Bottle o Tamoxifen
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Stefie,
Please let us know when your pet scan is scheduled. I'll be praying for B-9!!!
Amber,Oh, so sorry that you are having problems with Tamoxifen! I think I would be worried, too.
When I see my onc in December, I will re-visit the question... whether or not it will be ok to switch to an AI, maybe. It will be one year on the tamoxi-train for me in November, so I think maybe that might be something to think about.
Please keep in touch... I want to know that you are still doing well!!
God Bless,Harley
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Hello ladies,
Stefie - I'm keeping you in my thoughts.
Amber - I'm sorry to hear that you're encountering more tamoxi-trouble. I'm also having brown/black discharge two weeks after my period - although my period was super light, almost nonexistant. I thought I was in tamoxi-pause, but then this. Arg. I haven't had a liver enzyme test since the first couple of weeks of being on Tamox. It has now been 6 months. The squirrels in my head started me thinking about uterine issues, but I'm lucky to have a PCP appointment next week. Maybe I'll get some answers. In any event - look how I turned something about YOU into something about ME! Sorry about that! I wish you well, and hope you'll post here (and on other forums) often.
Good evening to all,
Barbie
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Good Wednesday Morning!!!
Anne,
ONE................................
Hugs,
Trish
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Anne
Congratulations on your LAST day on the Tamoxi Train!!! YEAH!!! Your LAST Tamoxifen Pill!!
I so wish I was finished with these pills!!!
HUGS
Harley0 -
Anne - congratulations on making it 5 years on Tamoxifen!
barbie
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How many of you plan on taking tomoxifen for 2 years and Arimedex for 3 years?
Terry
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Terry,
That was my onc's plan for me: 2 years on Tamoxifen, and 3 - 5 on an AI... but, when I see my onc in December, I think I'll ask him about switching after ONE year of Tamoxifen because I just can't go through what I went through this year, with the discharge, and the spotting, and being bloated, and all the nasty se's that the Tamoxifen caused, with those uterine polyps it caused.
I told my gyn onc that I AM NOT GOING TO DO THAT AGAIN! He just smiled and said that he'd give me a D & C every SIX months, whether I need it or not...
I am hoping that they will know more about how long we can stay on the AI's by the time I get that far out.
How long have you been on Tamoxifen?? two years? Did you have no se's?
Good Luck!!
Harley0 -
Good Morning!
Anne, Congratulations on making it for 5 years. WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a shout-out to Anne, Gulfwater and all the rest that have completed this portion of the journey.
Have a wonderful day!
Gentle Hugs to all,
Trish
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((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((( Trish )))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))) ... just because 0
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Rumoret: My oncologist told me to be on Tamoxifen for 2 years or until menopause and then 5 of Armidex. So far, I don't have any side effects that I can't live with. I don't even know if I have any other than normal aging problems. I mean I can still shop for 8 hours wearing flip flops but the next morning I am a little stiff for the first couple of steps out of bed. The other side effect is no mojo but that's a whole other subject. I think a lot of my little changes are menopause related but who knows?? I sure am happy to be alive and kicking. I think we all are thankful for that.
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Hi to all I had my pet scan yesterday. I will get results tues. 21st. i read the path reports from the bone scan and was very surprised that my bones are taking such a beating while on tamox. I thought it was supposed to be good for your bones!! My arthritis has gotten worse and a new spot on my lower T5-S1 is either degenerative or cancer and it said the spot on my upper femur may be cancer but overall I was very shocked that so much bad is going on in my bones in 1 year. What could be up with that, new board topic maybe?
Anne congrats. Others my onc also told me 2 yrs on tamox and 3 on al. I don't know if my bones will hold me up that long!! LOL may as well!
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Hi, y'all--
It's been a really long week...so glad it's the weekend. Today I spent the entire day on the computer, entering data into our new (and inferior) record-keeping program at school. Sigh...I got a lot done, but I'm really exhausted.
Anne, congrats on reaching the end of the tamox. line! Lucky you...I'll be standing on the platform with you in just four years. :-0
Amber, so sorry you're having such problems. Even if you aren't officially on the train, we'll miss you terribly if you don't check in every now and then. Wishing you all the best!
Barbie, your SEs sound sucky, too...please take good care.
Basha, don't forget to say hi to the queen for us...hope you're having a great time!
Harley, how goes the job search? Hope things are going in a better direction for you.
Virginia, Layne, Stefie, Murph, Alba, etc.--thinking of you all...and hoping you're healthy and happy.
A possible setback for me...I noticed a pain in my left calf yesterday, and it continued today. I went to see the school nurse (also my neighbor), who is bored out of her mind as a school-based nurse, having just come from a busy ER position in Ohio. She thinks I may have a blood clot, and is encouraging me to go to the Japanese hospital tomorrow for an ultrasound if it isn't better. I have a bad varicose vein in my left calf, and this lump just came up. Today it was red, hot, and swollen; tonight it's a little better. What a pain in the butt...I'm going to take my prescription anti-inflammatory tonight and sleep with my leg propped up. Please pray that it'll be gone or better tomorrow. I read online that clots below the knee aren't as serious as those higher in the leg. Any suggestions?? Dang this friggin' tamoxifen...
Wishing everyone a great weekend! Enjoy...
Lynn
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Stefie- please keep us posted... Lots of love and hugs coming your way girl. I hope that everything turns out ok. You sound very positive and upbeat...I am sending you all of the good karma I can possibly muster...
Lynn- sounds like a trip to the hospital might not be a bad thing... Clots are scary to me... Hopefully they can just remedy it and you'll be done with it...
Nancy- I have similar foot pain and I'm not sure if it was from a summer of wearing flat shoes, or if it's the Tamox. I suspect it's the former... I have been wearing better shoes with arch supports and it seems to be helping a little bit...
Anne- I echo everyone else...congrats on finding the light at the end of the tunnel!!
Was supposed to go the gyno next week, but she's out on "medical leave." I couldn't get any info from the nurse, but I have a really bad feeling about it. She's really young and has two small kids. My gyno from the same office died in her early 30's of BC...just as I was having a scare (but before my diagnosis). The office has now scheduled me for a different doctor and all they would say about mine is that "she will be ok..." So, that's all I can hope for.
Well, it's been unseasonably warm here in NJ. It's been great. Today is finally a "normal" day with expected temps.
Basha- can't wait to hear all about your trip...we've missed you here!!
Hugs to all...Amber, Barbie, Trish, Deb, Harley...argh...my chemo brain is failing me...again...
Virginia
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Lynn! Please go see the doc. Actually, you are a half day ahead of us, so I'm hoping you'll post that you are ok and do NOT have a blood clot!!
Stefie, my positive energy is flowing your way. I'm hoping that your scans just show more arthritis and no cancer (that sounds so weird to be hoping for arthritis). I wish you well.
To everyone with feet problems - Have you had your feet checked for plantar flascitis? I have that in my left foot, and it is now under control. I'm starting to have foot pain in my right foot, and i'm wondering if it isn't Plantar Fascitis. Here's the deal. It feels excruciating in the morning, or anytime you've been off your feet for any period of time. When you touch your heel (or better yet, when you sqeeze your heel) it hurts, almost like a deep bruise. This condition can be really debilitating - but you CAN get it under control - mostly by stretching and wearing shoes with good arch support. Clearly, I LOVE my flip flops - and you ladies know I bought MANY pair this summer - however, I do alternate between flip flops and good (but cute) arched shoes. I am not a podiatrist, but I did stay at a holiday inn...
OK, now I'm just rambling...
I hope you all have a great day, and Lynn check in and let us know how you are.
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Thanks for the encouragement everyone.
Barbie I had to smile when I read what you wrote, you just never know what the tamox will do...I have had the foot issue too....I don't remember the problem before tamox...I have not found any shoes with arch support though, and I agree on those flip flops.
Stephie I am thinking and praying for you.
Lynn, be very careful about the possible clot in your leg, bed rest is essential believe it or not. the worry of a clot moving to the lungs or heart is of great concern....I will be praying for you too. Have a doctor check it out soon.
Virginia, it is concerning about your gyn...hope you like the new doc...It just got cool in NC today...hopefully this will climb your way.
Harley you always make me smile, good point with your gyn onc...how is the job venture
Deb how is your job venture as well.
Anne congrats too!!!!
I have been an emotional roller coaster since going off tamox...haven't heard from the med onc..and kinda glad...and am just happy not to take the Tamoxifen...I seemed to already have lost a couple of pounds since going off of it Sunday...Insomnia still attacks and the menstrual difficulty reigns...but hey i read a post that the half life of tamox is 6 weeks...so I will patiently wait and pray and smile.
Love you all!! Hi to all those I didn't mention by name....can't claim the chemo brain, but tired brain I am...working new hours and little sleep causes me mind boggles.
Amber
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Lynn
I hope you are ok, I'm thinking about you and praying that it's NOT a blood clot! Please let us know when you find out something, ok?
Stefie,
Still praying for you, hon!!
Virginia,
Hope you like the new dr. It really stinks that you couldn't see your gyn. I don't know about you, but since this bc dx, I have been seeing MORE & MORE drs., and they are ALL new to me! I long for the days when I went to the gyn dr. once a year, for the PAP/pelvic exam, and this was before I ever had a mammo... but that was it. But, since I was dx'd with hypothyroidism, those days are LONG gone!
Amber,
so... six weeks is how long it will take before I see an improvement, when I stop taking Tamoxifen? I had a brief TWO week break from Tamoxifen back in July, but I guess that wasn't long enough to make a difference.
I'm thinking that Tamoxifen may also affect our memory... Please keep posting, because your posts always make me feel better, and I smile when I read them!
HugsHarley
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Hi, ladies--
<:AtomicElement>Good news! After spending a couple of hours at the Japanese emergency room, I found out I don't have a blood clot. The dr. couldn't really explain the swelling and painful knot; his best guess is that my nasty, huge varicose vein is becoming nastier and more huge. They did blood work and a CT scan, with and without contrast, and the radiologist saw no signs of a clot or any inflammation. The whole episode took about 2 hours, they sent me home with pain pills, and the whole thing cost less than $450. Incredible, right?! Thanks for all the good wishes and prayers.
<:AtomicElement>I'm off to finish the laundry. Take care, fellow passengers!
<:AtomicElement>Lynn
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Man, the atomic element thing is back...and I can't turn off the bold print!
Lynn the Chemist
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Man, the atomic element thing is back...and I can't turn off the bold print!
Lynn the Chemistry Nerd
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Hey ladies!
Just a quick note to let you know that I'm still here.
To Anne -- WAHOO! Congrats on finishing and jumping off the train.
Virginia - I'm with ya' on having to go to a new doc. Hopefully, yours will be ok and this will be the only time you have to have a new one. But look at it this way -- you now have a back up plan if you need it! And I don't mean backing up like in your car (hee, hee, hee) out of the room!
Harley and Amber,
I wish you guys were having an easier time of it. Hang in there. And let us know how you're doing.
Lynn,
What a relief that it's not a blood clot! I had a knot in my calf too. I had to have an u/s done that day cuz my med onc insisted. It was nothing also. How's the new computer system? How's school going?
I started my new job on Monday. What a great change! They are so happy to have me there and even go out of their way to tell me. I'm working in membership for the Jewish Community Center. It's such a great group and they are a lot of fun too! And, heaven help me, they always have food around. If I am able to maintain my weight, it'll be a minor miracle!
So, I hope everyone is having a good weekend.
Deb
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Deb
I'm glad to read your post, and glad to hear that you like the new job.
I am still looking for another p/t job, but it isn't looking very good. A friend suggested I work with her, at this little consignment shop across the street from the other 'hoity toity' dress shop where I used to work, but I'm not too sure that would be a good idea. Liz can be very annoying at times, and difficult to work with. I may go in and speak to her boss next week, but it would have to be on my terms... only 2 days a week, and I don't want to have a hard time getting time off when needed. Maybe I'm just dreaming.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Harley
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Deb
I'm glad to read your post, and glad to hear that you like the new job.
I am still looking for another p/t job, but it isn't looking very good. A friend suggested I work with her, at this little consignment shop across the street from the other 'hoity toity' dress shop where I used to work, but I'm not too sure that would be a good idea. Liz can be very annoying at times, and difficult to work with. I may go in and speak to her boss next week, but it would have to be on my terms... only 2 days a week, and I don't want to have a hard time getting time off when needed. Maybe I'm just dreaming.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Harley
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Harley,
Did you ever consider doing temp work? That way you can accept a position or not, you get to go to different places and work when you want. I've done that in the past. I got to meet a lot of people and try different things. This way you might be able to get what you want -- dream or not!
And thanks for the good wishes.
Deb
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Hi Darlings, I'm home.
Cornwall is the most beautiful place! High cliffs, huge beaches, seals and warm temps. What a treat before the VT winter.
Unfortunately, while I was away, my son stopped taking his meds and did a pretty rapid down spiral. But he's getting back on track.His teachers were supremely forgiving(he's at a school for kids with learning differences)My DH had to handle it alone, but now I'm home to help. Yikes.
Think of me next week for my 6 month mammo. Nervous.
It's good being back and reading all your posts again.
Barbie, The Queen says Hey!
xxxBasha
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The posts about the job hunting make me very thankful for the job I have. I hope those of you looking find the perfect fit very soon.
I found a new lump; ultrasound said it was a lymph node. I thought they had taken all of them there. I guess they are lurking everywhere. This one is enlarged since it was detected. If it is not gone in two weeks, I have to go back for I don't know what. For sure, they will do another US to detect any changes. I'm not really scared, but it is definitely in the back of my mind.
What a gorgeous fall we have had! The grandkids have been here playing most weekends.
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Harley44,
I will complete 2 years on January 15, 2009. I had the stuffy head...hotflashes....headaches...aching hips...and vaginal issues (itching and very red inflamed tissue).
Now...the hotflashes I was having from chemo and it just continued with tomoxifen...but is 95% better and has been for the last year. The stuffy head has cleared and so have the aching hips. The vaginal issues continue on and off. Other than that I feel pretty good......except for mild aches that I get in my upper back (I have one boob....haha).
I am concerned about what I will do after taking the Arimedex for 3 years.......can I take another AI after that? Any thoughts..........
Harley44......have you ever been to Folly Beach, SC? I was looking into a possible vacation in that area next year?
Love,
Terry
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Basha- I'm so sorry about your son...hopefully he'll get back on track really fast. Sending all the good karma I can your way. Glad you had a good time in England. I love it there. Have only been to London and to Harrogate (for a conference for work). Very cool...so much history.
Lynn- the whole AtomicElement thingie had me belly laughing out loud. That is a riot. SO GLAD to hear that the leg thingie wasn't a clot.
Did anyone watch the Harry Connick movie on Saturday night Living Proof? It was about the doctor who discovered Herceptin. I BAWLED through the whole movie... I guess I was just emotional missing my Dad and such. But, being a Her2+ gal, that drug was only approved LESS than 20 years ago. And watching the movie and seeing the struggles for getting the drug approved between the drug company and the lack of funds. It made me shudder thinking where I would be if that drug wasn't around.
Love and hugs to all... Happy Monday...
Virginia
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Good morning ladies.
Lynn - good news on the leg .... only $450? Different healthcare system in Japan than the US!
Virgina - I missed seeing the movie but I had read about it. I think I read about it in Time magazine? We had an athletic fundraiser to attend on Saturday night, and oh, yeah, the Sox game was on, too!
I saw my medical oncologist last week. I won't need to see her until March, unless there are issues. She suggests continuing with the CA125 blood tests and I will have my TVU in February/March timing. Even tho I tested negative for BRCA, I will still have the ovarian cancer screening. I will still plan on seeing my ob/gyn every six months for the screening. I'm also scheduled for my first colonoscopy next Tuesday. May have to reschedule, as I'm overdue for my period.
My son has plantar faciitis. I had to purchase inserts for him at a Good Feet Store. They cost $350 but they work. My health insurance covered some of the cost. He wears them in his sneakers daily. It is very painful, and he was only 11 when the pediatrician told us why he had the foot discomfort. We have had to purchase new ones since he's a growing boy! But, what a difference the inserts made. I would recommend them to anyone who has this issue.
It's beautiful here in New England ... Fall is such a wonderful season. Have a great day, everyone.
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Lynn - I am so relieved that you did not have a clot! I'm glad you checked it out though. That is one side effect that I would never want to down play.
Amber - I'm sorry you are on an emotional rollercoaster, but I am happy to see you are still here posting! I think while a 6 week half life is probably true, you are probably feeling some immediate effects as well. I would guess that the emotional fluctuations are related. Hang on though Amber - better times ahead!
Deb - I'm so happy that you are liking your new job. And Harley, I hope you can find a job that works for you. If you don't feel right about working with your friend, then keep searching. Gut instincts are the way to go.
Basha, I'm sorry to hear you came home to a situation with your Son, but so glad to hear you had a wonderful time with the Queen. Thanks for stowng mini-me.
Susan - You are in my prayers. Two weeks to wait to "see what happens" isn't the easiest, heck, it is downright cruel. I hope you are able to find some peace over the next few weeks.
Virginia & Layne - where you been?
Have a great day ladies. I'm steeling myself for a day of meetings. My brain will be mush by the end of the second, so meetings 3 & 4 will be a waste of time...
Barbie
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Terry
I will reach the ONE year mark, on Tamoxifen on Nov. 18th, and I don't know how I made it this far. The hot flashes 'seem' to be getting better. I still get them, if I fall asleep in the recliner, watching TV, and it is just awful, when you wake up, and you are just SO HOT! I start taking off clothes and trying to get comfortable. Then, a little later, I am so COLD!!
I'm glad that your se's seem to be improving. That is good news to me, that maybe I can make it through 2 years, if the uterine polyps and the bleeding issues don't return. I am getting some vaginal discharge, and it's annoying, but as long as I don't start having the spotting, I guess I can handle it.
I am not sure, but I 'think' that we can take Tamoxifen for 2, 3 or even 5 years, and then an AI for 5 after that... so that would extend our protection. I'll have to ask my onc. Of course, that is just assuming that I'll be able to stand taking Tamoxifen for 5 years, and I don't think I can deal with having another D & C!
It does suck that you only have one breast... Damn bc!!! It takes SO MUCH from us!! I was lucky, and could get reconstruction, but part of the deal was that I got a bi-lateral mast., so that the reconstruction would be symmetrical.
I don't know where Folly Beach SC is. Is it near Hilton Head? I live near Myrtle Beach, SC. I am only 3 miles from the NC/SC border, and very close to these beaches in NC: Sunset Beach is only 5 miles away, Ocean Isle Beach is also close.
If you come down here, you could stay with me. I would love to have you visit!! I can pm you my phone number, and address, if you are interested. Just let me know.
Amber,
Sorry you are having problems. Please keep posting here, though.
Lynn,
I am SO glad that you don't have blood clots!!
Basha,
So sorry to hear that your son is having problems, but I'm glad that he seems to be improving.
Deb
I did sign up at a little local temp agency nearby, but they tell me that the jobs have just dried up. I still call a few times a week, but there hasn't been ONE call with even a one day assignment. Just my luck, I guess.
Virginia,
My sister called me yesterday, and she told me about that movie, but I missed it. She said that it was very interesting, and she thought of me while she watched it, even though I wasn't HER2+. I guess ANYTHING bc related makes them think of me. I love your updates on your pic, and I think I'll try to get an updated pic of me, and try to post it here.
Well, my dh just got back from the yard store, and he is growling at me to get outside, and help mulch.See ya later....
Harley
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