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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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Comments

  • Sandeeonherown
    Sandeeonherown Posts: 1,781
    edited June 2011

    No worries Jo:) I brought a step ladder!

    Yeah..sometimes you just have to do it...I hate the idea of being on pils but realized the other day (when the pharmacist asked me if I wanter her to put them into pill pockets because there were so many...) that I take as many vitamins as pills and THEY don't freak me out so I needed to chill about it...they are keeping me alive so I prefer to feel grateful and hope that they don't giveme any more problems...

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2011

    Sandee - I hate the thought of taking Elavil but I no longer have boob & toe pains and I am sleeping great these days.  It is one more pill to take before I go to bed.

  • Sandeeonherown
    Sandeeonherown Posts: 1,781
    edited June 2011

    Jo - if it takes the pain away and you can function better..that is the poin of it. Good for you. it means you can exercize and live your life and enjoy it...I may have to add an anti-acid pill to my regime soon. I am waking up with acid reflux ..somethin gI have never had in my life..scared the crap out of me at 2am this morning ( heart attack time last time i felt pain in my esophagus)...but this was more indigestion and I was told to expect it with the pills so....migh tneed to go and bite the bullet and get another one...ARGH...but in the meantime the echinecea is working. I feel better than earlier today.

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2011

    Sandee - I will take the pills as long as I need to.  I feel so on top of the world these days.  Have so much more energy and sleeping great.  This is the way thought I would feel 5 months ago.  Guess I should have let my BS send me to the pain specialist back in March when he wanted to.  I was too stubborn then and so tired of see doctors - he understood and told me to call him when I was ready.

    Hope you get a handle on the acid reflux - that has to be scary.  

  • June2268
    June2268 Posts: 926
    edited June 2011

    Okay ladies...... WHACK to you all now get over it as I am treating for cocktails tonight!!!!

    Chabba and JoYIPEE YAHOO on the clean mammos!!!  love it and you both must be so excited.....

    Alicia hoping you are doing well, I miss you!

    Sherry I love bike riding, but sometimes it seems like walking is easier for me.  I think I tire more easily biking!!  Good for you!  As for the hips, what is up with the fact that every time I get out of the car I feel like I walk so funny for the first minute or two.......I really cannot remember being achy sore like this prior to the pill, but is it the pill???  My hips are always sore....

    Sandee my friend I am really doing so much better these last few days.  I was starting to feel like such the witch, but things have changed for the better and I think it has to do with my hormones as I got my period a week early again and now I am fine!!  Go figure!!  How are you???  Kitty????  I miss chatting with all of you!!!

    Okay so I went to Physical Therapy today for my armpit and I do have lymphodema and the way she explains it is anyone who has gone through multiple surgeries compounded with radiation are more than likely to develop Lymphodema......so I will see her for 4-6 weeks 2 times a week.....YIPEE!!!  Actually, she really made me LMAO today so this could be a good inconvenience.......

    Love to you all and ladies I am sorry if I left anyone out I just don't have much time to catch up with 3 pages since I have been on.....

    Hello Tink.....

    WHACK WHACK WHACK   now meet me in the caboose as I have found the men TINK has stashed from last week and boy do they have energy!!!!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2011

    June - I don't know my mammo results yet.   Still waiting - have to call my onc on Monday,

    WHACK WHACK back atcha.

  • Paula66
    Paula66 Posts: 1,572
    edited June 2011

    I didnt glow last night.  Yahoo!  I sis however have alittle upset tummy.  I just chalked it up to nerves.  Now that I have gotten thru that Im ok now.  Thanks gals for getting me thru this part.  Its so silly how a little pill had gotten me so worked up.  Take care all.  Try and stay cool this very warm day we are suppose to have. Enjoy!!!!!!!!

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited June 2011

    I have been on tammi for 4 months now and this was the 2nd night in a row that I did not have hot flashes. I have an appt on Tuesday with my BS to have the talk about the MX. My appt with the PS is the following week and then i have to make some major decisions. Starting to get nervous

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2011

    Sherry - WooHoo on not hot flashes.  Bet you are sleeping much better.  I know you will make the right decision for you on the MX.  If you want, wear something with pockets so I can jump in one on the day of your appts.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 323
    edited June 2011

    Hey Girls, I'm so glad your mammos went fine, just reading about it made me feel like a noodle Cry

    Sherry, glad you're checking out interactions, as Tamox seems to have more than a few, with herbs as well

    Sandee, for the upset stomach, I take ginger, seems to work and yogurt coats the stomach for all the nasty meds

    Jo, what do you think your secret is ?  Are u taking Effexor to make you feel so good ?

    Boyzzzzzz in the Caboose, oink, oink !!!

    Have any of you ladies ever experienced dizziness and relating it to Tamox ?  Have been dizzy for the past two weeks or so, NOT FUN !  Am seeing onco only in three weeks, not that he is that much help anyways  :((

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2011

    Luan - My secret to being pain free is amitriptyline 50 mg.  This is the generic version of Elavil.  In case you do not know what this is - it is a trycylic antidepressant that has been around for many years.  Not only does it help with depression, it is also used for pain management.  Not only am I pain free, my mood is much better and I am sleeping the best I have in years.  I feel like I can tackle anything these days.  

    I can't help you with the dizziness. If you are not taking a split dose, maybe give that a try and see if the takes care of the problem.  In the beginning, I had to split the dose due to nausea.  Now I take the whole pill at breakfast with a glass of milk. 

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 323
    edited June 2011

    Thanks Jo, is Elavil compatible with Tamox? It must be if u're taking it.  I remember my rheumatologist giving it to me years back, but it must have been way too strong, I was walking on red lights.....Frown  He then gave me Flexeril a muscle relaxant instead.  I took one the other day, was feeling so much pain, in the middle of the night, had the worst vomiting experience in my life.  I assume Tamox really did not like it.

    The dizziness is a little scary, been happening since I took the darn poison in the bottle.  Will certainly give splitting Tamox a try.  Been taking it at night, so I don't feel the SEs so much, except of course the sweats ....

    sweating cartoons, sweating cartoon, sweating picture, sweating pictures, sweating image, sweating images, sweating illustration, sweating illustrations

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2011

    Luan - Since I started taking Tamox, I have pill anxiety.  I make absolutely sure it is compatible.  I am on a low dose and hope to stay that way.

    Let me know how the split dose works.

    The cartoon is way too funny.  I used to feel like that.  The Tamox has really calmed the hot flashes down. 

  • June2268
    June2268 Posts: 926
    edited June 2011

    Jo the way I look at it, is they didn't call you for more films with smaller paddles then I am thinking you are ok!  That is why I congratulated you, but I will wait till Monday to see what your actual results are.....

    Off to bowling with the family, should be plenty of drinks and food......I will be thinking of all of you!

    Hugs to you all!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2011
    June - I hate the smaller paddles - I had those last year and they just about did me in they hurt so bad.  Have fun bowling tonight with the family.  Miss you.
  • Sandeeonherown
    Sandeeonherown Posts: 1,781
    edited June 2011

    June- so glad to hear you are feeling better overall...not good about the hip pain though....yoga help any? (not one to ask really as I would rather go to pump than yoga)....opted no to go to a galpals for the evening and day tomorrow in order to go to PUMP tomorrow early afternoon and to make sure I have a handle on this cold thing. Echinecead myself silly for the past 24 hours and managed to keep it away and put my temperature back to normal....can';t do a lot of echinecea on heart meds though so glad it is over. Mudpie is back to her regular self...it was a kidney infection and she was miserable....the last 2 weeks have been great!  she is going to want to go out soon but where I live now?...not possible so she is going to have tp put up with being inside..at least the basement apartment is cool so she will not notice it is summer!

    Jo- year the acid reflux thing was scary...but it didn't burn like the heart attack had or I would have been on th ephone calling 911 again....how many times can I go in there? Anyhow...they warned me about the acid reflu and wanted to give me a medication 3 months agofor it but, like you with the pain meds, I decided to stay it out...if I don't need the extra medication, i do not want it....will see how things go and whether or not I change my mind. For now, will try an antacid and eat earlier in the evening.

    Luan- I was not dizzy the 3 months I was on tamoxifen. Have you checked your blood pressure? might be a bit low if you are dizzy. I split my doesse 10 mgs in am and 10 mgs in pm the last two months I was on it. Stopped the hot flashes I had been having on the full dose.

    Sherry- all will be well...I am sure you will make the best decision possible

    I am goign to keep myself busy for the next two days....my mammogram is on Tuesday at 2pm. Will wear something with big pockets so a few of you can tag along and keep me calm!

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited June 2011

    Sandee I will climb on in your pocket and go with you.

  • Sandeeonherown
    Sandeeonherown Posts: 1,781
    edited June 2011

    Thanks Sherry-That will take the 'eeek!' out of it! Is it the same time you have your BS appointment? Maybe we can tagteam it!

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 323
    edited June 2011

    Of course Sandy, BP, why didn,t I think of that. Thanks ! Sorry i can,t be with u at the mammo, i,m a real wimp, but good luck :))

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited June 2011
    Sandee - Make room for me in one of your pockets.  I won't take up much room, I am kinda small.  Maybe Sherry and I can share the same pocket - she is tiny too - that way there will be lots of room for anyone else that wants to go along with you. Cool
  • Sandeeonherown
    Sandeeonherown Posts: 1,781
    edited June 2011

    Thanks Jo!!! you and Sherry can indeed share a pocket! Luan, no worries. positive thoughts also help! Just hoping she does not say ' hmm...not quite sure I got all that. I need to do the X side again"...those words will slay me if I hear them a second time.

  • tinkertude
    tinkertude Posts: 1,998
    edited June 2011

    LUAN..I have experienced the dizziness on the Tam to the point that in Nov they did a CAT scan but all was ok... it actually i slisted as a side effect and I hate it as well.... it comes and goes

    Hi ladies ,... busy weekend as my don graduates tomorrow cant believe it ans we have family in from out of town but wanted to drop in and say hi...miss you

  • chabba
    chabba Posts: 3,600
    edited June 2011

    Sandee - I'll be there too.  It sure helped me to have you all with me on Friday.

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited June 2011

    Sandee on the today show this morning they had a segment about how beta blockers have been found to reduce risk of cancer.  I figure you might me on one since your heart attack.  You might want to look at that segment on line.  May make you feel better about not being on Tammi. Of course they did not recommend taking a beta blocker for that purpose alone but that if you have a need for it, it has been shown to reduce bc recurrance risk.

  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User] Posts: 323
    edited June 2011

    Tink, thank you so much for the reassurance, sure helps to know.  My BP tends to be in the higher range, so did not think of low BP, but will have to have it checked anyways.  The scan, was it a brain scan ?  Kinda scary.... 

    Sandee, sending you

  • scarlettohred
    scarlettohred Posts: 15
    edited June 2011

    Help....I need to find some hope! I gained weight during chemo and was assured by doctor after doctor that tamoxifen would not make me gain weight. I gained another 10 + pounds. I began working out at the gym to minute the doc gave the go ahead. I worked out while feeling like I was on fire from the tamoxifen and I never lost an ounce. It is a year later and I still haven't lost anything. It seems to be hopeless. Don't get me wrong, I am happy to be here and I know my weight shouldn't matter but I was always so small and able to eat what I wanted and now I am larger than when I was prego and can't afford to keep myself in clothes because I am constantly growing. I am depressed about the way I look. I am already taking anti-depressants. Please if anyone has any tips on weight loss while taking this drug please share. I am ready to toss them out of the window!!!!!

  • Sandeeonherown
    Sandeeonherown Posts: 1,781
    edited June 2011

    Chabba- thanks...the more the merrier!!

    Luan- positive thoughts received...spent a whole bunch of time int he sun today...put sun screen on my arms and a bit on my fave but not enough...ooooh that vitamin D feels good!

    Sherry- Thank you for the news re. the beta blockers. Although my BP is always in the 112/72 range, they have me on a beta blocker to slow my ticker down since I am generally on zoom mode...great news!!!! I will indeed check it out on line

    scarlottohred- the day I started tammi, I went from going to the gym 3/4x per week to going to a personal trainer 2x per week....I only lost 2.5 pounds in 4 months but...big but, I did not gain anything either so I figured that was a plus,,,don't focus on the scale...focus on how you feel, how your clothes fit and wellness. Hit a second hand place that has good clothes for cheap so you feel good about how you look (wearing tight things will just make you feel even worse) and start walking every evening...it will come off..aim for a pound every week or two...have smaller goals so they are more attainable...stress also keeps weight on....remember to breathe...also remember that muscles have memories so you need to vary what you are doing for exercize. Join the exercie thread her efor motivation and check out www.loseit.com for a visual reminder of what you are eating, how much you are exercizing etc. It really helps.

  • phxsunshine
    phxsunshine Posts: 156
    edited June 2011
    scarlettohred:  I have been on Tmox since 12 Sept 10.  I have changed my diet slowly since Oct. I pretty much don't eat any crap and I have lost 10-12 lbs.  My fat has melted off, I'm the same weight I was in high school and I'm 54 years old. I've gone from a size 6-8 to a size 2-4. I've given up red & processed meat, alcohol, coffee and most sugar.  I don't starve myself, I eat a lot. Try to eat food as close to it's natural state as possible.  Lots of green tea and water and 1% milk.  I'm a moderate exerciser. Good luck to you and hugs to all!
  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited June 2011

    scarlettohred glad to have you join us here.  It is a great place to ask questions. I am like PXsunshine I have changed my eating.  I have almost eliminated sugar and eat alot more veges and way less meat.  I will never be vegetarian but my meat portions are lots smaller.  I very rarely eat crap food anymore.  I have given up coffee and only drink organic decaf and herbal caffeine free teas.  I still drink alcohol but very little, I did not drink much before bc.  I have lost 25 lbs total and am also what I weighed in HS.  I am now a size 2  and I am very short 5'3".  Although I did loose most of it before starting tamox I did end up loosing another 5-8 pounds after starting tamox.  but I have to say it was probably due more to the fact that i was very neauseated and I was lucky enough to have the weight loss SE instead of gain SE.  I exercise alot, yoga and cycling.  The antidepressants you are taking probably are not helping you either but sometimes we need those things.  Take Sandee's advise and exercise.  Even if you don't loose if you can keep from gaining you are winning and you will feel better.  Good Luck

  • tinkertude
    tinkertude Posts: 1,998
    edited June 2011

    Luan...yes it was a CAT scan of the brain with contrast.... hope your feeling better soon I know how debilatationg that can feel.... hugs!

    graduation was beautiful and the tears came as soon as he walked in wow!!!! a wonderful day!