorrow I see my primary, who gives me Xanax for "those times"...is that going to totally cancel out the tamox, too? Sheesh...it's always something.
Deb, so sorry about your cat...it's so hard. Sorry also about your dad's Parkinson's--my dad lived with it for about 12 years. It's such a cruel disease... Virginia, you're such a good daughter keeping your seat on the geriatric roller coaster; it's so hard, isn't it? Those of you in the NY metro area...did you see the 44-lb. stray cat on the news this week?? Looked like a not-so-small dog! Basha, happy bra shopping and good luck. Virginia and Murph, keep it friendly, please, since you're competitors. :-) Barbie, Joan, Harley, Aurora, Layne, and everyone I missed...take good care!
Lynn
P.S. Sorry this is so long...I have diarrhea of the keyboard. :-)
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Way too funny, girls!!! Fortunately, there is room on the train for both Virginia and myself!! LOL! I work with major retail customers, focused on product supply, analyzing tons of data. I work from home so I feel that work/family balance that so many women struggle with.
Congrats JapanLyn on your one-year.
I've gotta run ... conference call to get to.
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Congrats Lynn on your Cancerversary! Whoo hoo! Gosh, we've all come such a long way, eh? My onc prescribed Xanax for anxiety, Ambien for sleeping, and a Diuretic for my water retention. So, I am HOPING that all are ok with the Tamox or she wouldn't have given them to me!!
No rivalries here... Murph- I know exactly how you feel about buying another product... We are so ingrained to be loyal to our own brands... That's a good thing... I'm off the hook now for buying 'all' and Wisk b/c we just sold that business. Now I can buy what's on sale. Although, I have to tell you, if Breyer's ISN'T on sale and Turkey Hill ice cream IS, I buy what's on sale... I call it "competitive intelligence"!!
Lynn- I saw that cat!! It has been all over the news here... Are you in the NY Metro area?? It would be a hoot to meet you... I live about 1/2 hour outside of midtown Manhattan (on the Jersey side).
V
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I have been on tamoxifen 7 mos and have the usualy side effect, hot flashes, joint pain but the last few days I am having pelvic pressure/pain (only if I press my lower abdomen). had a pelvic/transvag ultrasound about a month ago and everything seemed to be okay. I exercise everyday but I can't imagine it is from that. Has anyone else had this type of pain?
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noelleon,
I am also having this pelvic pressure/pain, and I've been on tamoxifen for 7 months also. I had a trans vaginal u/s on 6/21 and my endometrial lining is THICK! Also, the report showed some cysts or SOMETHING, and now I need to have an endometrial biopsy. I'll be having it on Aug. 13 and I am kind of scared. I have had some spotting too, and I was on a temporary break from Tamoxifen, but now I am back on the Tamoxitrain again, at least until I have this biopsy. Just the word biopsy brings back memories of last year, back in March 07, when I was dx'd with bc.
My dr. says that he 'thinks' it is just a polyp or something, but he has to do this biopsy to be sure.0 -
Virginia - my office is right in Tarrytown, just off the first exit on the East side of the TZB. Let me know if you are headed my way. I live about 30 miles North of there.
Harley - I know it is much easier said than done, but try not to get too far ahead (mentally) of your actual test results. Investigate the issues and deal with the facts rather than the what ifs as much as possible. Tests really are our friends - mostly they confirm we are ok and if they ID a problem, it is better to find it sooner than later.
Thinking of all the rest of you too. Hoping for goods days for all!
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