Bottle o Tamoxifen
Comments
-
I started tamoxifen four weeks ago. So far, so good. Only thing I've noticed is a mild cramping around ovary areas. I used to get that during ovulating time anyway, this just seems to last a little longer, but no big deal. A little weight loss for me, but I am eating much better. Haven't had fast food since early December and I was a 4-5 times a week junkie. I've always been very tiny, though. 5'0, 100 lbs. I'm 48 and premenopausal.
0 -
hi springtime
If you are premenopausal at Dx then they will always start you on Tamoxifen. Newer research shows that survival is better switching to an AI after 3 years and continuing on that for the next 7
You can also do 5 + 5 again depending on age and menopause. My onc wants me to do 5+5 although I would prefer 3+7 but I suspect my age precludes me
If you are postmenopausal at Dx then normally they would put you straight onto an AI
Hope that helps.
0 -
My onc said 5 years on tamoxifen and "we'll take it from there". I haven't bothered to ask him what he means by that, but I do know that he suspects I may be menopausal by then (I would be 50) although I doubt it (my mother wasn't until 55 and in all other ways menstrual I tend to take after her), so I would guess it would depend on any number of factors what he will end up recommending at that point.
0 -
my MO said something along the lines of Annette's -- five years on tamoxifen (or AI post menopause), and "who knows what we will know at that point." Meaning, as of today it's ten years, but that in five years there may be a new standard. I'm personally fine with ten years -- taking a daily pill makes me feel like I have a hand in controlling things. ;-)
0 -
Hi everyone. I discovered this site a couple months ago but only joined today. I assume all my stats will be visible below so my question is about hot flashes. I am only having about 4 random periods a year and no menapausal symptoms at all and took my first dose of tamoxifin yesterday morning. I um also cut my hydrocodone down drasticly last night if that matters. Last night I was either sweating or chilly from sweating most of the night. Could I have SEs this soon? Does taking it at a different time of day make any difference? I was going to try and take it tonight....I'm only 100 lbs. Anyone on a lower dose than 20mgs?
Thanks!
0 -
MsPom yes some have SE immediately others may take a few weeks to kick in. I personally take mine at night before I go to bed.
0 -
I am 8 months into Tam and have done pretty good with it. However, the past few weeks, my hair has been falling out big time. Huge amounts every time I brush it. I have very, long, thick hair but am going to cut off a ft. for Locks for Love tomorrow. I am hoping that will help.
Anyone else with this problem? Thanks
0 -
Hi, Lenn13ka, I've been on Tamoxifen for about 7.5 months and have been very slow to recover my hair. I am not sure if it is chemo or Tamoxifen, but I have done a lot of research (from the academic literature) on how affect hair growth--and I saw a hair specialist (dermatologist) last week about this. You might want to Google "telogen effluvium" to see if that fits your symptoms. Basically, a few months after a "shock" or "trauma" to your system you shed a great deal of hair. The trauma could be starting the Tamoxifen or even radiation. After a few months most people do begin to regrow their hair. But, all endocrine treatments can cause hair thinning usually associated with androgenetic alopecia. Are you only losing hair on your head? Or, are you also losing it elsewhere on your body? You might want to try Rogaine (minoxidil) if you are concerned because it may speed up the regrowth process. Good luck! --Jumpy
0 -
I went yesterday to gastroenterologist and scheduled a colonoscopy to have a base. This will be my second one, I had the first at 40. Today my ObGyn read my blood test results and told my my results are great, CA125 of 6 and vitamin D is low at 29. Need to take vitamin D for a month, 2000 twice a day, then tests again. She also told me that i am menopausal and to talk to my MO and give him results to see if he switches me from Tamoxifen to Arimidex. My hot flashes are ok and can handle them. This pm went to PS and he was very pleased with the healing, although he told me to not to exercise or move my right arm up (the one with the sutures) for another three weeks. I will see him then.
I also asked about the lump I found in my lower ab and I got different answers: hernia and fat. I will call PCP to make appointment and figure put what that is. The three drs. that saw it told me not too worry but i prefer to at least know if it is a hernia. I feel I am finally finishing tests and going back to normal, a normal much better than before, more thankful about all things and people around me.
That's all for now, going to bed. Good night!
0 -
MsPom
If I might ask when you talk about drastically cutting your hydrocodone- can you give more detail about how much you were taking and how long you were taking it? If its just been since your surgery I don't think its your body saying "where is my hydrocodone tonight" but if you have had chronic pain and were taking it you might be having symptoms from cutting back. Flashes/flushes and yes chills seem to be part of taking this medication.
I was not menopausal when starting Tamoxifen and I have had 1 1/2 periods since starting but every night I play the covers on/covers off game. Just turned up the thermostat while typing as I have chills. I was probably peri-menopausal before being diagnosed because I had some random nights like this earlier in the fall.
0 -
hello everyone. I am a newbie, I started taking tamoxifen 3 nights ago. So far a little nauseous. I don't want to loose any more hair it's just stared to grow back!!!!!!
Time will tell if there is weight gain. Any other long term side effects I should know about?????
0 -
question. Can you fall pregnant while on tamoxifen?????
0 -
Hi all -- I am postmenopause, 59 years old, and will be taking Tamoxifen for at least 5 years. Reason for this rather than AI is because I have osteopenia, diagnosed a few years ago, and history of osteoporosis in my family. My MO says AIs are harder on bones. I used to take Actonel for bone density, but MO took me off that after chemo and I will be getting Zometa infusions twice a year instead. I assume regular bone density scans will be in my future. So far, other than some ovarian tenderness during the first couple weeks, I haven't noticed any SEs from Tamoxifen except an occasional warm flush.
0 -
Dawn, I've been on Tam since end of January. I have actually lost weight, don't want to lose anymore. I am eating much better, gave up soda and am exercising everyday compared to 1 or 2x a week before, so that could be part of the weight loss. I'm lifting weights, so I'm hoping to soon gain weight in muscle. Only ovarian campiness occasionally for me, so it's not bad at all so far. Hope it stays that way and hope it all works out for you too. Km
0 -
Emma12 - It is possible to get pregnant while on Tamoxifen but not a good idea - the doctor should have warned you about that.
0 -
hi Bounce. Sorry I didn't explain myself. I don't want anymore children three is enough.
0 -
Hi Emma12 - Thing is some ladies stop getting their periods - think they can't get pregnant - do - and then its a whole new world of worry and heartache.
Tamoxifen does not prevent pregnancy and it may cause birth defects.
If you don't want more kids ask your doctor about what birth control you are allowed to use while on Tamoxifen.
0 -
my IUD is staying firmly in place even thou I haven't had a period for 7 months !!!
0 -
Emma12, Tamoxifen can actually cause a surge in fertility and has been used on purpose to boost fertility after chemo, so you really do have to be careful. Here are a couple of basic articles about this, not the latest data but I would assume still solid.
http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/news/20030107/tamoxifen-boosts-fertility
http://breastcancer.about.com/od/fertilityandetreatment/f/tamoxifen-and-pregnancy.htm
We've been in this same jam--no more birth control pill obviously since BC diagnosis--I'm 50 and now have erratic periods, but still not officially done with all that. Could be done soon so I don't want to put my husband through a surgery, but I don't like any of the other options, never did. Sigh.
0 -
Hi everyone,
Runfree, that is so interesting about tamoxifen boosting fertility. Someone at my bc support group was saying that the other night I was sceptical, so thanks for the links.
I have been on tamox for about 7 months after trying to stick with arimidex for 8 months. After lots of med adjustments, I think we have found the combo that is going to work for me. I am feeling the best I have in 2 1/2 years. It took lots more time than I thought it would. I still have joint pain and trigger fingers but I can function. Hopefully this will give someone some hope. I really thought I would not be able to keep taking it, but today I am glad I haven't given up yet.
I didn't get to see my MO today because the airport was closed from the fog. She sees so many patients down here, she flies in, instead of us all driving to Boston individually. So we had to reschedule for next week. It's always something.
0 -
macatacmv, if you don't mind a nosy question, what's the combo? I mean, Tamoxifen and some supplements or something? Just curious. It's great that you are doing so well. Such a bummer that your doctor couldn't come. The weather lately has been insane, all the snow days and part-day snow closings that cancel my classes as well as my kids' schools. What a winter.
0 -
thanks runfree. Question....what should i be using for birth control other than condom??????
0 -
runfree16. Has anyobe told u that u look like ellen degeneris??????
0 -
The Oxycodone (thought it was hydro until I read the bottle better) was only since surgery. Trying taking it in the am. Then will try taking half twice a day. Hopefully one of those will work.
0 -
Emma, we tried vaginal suppositories and vaginal film, and both caused my husband physical irritation. So we're back to condoms, unhappily. Actually, with two teenagers in the house and no privacy, most of the time we're back to handshakes.
I'm not really trying to fool anyone--but that IS a picture of Ellen Degeneres. Some have said I look like her and occasionally students who want to curry favor will tell me I remind them of her in other ways, like I am sometimes funny in class. Since I despise 99.9% of all pictures of me, I figured I'd use one of her.
0 -
Run, that is really funny....the avatar issue, that is! The pic is just discrepant enough to lead one to think that you "resemble" Ellen. Clever lady! Just like Ellen!
The rest is just another annoying way cancer impacts one's life....regardless of teen inhabitants in the house!
0 -
run - you had me fooled - never suspected a thing !!
Heh - quick Q. Wrong thread I know (lazy) I just did a 3.5hr flight PER to SYD and forgot my lymphedema sleeve ( not that I have LE anyway) - all seems well -anyone remember the guidelines ?? I think you use it for flights over 4-5 hrs ??
0 -
haha RunFree1 6 you truly are funny!!! For a moment i thought i was chatting with celebrity lol. I have appointment to see my doctor this week to discuss contraception.
0 -
Hi everyone
I've been on tamoxifen for almost a year now and recently my weight has increased quickly. I am hoping to go on isagenix, has anyone tried it or does anyone know if it is ok to take with tamoxifen?!
Thanks and hope you are all well
Xx kk
0 -
Kiwikid, check here and then of course check with your pharmacist and your doctor.
http://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/tamoxifen-index.html#I
0
