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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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Comments

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited January 2009

    Hi all - colonoscopy is over - clean as a whistle and good for 10 years...A huge relief!!!  the actual test was fine as yaw yaw said....that prep was bad when things got raw, I was actually screaming! 

    Makraz - I take lasix occasionally to help with the water retention....but it seems to be getting worse and I don't like taking it b/c sometimes after running I get bad leg cramps when doing the lasix.....

    Will ask the onc tomorrow....they used my port for the IV, so will call the surgeon back to get it out soon.....

    Bad weather here...we only have 6 miles to get to the hospital but it was icy and took awhile...I told my DH I would walk if I had to, b/c I was doing that prep again!

  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 1,605
    edited January 2009

    SharonS,

    Thanks for the info.   Glad yours went well.  I have not had the pleasure yet.........

    BTW, keep the weather down there, it's heading my way tonight.  I sure hope the kids have school tomorrow.  SO SICK OF THE SNOW!!!!

  • bluegems
    bluegems Member Posts: 507
    edited January 2009

    Maggie,

    I take the low dose of Effexor for the tamoxifen SE's, but the 150 mg dose is for depression. Effexor doesn't interfere with tamoxifen from what I know, so this may be an option if you're concerned about the Lexapro.

  • Westie
    Westie Member Posts: 4
    edited January 2009

    Basha, I can relate to you.  I'm bipolar and have been stable for 14 years on my meds.  I was extremely reluctant to take Tamoxifen as I was on 80mg of Paxil.  I started Tamoxifen and instead of becoming depressed, I went hypomanic!  My Psychiatrist cut my Paxil to 40mg and increased my Lithium.  I have been fine ever since.  So, I'm taking Tamox and my bipolar meds and I'm fine.  I kinow what you mean about stability being most important.

    Good Luck!

  • Jisman
    Jisman Member Posts: 96
    edited January 2009

    Just now back from another 3 month follow-up with my Onc.  All's good at this end.  Except of course for the still veru frequent hot flashes.  The Black Cohosh may be helping some - now I wake up about every two hours instead of every hour.  Woohoo!  Will stay on it for a few more weeks and if that doesn't work likely switch over to Neurotin.  Anyone have any experience with that?  My Onc said we could move o Effexor if the Neurotin doesn't solve the problem sufficiently. Onc suspects that my body may no longer be generating estrogen and that's the cause of the significant increase in frequency of the hot flashes.  Think I will follow-up on my estrogen function blood test to see if that picked up the difference.

    Harley -  I too have an underactive thyroid.  Seems to be quite a few of us BC Survivors that do. Correlation or just a coincidence - who knows?

    Traveler56 - I hardly had any symptoms for the first three months then started once a night (and sometimes an occasional daytime) hot flashes.  They picked up significantly for me around the 6 month mark.  I am 47 so it might have happened even without the Tamoxifen.

    JoAnn - my periods used to be fairly regular before chemo.  That messed them up and Tamox doesn't help.  I've had several periods in the past 6 months yet the last one was November.  Kind of annoying not knowing if it will happen.

    Joan

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2009

    Sharon

    Glad your colonoscopy is over.  I didn't see your other post before you had it.  I had my colonoscopy last year, in April.  The prep was AWFUL!  I am glad to say that I won't have to get another for TEN years!!  YIPPEE!

    Those who are asking about anti depressants, Effexor IS also a weak inhibitor of Tamoxifen, so my onc told me to stop taking it.  I had a terrible emotional meltdown after I went off Effexor, but seem to be doing fine now.  I still have bouts of depression, but I've been trying to deal with it on my own.  I really wish there was something I could take without worrying about it interfering with the Tamoxifen.  I realize that if someone is having terrible problems with depression, or if you have bipolar disorder, you really need to take something to keep you stabilized, so I'm not suggesting anyone else try to get by without an antidepressant.

    Hugs to all

    Harley 

  • traveler56
    traveler56 Member Posts: 12
    edited January 2009

    I was having one flash a night before the tamox.  Not fun, but not really sweaty, just hot,then cold.    It is the insomnia that I can't stand.  I look at my husband snoring and down at my dog on his back with his cute paws in the air (dog not hubby) in such happy sleep state and I want to wake them both up with me!!!!   But I don't, I just try to relax and get back to sleep.   and of course, like most of us, I don't want to gain weight but don't want to give up my nightly chocolate chips. 

    I wish I were still on the bc pill - life was simpler then! 

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited January 2009

    Jisman - I went today also....I gave him all the complaints...not sleeping - wake up every 2 hours, joint pain, hot flashes, etc, etc...the first thing he said is you can go back on the effexor...I said no...I had other side effects - (sex life and bad nightmares), then he suggested neurontin as well.  We kept talking and he doesn't know which of my side effects are tamox and which are menopause...I was premenopausal, and last test was just in menopause range...so this is what we are doing....I am going to take a 6 month vacation from the tamox train.  See what symptoms remain and then add back the tamox gradually. 

    I think I saw someone else on here taking a break too....he said it is done sometimes....

    So we will see what happens...had blood work today....and will call surgeon now to get the port out....

    Everyone have a good night....time to watch Duke and Wake play some ball

  • yawyaw
    yawyaw Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2009

    I have a few questions....I saw my Oncologist and my Radiation Oncologist today, I get different answers from each one.....frustrating!!!   Anyway, the R.O. told me that if I was not having hotflashes or any other symptoms by now, I probably wouldn't ever have any (I have only been taking the Tamox. for a little over 2 weeks), is that just wishful thinking?  And, I thought if you were not having any SE's it may not be working as it should....the Onc. just blew that off!! He said that there is no evidence to prove that. I asked about the Tamox. tolerance testing and he said that is still very new and he can't just order that for me...grrrrr!!

  • yawyaw
    yawyaw Member Posts: 11
    edited January 2009

    Another question, has anyone heard of or tried the Breast Thermography? I was thinking of having that done along with my mammogram.

  • sue_blue
    sue_blue Member Posts: 152
    edited January 2009

    priz47, as far as the leg cramps go, my onc told me to drink a glass of tonic water everyday. The quinine in it takes care of the cramping. I was up at night walking the steps trying to get rid of them before I started taking it. It's noticeable if I don't have it.

    I've been on the Tamox 6 months now and it seems the hot flashes might be a bit less. 

  • murphmort
    murphmort Member Posts: 76
    edited January 2009

    Good morning ladies. 

    I've not heard of the Breast Thermography.  Any information that you can share is great.

    As far as the test for Tamaxofin, it is a relatively new test and expensive so alot of doctors do not want to order it.  My medical oncologist, when I asked her about it, said she would not increase my daily dosage, so it would not change my treatment.  I did start having hot flashes only 4 days after starting Tamaxofin in June 2008.  They are pretty consistent, except when I have my period.

    My family received some really sad news yesterday.  My BIL, 50 years old, passed away.  He lives in Ft Lauderdale and was found unresponsiive at his home.  They tried to revive him but all efforts were unsuccessful.  He was a good guy, called me weekly while I was undergoing radiation.  My husband and SIL are on a flight to FL to be with their mom.  It was just awful for my husband to call his 75 year old mom in FL and tell her that news.  My eyeballs hurt from crying.  And I thought 2009 was going to be better than 2008.

    Life is short and I guess you just never know what will happen. 

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited January 2009

    Oh Murph, I'm so sorry for you loss...so sad...young...  My heart goes out to you and your family...

    yaw- my onc firmly believes you SHOULDN'T have SE's from Tamox and when I tell her I don't and my fears that it's not working she tells me "would you rather feel terrible....you should be happy."  She kind of poo poo's me as well, but not in a mean way.  I also asked about the CYP blah blah blah test and she doesn't normally do it, but I think she would have done so to appease me...  Her response was, "if you AREN'T metabolizing the tamox, the only other option is to put you into menopause and change the drug treatment" - and she is opposed to that because of the risks associated with forcing and early menopause (bone health and such).

    With all that being said...I know how some ladies suffer with horrible SE's from Tamox, so I KNKOW it's real.  I am grateful I have no SE's and just HOPE HOPE HOPE that my body IS metabolizing it...

    Take care,

    Virginia 

  • Barbie7
    Barbie7 Member Posts: 126
    edited January 2009

    Murph - I'm sorry to hear about your BIL.  My prayers are with you and your family.

    Virginia - great pic!  your hair is getting so long!

    Welcome to all the new riders...

    Barbie

  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 1,605
    edited January 2009

    Murph - Sorry to hear about your Brother in Law.  We will say some prayers for your family.

  • sue_blue
    sue_blue Member Posts: 152
    edited January 2009

    Murph - So sorry for the loss of your brother-in-law. It is so sad when these things happen.

    About the grapefruit - if you're on tamox, you shouldn't have any. I was told the interaction was not good.

    Virginia - your hair is getting long. Have you had it trimmed at all? Mine is getting a bit longer. I bought a bigger curling iron today to give me a smoother look. A year ago I had absolutely no hair.  

  • Jisman
    Jisman Member Posts: 96
    edited January 2009

    Murph -  my thoughts are with you and your family.

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited January 2009

    Barbie and Sue :D  I have NOT cut my hair ONCE since it started growing....can't bring myself to do it.  I am going on a cruise in March, so I am thinking I should get a trim...  But, I know the curls will get cut off and that makes me sad...  I still hate these pics b/c i think my forehead looks so huge!  (I don't see that in the mirror!)  LOL  Whatever, at least I have hair.  One year ago my hair was about an inch long...

    happy Friday!! 

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited January 2009

    Murph,

    My sympathy for your BIL. Life has a way of being relentless.

    Love, Basha 

  • Makratz
    Makratz Member Posts: 1,605
    edited January 2009

    Virginia,

    Your hair is beautiful!!  You do not have a huge forehead.  Isn't it funny how we percieve ourselves?   I love your picture!

  • LuckyLady
    LuckyLady Member Posts: 9
    edited January 2009

    My condolences to you Murph on the loss of your Brother in Law.  My sister lost her husband on Sept. 11th (he was only 46) and it affected me gravely for quite awhile after.  Life is a gift! 

    Having read the last few pages, I see that many of you speak of anti-depressants.  I have a few thoughts to share with you on the subject, all the while knowing that what works for one woman does not work for another... but here goes.

    For those of you struggling with your choice to take an SSRI for depression, please remember that regular aerobic exercise is the first to try and is the best medicine for reducing depression and is usually the first recommendation from an insightful physician or psychologist.  I believe it is the first strategy to consider before taking anti-depressants and have found that it works for me. I realize that this is a blessing for me and appreciate the fact that many women need to be on an anti-depressant in order to manage what we have had to go through dealing with BC!!!

    Factoid:  Did you know that a 10% weight loss reduces your chances of cancer by 15-20%!?!  You can check this out from Dr. Boyd of Greenwich Hospital, CT as well as other sources.  I was told by my surgeon and lymphedema therapist that a lack of exercise and increase of fat cells discourages lymph system flow and this explains why my lymphedema has decreased markedly as I have gradually lost 20lbs. after chemo and radiation were completed. 

    Stay hopeful and live life to the fullest every day!

  • VirginiaNJ
    VirginiaNJ Member Posts: 314
    edited January 2009

    Makraz Embarassed thank you  Smile  

  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 2,126
    edited January 2009

    Virginia

    I think you look beautiful!!

    Your forehead isn't BIG, and I love your curls!  I also think I should cut my hair, just to get a trim, since it's kinda sticking out all over the place, but ...    I don't want to lose the curls!  Cry


    Harley

  • sharons
    sharons Member Posts: 177
    edited January 2009

    Murph - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

    Lucky Lady - Great suggestions...also if anyone on here wants help getting started on a program to lose wt and get in shape...PM me - I would be glad to offer suggestions. I also was recently ceritified as a cancer exercise specialist in a new certification from ACS and ACSM -actually took the exam between my first and second chemo.

    Tonight I did Zumba....I started a few months ago.  I am more of a runner type, but enjoy the class.  I wouldn't have been caught dead in there before cancer...haha

    Have a good night

  • Jo_Ann_K
    Jo_Ann_K Member Posts: 26
    edited January 2009

    What is the effect of combining grapefruit and Tamoxifen?

  • bluegems
    bluegems Member Posts: 507
    edited January 2009

    Lucky and Sharon,

    Thank you for the reminder that exercise is the one thing we can all control in this upheaval. I was one of the first cancer recovery patients in the area's new cancer exercise program. I started 2 weeks after finishing rads (probably a little early, but...) and have been thrilled with the increase in my energy level and reduction of body fat. Although I've been fortunate to have never had a serious weight problem, I hated to exercise - walking was it. Now, I look forward to lifting weights, yoga, the elliptical machine has become a favorite friend. Of course, it took 6 weeks to get that attitude, so stick with it, even when you don't feel like it, as long as you honor your body's needs. I'm recovering from Moh's surgery on my face (like one cancer isn't enough??!), and can't wait to get back into my exercise routine. I especially miss the yoga.

    How ironic, that only after being dc'd with bc, I'm now in the best physical shape of my life.

    blue

  • Jisman
    Jisman Member Posts: 96
    edited February 2009

    Virginia -  I too have not had a hair cut yet.  It's funny - after losing all my hair, I'm just not anxious about getting it cut again.  With my curls, I do have to use  gel to control it at this length though.  One of these days I'll get it trimmed....

    LuckyLady -  great for you to have been able to take off 20 lbs since BC treatments.  I'm within 2 lbs now of where I was before BC.  Have a lot more that I should take off.  Got back on my Wii Fit yesterday.

    Regarding the anti-depressants ... my Onc prescribed Neurontin not because of depression rather because of the outrageously frequent hot flashes that were interfering with my sleep.  I do feel funny about the idea of taking an anti-depressive however I have been able to sleep the past three nights and feel rested in the morning - something that did not occur for the four weeks prior to starting the drug.

    Joan

  • ashaby
    ashaby Member Posts: 200
    edited February 2009

    Thanks so much, Westie. All 3 generations of my family have the gene...So very encouraging to know you've been stable so long.

    It's an ongoing balancing act, yes?

    Basha 

  • JeanieS
    JeanieS Member Posts: 9
    edited February 2009

    Hi Karol,I just read some of the info you shared on tamoxifen.I have been so glad the crying jags I had during rads are over I am afraid to start Tamox.I see my onc next week. Somewhere on this site I read about getting a tamox metabolizer test. This would enable you to take less of the tamox. My onc is looking into this test for me, as he knows my concerns. The question is: My onc said he does not test for hormone receptors as breast cancer always has them. I love my onc and trust him but I am confused by this. My Dx is DCIS stage0.  I am wondering what you or anyone thinks of this. I know my dx is minor comparied to most but I just don't know what to do about this.

    Thanks, Jeanie

  • kimmy1
    kimmy1 Member Posts: 12
    edited February 2009

    I have been reading through this thread and started tamox Dec. 22 - my insurance company sent me a test and it was of no extra cost to me to see how my body metabolizes the medicine. They said the results would be sent to my doctor. I wish all insurance companies were concerned like that.

    Jeanie S - is your doctor just assumning that we all have the same things going on with our cancers? Just concerned.

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