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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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Comments

  • amberyba
    amberyba Member Posts: 180
    edited August 2008

    Lynn, how cool, scuba diving! I like to swim underwater too, but it takes a lot of work to get certified, so proud of you! the name of the metobolizing test is "cytochrome" (CYP2d6), tamoxifen is activated by CYP2D6.

    Deb, I have the struggle everyday with BC...I try to focus on other things, but usually when I am lying in bed, the struggle is the hardest, that may be because I found the lump in bed. Now I check for lump daily, which is nerve racking. Because I find them! But I am trying to not run to the doctor or over-react...I am still alive and hopefully a few months til I see the doctor won't hurt. I am happy that you are at your one year anniversary, congrats!

    Hey go Patriots! I don't have a choice...My son is an avid fan and I try to get him some Patriot things most every Christmas.

    I'm Watching Gustav, just noted He's downgraded to a 3. My son was hiking on the Appalachian trail, but he is coming home tonight...I love to watch storms, they are so amazing...but I don't like it when others are devastated because of them. I found a neat website with the loop tracking of the hurricane, check it out if you are interested:

    http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/goes/east/gmex/loop-ir2.html

    God bless All my Tamoxipals!

    Amber

  • donnajrn
    donnajrn Member Posts: 31
    edited August 2008

    Hi everyone, looks like I will be joining a fantastic group of ladies----that is, when the mail-order pharmacy decides to send me my medicine.......there is a hold up on the Effexor.....they seem to think I should use something different.............they just don't get it!  I am sure they will soon.

    Will start the lower dose for 2 weeks, then up it to 75 mgm.  I still wonder if I should try the Tamoxifin before starting the Effexor.........I just not sure I like taking the 2 meds.......and then if I have problems, would then stop Tamoxifin and take the Effexor for 2 months first, before restarting the Tamoxifin.

    Lynn, does your name mean you are presently living in Japan.  I lived there a long time ago .We lived in Nara and Kyoto(father went there after Korea)............I remember quite a bit of that..............we used to visit shrines, etc and the Japanese would come over to us to look at my brother, sister and myself..........we were all very blonde and they had not seen a lot at that time (early 50"s).

    Deb, I just have one thing to say to you................GO REDSKINS.................I live in the DC area and that is just a way of life.  One year, long time ago, a friend and I were lucky to get season tickets..............the first game of the year, picture this, Monday night football.....Goodyear blimp...........RFK stadium.............playing Dallas..............she turns to me and says..........I hate it when everyone boos the opposing team when they come out............I agreed............out come the cowboys......she is standing up and booing.........I asked her why.....she said she could not help it, it just came out............I won't mention the score............just to say..........it was memorable.

    Amber, I watched a lot of the weather channel yesterday...........that is so frightening.  I was off the weekend 3 years ago with Katrina............lets pray things will be okay for the coast.

    Donna

  • emath
    emath Member Posts: 18
    edited August 2008

    Hello Ladies,

    I start Tamoxifen next week along with the Effexor. I was on Bio-Identical hormones for 3 years prior to being dx. Stopped taking them first of July and the hot flashes are coming back already. These I am not looking foward to. I am responsible for Global Warming! hahaha  I have to go for a MRi in 4 weeks, due to the fact the first doctor claims that I did not have good margins from my lumpectomy, so they can not say that got it all! Needless to say he should have had the surgeon go back in, but since he didn't.....I found a new onc doctor! Hope that all is safe on the Gulf Coast. Watching closely here in Texas.

  • donnajrn
    donnajrn Member Posts: 31
    edited August 2008

    Hi Ellen, my onc is having me go on the Effexor for 2 months before I start the Tamoxifin.  She said if she didnt I would stop the Tamoxifin myself.  Fortunately, she is an oncologist that only works with womens issues...........and like I have said before............she gets it(still worried about both drugs)

    Donna

  • tiff2008
    tiff2008 Member Posts: 31
    edited August 2008

    Hi everyone.  I've been on Tamoxifen for about 2 months and so far mild hot flashes and restless nights.  I guess not too bad!

    Does anyone know what to do if you forget to take a pill one day?  Do you take 2 the next day or not?

  • amberyba
    amberyba Member Posts: 180
    edited August 2008

    Ellen, just curious, what biodentical hormones were you using for 3 years, I used "natural progesterone cream" for 9 years...now the doctors say no...but I wonder if it they know it is natural would they say the same thing, I didn't make it real clear I was using the natural. my sisiter was dx 9 years ago and has been using the natural prog cream since she finished treatment and hasn't used hormonals, and is still in remission., I just figure if I got BC while using the cream, then maybe I shouldn't use it. hey we may be responsible for global cooling in our house...ha ha!, I keep it real cool.

    Donna, I'm not on the effexor nor was it ever suggested, I do have hot flashes and they wake me up some. but it is an individual decision for the start and stop of tamoxifen...wish you the best.

    Tiff, I wouldn't worry about the missed dose...tamoxifen has a long half life, it will stay in your system long after you stop taking it.

    I only took 10mg (half of a 20mg tablet) last night, trying to see if taking it twice a day will lessen the night flashes, in hopes of a good night's sleep. took 10mg this am and will take the other 10mg later today...will let you all know if it provides any relief!

    hugs to all!

    Amber

  • emath
    emath Member Posts: 18
    edited August 2008

    Amber to answer your question I was on Bi-Est, Progesterone and Testosterone pills which were compounded. I was doing and feeling great! Then the dreaded bc came into the picture. Since I am ER+ and PR+ I was told to stop all of it. If you are positive then your cancer cells will thrive on hormones, so they try to deplete your body of hormones and make them stop. As for the Effexor he has it for me to take 1 three times a day and they are 25mg each. The Tamoxifen is 20 mg.

  • amberyba
    amberyba Member Posts: 180
    edited August 2008

    Thanks Ellen, I was told to stop progesterone as well. hope everything goes well with the effexor and tamox. your dx was right around July 4th and right at a month and half ago, looks like you are doing well. I am just at the 6-7 month mark of dx....It does get better..but the shock and fear factor have hung on for a while for me...like your picture..is this your family?

    have a blessed day!

    Amber

  • emath
    emath Member Posts: 18
    edited August 2008

    Yes it is! I am very proud of them. I also have 2 grandsons - 1 grand daughter and another grandson due in Dec. Yea, I know what you are saying about the shock and fear! God Bless you and your's!

    Ellen

  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 211
    edited August 2008

    Hi, ladies...Happy Labor Day!

    I finished my class yesterday but at times it wasn't pretty.  We dove from the beach, so had to walk out with full gear on.  It takes so much weight to keep me down that I got bogged down a couple of times and had to have help getting up.  Thank God for a kind instructor (a teacher at my school) and nice, polite navy guys.  Once I was in the water I was fine.  Decision made: the only diving I'll do in the future is from a boat and at a resort...no more lugging heavy equipment long distances for me.  Can't tell you how happy I am to be finished.

    This storm is flipping me out!  How horrible...it's like deja vu all over again, as Yogi said.  It looks like they're better prepared on the Gulf coast...I pray that that's the case and the gov't. will step up in the aftermath and do what has to be done.

     Donna, I live in Sasebo, Japan, which is about 45 minutes north of Nagasaki on the south island.  I'm starting my 9th year here, teaching for the Defense Dept.  I love Kyoto!  Such a beautiful place...I've been there a couple of times, but never made the trip to Nara.  I've got to do that next time.  The Japanese are pretty used to geijin (foreigners) now, but if you get in a small town with a blond child, they'll come up and touch the hair, etc.  I love the Japanese--they're very gracious.

    Welcome to our new riders!  We have lots of cars on our train to meet all your needs.  Today you'll find me in the massage/spa car, trying to get the knots out of my muscles.  Maybe a brief stop in the chocolate car.  Good luck to all w/ learning to live with our new normal on tamoxifen.

    Take care, all!

    Lynn

  • sue_blue
    sue_blue Member Posts: 152
    edited August 2008

    I had tried to take the tamoxifen twice daily at 10mg. My daughter is a med student and she worried about that and asked the pharmacology instructor... I was told 20mg once daily. I tried to take the effexor, mostly for depression. I couldn't tolerate it very well, but don't seem to tolerate any anti-depressant. I think most people do really well on it. They say other anti-depressants interfere with the tamoxifen. I now just have anti-anxiety meds as needed and sleeping pills. Hope that continues; I sleep horribly without them.

    Hope everyone is having a great weekend! 

  • tiff2008
    tiff2008 Member Posts: 31
    edited August 2008

    Amber-thanks for the information.  I think I may try 10mg morning & 10mg at night.

    Always thinking of you all!

    tiff

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

    Lynn,

    Congratulations on getting your open-water scuba certification!!  That is so exciting!!

    You are right... I want to hang out with all of you here, because you are so fun!!

    Deb,

    Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere.  Looks as if I will be here awhile; I'm still taking Tamoxifen, too, for the time being.  On Friday, I am going to see the gyn onc, and I don't expect that anything will happen... just a follow up, but I will make it clear that I am NOT going to go through this again, and have another D & C!!!   If I get any weird gyn symptoms, I am insisting on a hysterectomy!  I want this nonsense to end!

    Hugs and Happy Labor Day to all!

    Harley 

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited September 2008

    Hi Girls-

    I missed so many posts...  I can't even comment on them.  But, thinking of you all...

    My Dad is back in the hospital.  This time I'm really scared.  He's been sleeping so much and the meds they are giving him just don't seem to work.  I'm losing it...  I know he's going to die, but I'm just not ready to say good bye or let him go.  This sure is the sucky part of life, isn't it??

    Will talk to you all soon...I feel the hugs from you that's why I wanted to check in...

    Virginia 

  • amberyba
    amberyba Member Posts: 180
    edited September 2008

    Virginia, thinking of you and your family, I am real close to my dad as well and know it must be really tough, Hang in there.

    Go Harley! I'd insist too! glad you are doing well!

    Susan, glad you are sleeping well! it is hard on us when we don't sleep well.

    Lynn, what a neat story on the scuba...so proud of you!

    Tiff, I took the tamoxifen at 8am and around  1pm (half a tablet each dose for a total of 20mg) and took CoQ10 100mg, flaxoil capsule, ferrous sulfate 325mg (doctor's order for anemia), along with the tamoxifen. so far so good, I really didn't have any night hot flashes last night, I did notice mild ones rarely today, and I feel better. But I am sure that time will be the tell tale.

    I have noticed a few pinpointy areas on my good boob that i never noticed before, and i wonder if it is the tamoxifen. and on my BC side there are knotty areas that were painful a few weeks ago...this I think is due to the radiation. but my surgeon told me everything was fine last month, and my onc. said we'd keep an eye on things and i see him in October...I will just keep an eye and hand on things.

    Hope everyone had a good labor day...I have been making oatmeal cookies. and they are so good. I am going to try a healthy low fat oatmeal cookie recipe soon.

    Hugs to all, Virginia, Basha, Joan, Murph, Sue, Donna and any others I missed!!

    Amber

  • dcbkc
    dcbkc Member Posts: 137
    edited September 2008

    Virginia,

    I'll be thinking of you and your dad.  Know that you are not alone. Lots of hugs coming your way.

    Lynn,

    Good for you!  Now you're certified and not certifiable! You go girl!

    Amber,

    I, too, was cooking today -- I made almost 6 dozen blintzes -- from scratch!  My feet were killing me by the time I was done! But having some people over for dinner soon and they keep Kosher and the wife is also a vegetarian. 

    Hope everyone had a great holiday weekend.  Looks like the Gulf Coast has dodged a bullet. Whew!

    Deb

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

    Virginia,

    Thinking of you, and hoping that your Dad is doing ok.  ((((HUGS))))

    Amber,

    Yes, I do seem to be feeling much better, thanks!

    Deb,

    Hope you have a great time at dinner with your friends.

    We are waiting to see what Hannah will do, because she is supposed to be headed for the SE, and we are supposed to be getting nasty weather from Hannah on Friday and Saturday.  As of this evening, Hannah was a Cat. 1 hurricane!  They 'think' it will make landfall somewhere in Georgia.

    Hope everyone is having a smooth ride on the Tamoxi-train today!
    Harley

  • Munchy
    Munchy Member Posts: 59
    edited September 2008

    Amber - even a "natural" form of estrogen, as in the cream, would be bad.  Our body's own naturally produced estrogen is why we are taking the Tamoxifen - to neutralize it.  We shouldn't add any form of estrogen (or estrogen-like substance) to our bodies - that's why no soy.

    Deb - I used to work with a woman like that.  She made my life at work miserable.  It helps if you remember that usually the reason someone acts that way is because she is very unhappy and has a miserable life - that's why she tries to make those around her miserable.  You're better off if you don't have to be around her - you'll find something better.

    My doc told me not to worry too much if I accidentally miss a dose of Tamox... don't double up next time or anything like that.  Just get back on schedule as soon as you can.  As a matter of fact, I totally forgot to bring my meds with me this weekend.  My husband and I went in to the City to celebrate our 27th wedding anniversary.  I missed one dose - the first time it's happened. 

    My appointment with the PT went well (I guess).  The good news is that she doesn't think I have lymphedema.  She thinks that the pain I'm having is from the twisted mass of scar tissue that is my right boob.  It is hard, tight and twisted, and is putting pressure on my nerves.  She gave me some stretching exercises to do, and some massage.  I have to be careful, though, because if I am too vigorous with the massage, it could form even more scar tissue!  Anyway, none of that explains the swelling in my hand.  I see her again in a couple weeks to see if it's helping.

     Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend.  Hugs to all! 

  • amberyba
    amberyba Member Posts: 180
    edited September 2008

    thanks Munchy, I agree about the estrogen...and I too don't worry about a missed dose. It seems tamoxifen stays in our system a long time even after we stop taking it....I really feel for you about the pain issue, I have scar tissue as well. and there are lumpy areas on my BC near the SNB incision and below that were painful...I have used gentl massage and it seems to have helped. the pain was so bad a few weeks ago that I couldn't lie on my BC side..I was afraid it was cancer spreading to the lymph nodes....but I told myself to give it some time and if it worsened then call the doctor...but I will run it by him....the swelling in your hand may be due to poor circulation from the surgery...did you have rads too...I have swelling and I have read rads can make this happen and that it can linger for quite a while....I will be thinking of you and hoping things improve!!!!

    For me the progesterone is what I used. I have studied and read about natural progesterone cream from Dr. John R. Lee, who said it counteracts estrogen dominance..that is why I was using it before diagnosis. My sister had BC 9 yrs ago at age 32 and had ER/PR+ BC and has used natural progesterone cream since chemo/rads completed and has been in remission...she didn't go the antihomonal route. My sister was node + and hypothesizes that my BC was node- due to the use of natural progesterone cream., Since my diagnosis I have researched a great deal on this and have not come to any conclusion and have wondered if the company who makes the progesterone cream I used used synthetic hormones to  make it. but the sad thing I have come to realize is that pregnant women get BC...and their progesterone levels are high naturally. I have also read that if your BC is >75% progesterone postitive then tamoxifen works great...and that progesterone + also is more prone in the node negative cancers... Dr. Lee suggest that natural progesterone cream would benefit PR+ BC...

    I am weary on the issue though, and don't want to use the cream just as the surgeon doesn't want me to either...but the subject was one I felt I had an excellent grasp on, now I'm not sure of anything whether it causes BC or not...I have just decide to do the best I can and  live life to the fullest. I only have today.

    And today and yesterday I ate too many oatmeal cookies! but i enjoyed every single bite.

    I am cooking a mini feast for tonight, fresh corn, country style steak, homemade cream potatoes, fresh fried okra, and fresh peaches cut up....my DH loves them all. and my dear teens like just a few...I aim to please, but pleasing is hard when you have more than one person to please.

    Hugs to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:):):):):):)

    Amber

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited September 2008

    Thanks girls for the kind words...  One day at a time, eh?

    Amber- your FEAST sounds scrumptious!!  I wish I was coming over!!  Wink

    Munchy- I feel like my hands and feet are swollen...  Don't notice it more on my surgery side, which I guess is good.  But all of my rings are too tight and even my watches are tight (and I wear them on the opposite side if my surgery).  My onc nurse gave me a diuretic, but I don't take it every day, so I guess it's just a SE of the Tamox.  Guess I ought to let the jeweler take out my rings if I want to wear them...  Yell  Were you in NYC?  Congrats on 27 years!  That's most definitely a milestone worthy of a celebration!!

    Happy Tuesday all...(almost say Monday!!)  Hope the week goes fast.  I'm supposed to go to LA next Monday for a little vacation, but I'm thinking of canceling...

  • JapanLynn
    JapanLynn Member Posts: 211
    edited September 2008

    Good morning, all--

    Not much time, but I wanted to respond to you, Virginia.  I'm so, so sorry to hear that your dad is back in the hospital.  Please know that you and your whole family are in my prayers.  Keep hanging in there...you're such a good daughter.

    Thanks for all the congrats on my certification, and Deb, who says I'm not certifiable?? :-)

    Amber, I'm coming over for dinner!  Sounds great.

    Harley, I hope Hanna passes you by.  I hear there are two more storms behind her, though.  Enough already!  I'm just glad Gustav wasn't like Katrina.

    Off to work...take care, everyone!

    Lynn

  • BustersMom
    BustersMom Member Posts: 260
    edited September 2008

    Hi Ladies,

    Just wanted to introduce myself...  I took my first dose of Tamoxifen today.  I was given 20mg per day, but because I've always been hypersensitive to drugs, I'm starting out with 10mg and will work my way up.

    Looking forward to reading & educating myself here :) 

    Cheers, Julie

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

    Julie,

    Hi and welcome to the Tamoxi-train!!  Glad to see that you are getting adjusted to Tamoxifen, by taking it slowly and building up.  I had to do that when I started taking Thyroid hormone, because I was very sensitive to it, and I got palpitations.

    Lynn,

    Hanna will be our first hurricane since I moved to NC from Maryland.  I heard that she has been downgraded to a tropical storm again, so maybe we'll just get some wind and rain.  That is what I am expecting... lots of wind and rain.  We shall see...

    Harley 

  • amberyba
    amberyba Member Posts: 180
    edited September 2008

    Harley, i'm in NC also. I live in Albemarle, what part of NC are you in? I have lived in NC all my life....we have only had a few detrimental hurricanes come thru, but I do remember them...we can always use the rain...so I welcome the tropical effect too.

    Amber

  • dcbkc
    dcbkc Member Posts: 137
    edited September 2008

    Julie,

    Welcome to the train!  As I have said so much, you've fallen in with a great group.  We're ALWAYS willing to give advice, QUICK to support each other and SLOW to stop eating -- that's the only fun part of this train!

    Harley and Amber,

    I'm hoping that Hanna leaves you alone and that Ike and Josephine are just blowin' by.

    Murph,

    I know this sounds like it's coming from left field (the green monster) but could your swelling be from the weather?  I know that when it's hot and humid, my hands and feet swell terribly. Same for my husband -- he  has to take off his ring and watch. Just a stray thought on my part -- you know how my mind wanders! And thanks for the words of wisdom.  I think you are absolutely right about this woman.  But to have to put up with it does try my patience.

    Virginia,

    I'm thinking of you often.  I'll keep my fingers crossed for Dad.  But I think you should go to LA if at all possible.  You need to be good to you, too.  Don't be too quick to cancel.

    Lynn,

    If you are certifiable, then what does that make me?!?!? I shudder to think of it.

    Everyone have a wonderful Wednesday.

    Deb

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

    Virginia

    Thinking of you, and sending more HUGS your way!!  I'm praying for you and your Dad!

    Amber,

    I live in S.E. corner of NC... yikes!  I live in Calabash, and it isn't water front property, but just only a few miles from Sunset Beach!!  It is convenient for going to the beach, like we did yesterday, but I wonder how much higher winds we will get here near the coast!

    Hugs to all,

    Harley

  • amberyba
    amberyba Member Posts: 180
    edited September 2008

    Great area Harley, I will be thinking of you as Hannah comes..stay safe!!!!!

    Hugs

    Amber

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited September 2008

    Luv you gals...really...  You are my crutches...  I'm very torn on my trip to LA, but won't cancel until the very last minute.  It's only for 4 days...not too terribly long.  And, if the past is any indication, my dad will still be in the hospital and 'taken care of.'

    Harley- jeepers with the hurricane...sending you good karma.  they are saying the remnants of the hurricane will be in NJ by this weekend (Saturday, I think).

    Deb- I think my swelling is due to weather AND  the Tamox...  I'll see how the winter fares for the swelling before I cart my rings to the jewler for re-sizing!  LOL   I just keep thinking 4 more years of this swelling?  Poop...

    WELCOME JULIE!!!  :)  You'll quickly learn about all of us...  As you can see by my posts, these ladies have been WONDERFUL emotional support to me even outside of BC...   (I thank you all for listening to me vent about my family situation...it means a lot to me...)

    Virginia

  • Barbie7
    Barbie7 Member Posts: 126
    edited September 2008

    Virginia - I'm sorry that you are going through this difficult time with your Dad.  I agree with the others, head to Cali if you can - a little time away always gives good perspective.  Only you will know what the right thing is for you to do.  Go with your heart.  I'll be keeping you and your Dad in my prayers.

    Welcome to Julie and the other newcomers. 

    To all who are in the path of all these hurricanes, my blessings go to you too!  I'm up here in Wisconsin, praying for rain.

    I've got a new ache.  I have a sharp pain (kind of feels like a deep bruise) just below my BC breast on the ribs.  I've had it for a week now.  Pain doesn't go away.  I know it could be Costo... I'm seeing my rad onc in a few weeks, so I'm going to wait it out unless it gets crazy painful.  Right now, unless I touch it, it is just bothersome.  If I touch it, wow-za! 

    Good day to all!

    Barbie

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited September 2008

    Hi Gals,

    Well my son is safely off to college and enjoying it enough. But 2 days ago my kitty got hit by a car and has torn ligaments in her leg. Today when I got home from painting she was gone and I'm so worried. She is limping so badly I can't imagine she'll survive outside.

    I'll let you know what happens.

    Love, Basha 

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