Bottle o Tamoxifen
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Good morning fellow passengers. A quick follow up to my night sweats situation. I got my period on Friday evening - so these bad NS came the week leading up to my period. I'll note that and then see what happens next month. You know, it kind of stinks that we have the symptoms of meno and still have pesky periods. I realize some don't - but geesh. I've got 'em both. I also have endometriosis, so my first few days of my period are just not very fun. The pill really helped with that - but now there's no more pill for Barbie.
Virginia, I'm so sorry that you had a rough time this weekend. Panic attacks are just not fun - I'm glad you were able to work your way through it. As always, I'll keep you and your Dad in my prayers. On another note - are you sure that your Guitar Hero addiction isn't related to Tamox? You know my shoe addiction is.
Thanks ladies for the suggestion of the cool pillow. I'll have to research that.
Have a great day all! Barbie
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Morning Ladies. Lots of postings to read through .... it's always good to see how everyone is doing. I also value this website ... it truly helps!
Let's hope all the tests continue to be clear and all positive thoughts for everyone's families . I didn't see the Christine Applegate interview but heard about it. She tested positive for the BRCA1 defect so she decided to have a double mastectomy. I don't blame her, she's only 36. I just continue to be grateful that I didn't test positive for either the 1 or 2.
Have not gotten my period yet. I am having hot flashes during the day also. I attended a 60 birthday party on Saturday in an air-conditioned hall, wearing a sleeveless dress and was still hot - my sis-in-law was really cold and I was dying!!! There was birthday cake, but no key lime pie - I would have had tons of that too, Basha!
I also discovered that Miller Genuine Draft now has a 64 calorie beer ... so no more Michelob Ultra (95 calories) for me! It tastes okay and it's nice to sit and have a beer or two while we have a fire going on the patio. Summer is coming to an end way too quickly.
Today is the golf tournament for Jen, my friend's daughter who was lost on 9/11. It so incredibly emotional - they are truly an inspiration. So much good has been done with the money raised. Of course, it is still so raw, like you said Virgina. I was suppose to be in NYC for a business meeting that day but decided last minute to video conference instead. That action enabled me to be there for my friend Faye ... as hard as 9/11 was, the day after was worse. Waiting and waiting for Jen to call and say she was okay - and of course that call never came. Faye was "the friend" I could turn to when my mom was dying from ovarian cancer, and unfortunately I repaid her kindness when she lost Jen. We can cry on each other's shoulders - not too many friends that you can do that with. It's just not how it should be ... you should not lose your child.
My daughter is counting the days down for when she returns to school. She attends Providence College which is only 1 hour from us. So, it's close but not too close! She won't be back home until mid-Sept. It is always an adjustment after she leaves and it will be this year, too. She is a political science major and is very excited about the November election. She worked on a presidential campaign during her sophmore year and had fun. It's just great to see young people interested in the process.
We will take the family (and hubby's family) out for our usual "goodbye to Crissa dinner" on Tuesday night. The restuarant has the most delicious cinnamon butter ever, it's wicked good! And I just love bread!!
My son's football takes over the schedule now that double sessions, scrimmages, etc., are in full force. Three scrimmages this week and school starts on Thursday. I hate hearing the noise when they hit each other on the field, but he just loves the game.
Virginia - panic attacks suck. I'm working on trying to reduce my anxiety but its not easy. Hang in there.
Enjoy the day everyone. Keep your chins up!!!!
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Amber- LOL. Ok, so my Tempur-pedic pillow isn't literally "cool" but "neat-o", "awesome." Actually, memory foam works with body heat, so it actually holds the heat. It's just really comfy. But, when I was going through chemo, there was a gal on my board who used a "chillow" and she said it was awesome for the night sweats. Don't know anything about it, so I imagine if you Google it you could find out more info.
Thanks for all the kind words RE my panic attack... Things did settle down, but now I just wait for that oppressive feeling...it's really awful.
Murph- that's so nice that you and Faye have each other...your story touched me...
Barbie- LOL RE the Guitar Hero addiction. I tried to play this weekend, but now I'm out of practice. I switched over to Lego Indiana Jones and got stuck... My brain is just not all that clever to get from level to level...
Deb- have a feeling my period won't be my last hurrah.
, but you never know... I think my cycle could be messed up over stress. Don't see my onc until Nov but will see the gyno in Oct. I pray she doesn't make me go for the TV US. Ick...Harley- hugs to you girl...I agree with the others...still sounds like the happiness you found at the beach is lingering...I'm glad for that...
Hugs to all the rest, as always...
Virginia
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Good morning, girls!
It's 4:30 a.m., and I'm slugging down a cup of coffee and reading your posts before leaving for the gym. I wanted to go yesterday afternoon but it just wasn't going to happen...no energy. The morning is better for me, but then I'll be ready for bed tonight at 8. Oh, well...
The first day of school was fine...I didn't actually see kids in my room, but prepared with our literacy committee for the testing that starts today. The only bad thing...I had the hot flash from hell right after coming in off the field where the kids gathered. It was pretty warm outside, but I did fine until I got into the AC--then I just melted like the WW of the W in the Wizard of Oz. Wet hair, which then hung in my face the rest of the day, damp clothes, bitchiness for awhile...the fun just never stops. I'm going to keep track of them for a week or so and then call my onc...see if he'll up my Effexor. I'm on the lowest dose--37.5 mg--and my internist told me that was what they usually start people on to see if they can tolerate it before hiking it up to 75. We'll see...
Amber, some of things that trigger hot flashes in some people are red wine, spicy food, heat and humidity, stress, caffeine, etc. Harley, I'm not good at avoiding mine either--when I have a glass of wine I crank down the AC, and I refuse to give up my coffee, although I've cut back some. Spicy food, which I love, isn't going anywhere either. Heat and humidity I can't do anything about...it's starting to break a little here, thank heavens, but it's still pretty bad.
Murph, enjoy your farewell dinner with your daughter. I was a political science major, too, and used to know lots about the US political system; most of that info got dumped somewhere along the way. This morning I was thinking I don't even remember how delegates to the conventions are chosen--pitiful, isn't it? I'm looking forward to watching the conventions!
Oops--out of time. Basha, Virginia, Deb, and everyone else I've missed--take good care!
Lynn
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Amber,
I was going to give you some examples of some triggers for HOT FLASHES, but Lynn beat me to it! Yes, alcohol and caffeine are definite triggers for me, and heat & humidity, too! Stress is the one that I have during the day at work, when I get nervous, those hot flashes won't stop!
I've been at work most of the day, and this is the first chance I've had to log in here, and read the posts. About working, I know... I would rather not work, but it's nice to have money to help pay all those bills!
Virginia,
I hope you are feeling better today. The panic attacks really suck! Hope your Dad is doing ok. I know that it has to be hard for you, seeing your Dad like this! Thinking of you, and sending you BIG HUGS!!
Basha,
Hope you are feeling good today. Thanks for starting this thread! ALL you women are my lifeline!
Harley
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Thanks Lynn and Harley, I love my coffee too, as a matter of fact having a cup right now, though I do try not to drink it in the evening..alcohol isn't a problem, though a rare ounce of wine at night helps me fall asleep.
Lynn, I feel for you having the major hot flash episode. I'd call my doc too. maybe the dose of effexor increase will help.
Well I'm on bottle number 2, and my 2nd period did come a week early, and erratic with light to heaviness. I was up 3 times last night because of the heavy bleeding, and told my husband I couldn't go with him on a 2-3 hour errand, because I feared I would bleed to heavily...of course he didn't want to hear that. Do ya'll think the onc might consider letting me decrease my tamoxifen dosage in half to see if conditions improve. I have read studies that lower doses may be as effective, yet there are no human studies. I wish there would be a study trial. You know when tamoxifen began 40mg was one way it was prescribed...I dare say anyone is taking that now...who knows that it may be 10-20years from now you won't hear of 20mg, but 10mg.
Murph, I have children just like you older daughter, younger son. I am really concerned about my daughter going to college, having her home 16 + years feels safe...my son is 14 and I'm savoring these next 4 years with him....Glad your daughter is excited with this political thing, there is never a perfect candidate, they all have there flaws, just human like us....She is in a most interesting field of study and I bet the dinner table when she is home is never dull.
Virginia, I get hooked n some computer games, "super collapse", and I like to stimulate my mind with sudoku online...we love card games around hear...my teens love competition.
Barbie, I as well as you think the period thing has a great deal to do with the night sweat situation. I noticed similar as you did. Have you had endometriosis long? Hope this week is filled with good things like "SWEET SLEEEEEP", for you!
Deb you have a lot of spunk...I have never been to bunko, but a friend of mine would give me the stories...It seems like it would be great fun and exhausting....(most fun is exhausting!). I like the way you describe those bills...and like you I need to work, I am just waiting for the call from my nurse supervisor...they have been wonderful to give me leave and still need me to come back after 6-7 months...the ER changed a lot as most health care does...and I need to be re enlightened to the unit.
Basha thinking of you and hoping that your spirits are up...It is raining from those tropical storms here in NC...and I saw another one was around the Cuba area yesterday....we need the rain though,,,but it does have a poor effect on our emotion well being...
Thinking of everyone, haven't seen postings from some of the new tamoxipals Joan, Donna, etc, hope all is well and have a wonderful Tuesday everyone.
Hugs,
Amber
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Amber, thanks for thinking of me. I see the oncologist today and imagine I will get my prescription for the tamoxifen. Am worried about side effects, cause hot flashes have returned semi-big time this past week. When all this started I asked my gyn when I went off HRT if I would have them, he said maybe not cause of the stress I am having. Well rads are done and I guess the stress is over...........cause they are here. I am also not sleeping, so it looks like I will have a fun time with "the pills".
Is certainly amazing how you travel through the different forums..........from waiting for results, just diagnosed, surgery, rads.......and now tamoxifin. fortunately I did not have to have chemo.
Take care and have a great week.
Donna
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Glad to hear from you Donna, I didn't have chemo either, but I did as you, have rads, it does take a lot out of you. I still have pain and swelling from surg/rads, and lumpiness under the SNB side, it is hard to lie on my BC side...and the tamox night sweats and insomnia plaque me. So yes the fun continues with the tamoxifen.
I too worry, but it is good to talk here or to others, I wish I had an oncall med/onc/breast surgeon that I could talk to everytime I have fear, but those 3 month and yearly check will have to suffice, unless the symptom is severe.
Take care, hugs
Amber
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Hi girls - I got home last night from the tournament, tired and went to bed. I FORGOT to take my Tamaxofin. I woke up this am in a panic cuz I forgot. Immediately took it and had to take a deep breath. I can't believe I forgot. I will also take it tonight, figure that's ok?
Ok, I have a question. What's a bunko?
I haven't noticed spicy foods or coffee giving me the hot flashes, mostly the beer ... which I don't have much, but I won't totally give up my 2 beers on a Friday or Saturday. I do enjoy watching the Red Sox or Patriots and having a beer. The Miller Genuine Draft Light (64 calories) has less alcohol % so I figure that will help with the flashes!! LOL!
I'm off on vacation the rest of the week. Yippee! And I only came back to work on 7/14!!! I have 4 weeks vacation to take the rest of this year. And we don't go on vacation since we have a kid in college!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Enjoy the day everyone. Keep smiling.
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Murph,
I too forgot (once only thank God). I took it in the morning and then again at my regular time at night. I swore never to forget again! I'm on my 4th bottle (3 month supply tho). My tamox anniversary date is October 9th. Almost a whole year and my se's are fairly minimal. I'm one of the ones that are keeping the weight on. Not too much, just not where I want the excess pounds to be LOL. Have a great day!
Trish
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Murph,
Bunko is a dice game that requires no skill, minimal attention and is totally social. It's mindless and easy and fun. My husband looks forward to it. We do the couples thing twice a year. Glad to hear that you're a Bosox fan -- so am I. Went to BU and lived just across Kenmore Square from Fenway. You can keep the Pats though -sorry. Also, GDLight has the same alcohol content as other regular beers, just fewer calories. I used to work for Miller Brewing -- that's where I met my hubby -- in the QA department. Sorry to put a pin in your bubble.
Amber,
Many people have told me that I'm full of it -- not so many spunky! But thanks.
Virginia,
I'm thinking of you and sending calm thoughts your way. Remember that these times with your dad will eventually give you good memories. Just can't see right now. Hugs coming your way.
Lynn,
Sorry that your first day wasn't what you had hoped. Today will be better.
Gotta go. Have a good one
Deb
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Well, I met with the oncologist and got my prescription for Tamoxifin. But because I have started having hot flashes again, and also because of the insomnia she also gave me a prescription for Effexor. I will start the effexor and not start the tamoxifin until November. She said if I started the tamoxifin now, I would take myself off of it. Giving me 2 months to get the effexor working well. Guess this is an issue with insurance, cause I need to get authorization before I can get if filled.
Donna
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Hi everybody,I have been reading your posts now and then and it looks like everybody is hanging in there. Trying to move on, that is why I am not spending much time in here, but I do miss the exchange.I am going for a follow up MRI tomorrow, yikes, I hate that banging.Donna, Tamoxifen had little effect so far on me, I am three month into it and it may be the same for you. I take it at night, I think that it helps me sleep better. I just have irregular periods, and no pms breast pain which is good and no hot stuff, at least not yet.Cheers.0
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Hello to all... things have been kinda busy, so once again, I had a ton of posts to catch up on. I feel for those of you (Murph, Basha) who will miss your children off to school. My son is back to school today - the local community college, so at least he is still around. My daughter (my youngest) turned 18 today, so I feel totally old. She and I had a very nice lunch together and then we spent the day at Target shopping for the stuff she will need for dorm life. She is off to UC San Diego in just three weeks. I am so excited for her, yet I dread dropping her off - I will miss her so very much. At least she is still in California, but it's a looong drive. Not sure how long from the Bay Area - six hours or so??? Guess we'll find out in three weeks.
I registered for a single class this semester - math - which started last week. It's good brain exercise, but my husband isn't too happy. He really wanted me to be free to travel with him when he needs to travel. We'll see how it goes.
Tomorrow, I have an appointment with a physical therapist to check out my right arm. My hand is painful and slightly swollen, and skin on my entire arm feels like it is going to rip open. They're not sure if it's lymphedema or nerve damage. Oh boy.
Virginia - it must me so very difficult to be patient with your Dad, and dealing with your own anxiety problems is even worse. I'm sending all my very best good wishes.
I'm sorry - it's difficult to reply to everyone as I would like to. But I so enjoy reading all your posts. Take care all!
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Munchy,
Good luck with the pt. Gotta believe that it will help.
And since we moved here from CA, I can tell you that it's 8 hours to LA and another 2 to SD. My cousin's son wants to go to UCSD but he's still waiting to hear. Maybe take your time going back and take PCH!
Sorry I left so abruptly yesterday. The woman who I'm replacing (part time) was coming in to let me off for the day. And I found out yesterday that she is a big part of the reason that I won't be offered the job full time. She has been badmouthing me to the office manager -- I guess from the first day I was here. This woman is just a sad, miserable person who wants everyone else to be the same. She is rude to me more that anything else. So I never had a chance. But my dh says that they just don't know what they are giving up! Still, it makes me mad.
Ok, so I vented.
So have a great day!
Deb
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I am taking a greatly reduced dosage of Tamoxifen; 5mg/twice a week. Still I have had a lot of joint problems since starting a couple of months ago. Could it be from the tamoxifen. My right ankle and achilles have been so painful I thought it would bust. So I started icing daily. Then my back was screwed up for four days. I am normally very active and not used to this.
So the choice is take the tamox and be in pain or accept the higher risk. My gyno seems to understand. He said if it gave me two extra years out of 20, but I was miserable for all those years, was it worth it? I don't know.
Naturally my onc and surgeon want me to be taking a full dose every day. What a dilemma!
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Good morning, ladies. I ended up getting my period last night, maybe that is why I ate so much at dinner last night!!! LOL! I even asked the server for another basket of bread. I could live on bread alone.
Deb - you must have fond memories of Boston! BU is a great school, my daughter was accepted there but received a better package from PC. Her goal is to attend law school and she would love to go to BU Law.
The picture I posted on this site is of me and my kids with the two World Series Trophies (2004 & 2007). My daughter's college roommates dad is a sports writer/TV analyst for the Red Sox - how lucky is that! So, we get lots of scoops on what is happening with the team. And, of course, tickets if we want - they are so damn expensive now that everyone is a Sox fan! Alot different than when you attended BU!
Sorry you don't like the Pats, not many do. My dad had season tickets for many years and would take us to the games. Poor guy, he only had girls, and back then not many girls were football fans. I love watching football, except for my son's team - way too nervous about him getting hurt.
Boohoo on the alcohol content for MGD. I'll have to tell my friend who introduced me to it. I'm just happy about the 64 calories. Your company parties must have been fun.
Munchy - enjoy the time with your daughter before she goes off to a wonderful experience. Just keep telling yourself how great an opportunity she has and maybe you won't totally break down! One of my friends is sending off her youngest,a girl, in a week. She's already having a tough time, so we are planning on an "intervention" day for her after she drops off her daughter. It's wonderful our girls have these opportunities, but so hard to let go.
Well, I'm off for my walk, cranking up the song from Mamma Mia, "You Can Dance" .... it just gets me moving!
Enjoy the day everyone.
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Deb,
I hate it when a co-worker talks bad about you to your boss!
Bliz,
I would think that a lower dose of Tamoxifen is better than none at all. Hope your joints are feeling better soon!!
Hugs
Harley
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Hey ladies,
I went to see "Mamma Mia" with a friend yesterday and then we had dinner -- girls night out. While we were at dinner, I realized that it was the one year anniversary of my dx. I started to cry. But since we were in a public place, I pulled it together and went on with our meal. When I got home and was talking with John, I told him that it was one year ago and then I started to cry again. I know that I should be celebrating this, but I just couldn't help it. Am I totally nuts?
Now on with our conversation --
Bliz,
I also had joint pain when I started on this train. But as time has gone on, it has improved to the point that I really don't notice it so much any more. And I agree with Harley, some is better than none.
Murph,
I do have fond memories of BU. I haven't been back in years and look forward to taking the family there, although it has changed so much since I graduated. I am jealous of your connections though! If I ever do get to Boston, can I get some help on tickets? It used to be SO cheap to sit in the bleachers in right field! I'm betting not so much any more.
Harley,
Thanks for the support. It's nice to know that some people are on your side. In fact, the friend that I went out with last night works here too. She can't understand what their problem is. But you gotta have faith that something better will come along.
So I hope everyone is having a great day. It's Thursday and tomorrow, my daughter's marching band if performing and it'll be the first time for her. We're looking forward to it.
Hugs to all,
Deb
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It's my one year anniversary of dx tomorrow. It's been quite a year; I'm still trying to get some energy back from surgery,rads and chemo. I guess I'll be interested to go to the 3 month check-up in a couple of weeks and see what they do and what they say. I haven't had a check-up yet, just treatments.
So far, the tamox hasn't been too bad. I've learned how to compensate for some of the side effects. I know if I watch what I eat, especially the amount, I have less hot flashing. Tender says if you can lose a bit of weight, it reduces them. I need to work on that one. Not sleeping is not much fun. I do appreciate a good night when I get one.
I don't post often, but I do truly treasure all of you. (((Hugs)))
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I was wondering if anyone had advice on this one. 9 months b/4 invasive dutal carcinoma and a lumpectomy, 23 non cancerous nodes removed, one severe burn to armpit w/ heating pad and arimidex not working I had BARIATRIC Surgery, the R-ny version that affects absorbtion.
I worry that the Tomoxifan is not absorbing. I am seeing a shrink for anxiety and we figured out that the body after 2 yrs of bariatric surgery absorbs 75% of drugs I take. I am sweating this and my new oncologist blew me off like yesterdays news. Anyone ever studied this or have any facts? I am seeking a new oncologist. I didnt' care for her hard attitude...she was quick to point out "there are no studies that have proven that this is the case"...well my shrink begs to differ.
Would appreciate any advice on how to investigate this. Maybe I should be taking something else. Arimidex affected my joints so bad I had to quit...Tomoxifan makes my ankles swell...i couldn't care less about that but want to know that I am absorbing the drug tomoxifan.
Thanks in advance for any feedback.
Maureen
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Anyone using Effexor to help with hot flashes and night sweats? I've been on Tamoxifen since February and the hot flashed and night sweats were ruining my life. I started on Effexor about a month ago and I feel much better!
Lisa
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Maureen, I don't know where you live, but this sounds like the time to go (if you haven't) to a major breast cancer center and at least get a second opinion. I would think that would be the place that might answer your question. Good luck.
Lisa, I just got my prescription (not filled yet) for Tamoxifin, my oncologist also gave me a prescription for Effexor. She said if I started the Tamoxifin now I would probably stop it on my own ( I am having some hot flashes and not sleeping) I am to take the Effexor for 2 months before I start Tam. Glad to hear your response to the Effexor. I just did not know what to do, this helps a bit.
Donna
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Deb,
Congratulations on your one year anniversary!!
I will be seeing my gyn onc on Friday, Sept. 5th, and will ask if I should switch from Tamoxifen to an AI... I want to continue taking Tamoxifen, I guess, but I don't want to have polyps grow back again in 6 months, and then I'll need another D & C! That was no fun!!
If I switch, I'll miss you all so much!! Oh, I can't think about it!
Harley
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Harley,
You'll always be our Tamoxifriend, no matter what pill you pop.
Basha
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Aww... You're so sweet! Thanks, Basha!!
Harley
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Harley, I second Basha's comment!
Amber
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Amber,
Thanks so much!! My Tamoxi-train ride hasn't been the smoothest, but just knowing that I have the support of all the other riders on this train has made it so much easier!!
I love all you women here so much!
Thanks!!
Hugs,
Harley
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Good morning, ladies--
Harley, Basha and Amber are right...we won't let you switch trains, no matter what! Besides, you want to hang with us cool people here. We love you!
Not much time this morning, but I wanted to check in. Sue, congrats on your one-year anniversary! This year will be better, I pray. Donna and Lisa, I'm taking Effexor, too, but it isn't doing much for my hot flashes; I'm on the lowest dose (37.5 mg) and may ask my dr. to double it. Deb, what a witch you have to work with! I can't stand people like that...fear not--karma will give her her due at some point. Maureen, there's a blood test that gives info on how you're metabolizing the tamox but I can't remember the name/number. Anyone?? Virginia, how are you doing? Munch, I, too, am a huge football fan--this is my time of year! I prefer college (Go, Gators!) but I like pro, too (Go, Giants and Jags!).
Today I do my final two dives to get my open-water scuba certification. My little class of two is joining eight others. At least I've already passed my written test. I'm sure I'll be the oldest (and least fit) but that's okay. It's going to be a beautiful day, so it'll be nice to be outside.
Happy Labor Day! Take care, everyone...love this board and all the support.
Lynn
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Harley,
Let me add my two cents worth -- you can't get rid of us that easily! We'll find you! Something short of stalking though, I promise!
Lynn,
Good luck with your dive! I get a little claustrophobic, so it's not for me but my dh used to dive too. Just snorkeling for me -- and that is so peaceful. Enjoy it!
And for those football fans out there, just to be clear -- I may live in KC but I root for the Redskins! Have been a fan my entire life, my brother is now a season ticket holder. You know I'm a diehard when I still root for them even though Dan Snyder is ruining them!
I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm still caught up in the one year anniversary thing -- tomorrow is one year since surgery. I don't get why it's such a struggle for me!
Enjoy the 3-day weekend all!!
Deb
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