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Bottle o Tamoxifen

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  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011
    Sherry - There was a gal on here that used to PM me all the time and she was a pharmacy tech.  She was the one who really confirmed for me that Tamox is a chemo drug.  I did so some internet searching and found Tamox and the AIs listed on the ChemoCare website.  
  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited July 2011

    Jo when I got my Tamox first filled (I use a mail order) they sent me literature explaining that this was a chemo class drug and it explained how it worked.  That was how I found out.

  • Paula66
    Paula66 Posts: 1,572
    edited July 2011

    Wow I didnt realize that about the Tamoxifen.  Thanks for the info girls.

  • perky
    perky Posts: 31
    edited July 2011

    Question... I have been on Tamoxifen for a year now with nothing too horrible to report other than a handful of seriously rough hot flashes. 

     I am noticing some annoying new symptoms and am wondering if these sound like familiar side effects to you; Big time bloating with stubborn constipation thrown in for good measure, numbness and or pins and needles feelings in hands and feet. I know a lot of women that have chemo get the added bonus of neuropathy but I never had chemo infusions. Just the Tamoxifen.

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited July 2011

    perky I have heard of others having constipation and bloating but not the pins and needle feeling.  Maybe someone else can chim in on that.

  • perky
    perky Posts: 31
    edited July 2011

    Thanks Sherry! One other thing... I get a mild burning sensation in different places on my skin. It isn't too painful and it comes and goes.

  • cycle-path
    cycle-path Posts: 64
    edited July 2011

    Whether Tamo is chemotherapy depends on your definition of chemo. One definition of chemo is "any drug used in cancer treatment" but another is "a drug that acts by killing cells that are dividing rapidly."

    So by the first definition, Tamosifen is chemo, but by the second definition it's not. 

  • Just_V
    Just_V Posts: 436
    edited July 2011

    Hey - new here - just got the official 'no chemo' so I can start on the Tamoxifen -- read back a few pages so I will get some Omega 3 and will take in the morning to try to avoid insomnia (I have issues with that anyway)  -- cannot exercise yet (TE removed a week ago and PS says to let EVERYTHING heal first) but we do have a pool, so once I can, I will swim (and start running again - I hate that BC makes us stop doing healthy things... ugh!)... 

    Should I take Tami on a full stomach? Do I need to avoid milk?

    I do see a lot of my buddies from other threads here -- Sandee, Sherryc, jo....

    GirlFriday - your comment cracked me up  "but I tell myself 56 down, 1825 more to go. "

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    vhshea - When I started Tamox, I did a split dose - 1/2 in the morning and 1/2 at bed time.  That got old so I decided to take the whole thing at breakfast WITH milk.  Had some minor tummy issues in the beginning but the milk takes care of that.  I was not able to take any of the AIs due to too many SEs.  You will do great - not everyone experiences SEs - I know others will be along to share their experiences.

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited July 2011

    cyclepath all I know is the pharmacy sent me literature on it and that it is considered a chemo class drug.

    perky sounds as if you have neuropathy or some type of nerve problem.  I have nerve damage in my breast from rads and it is a burning and stabbing pains that I get.  I take meds for it.

    vhshea glad you are joining us here.  I took mine all at one time, but I did have quiet a few problems in the beginning, really too many to go into and i don't want to scare you.  Just take it and deal with any SE's that you encounter and maybe you won't have any at all.  The good thing about the SE's is by 4 months they had all resoved themselves and I don't have any problems now.  Good luck and go for it.

  • Paula66
    Paula66 Posts: 1,572
    edited July 2011

    Hi all and welcome to you new gals.  The girls here are great.  Ask away and they will answer the best they can.  They have been a blessing to me. 

    Shari I want to wish you a HAPPY CANCERVERSAR!!!!!!!!!!

    I remember how nervous I was up until I took it.  I had got myself worked up and good.  In the end I had to tell myself that I have to do whatever it takes to remain cancer free. My SE were mild and after a few weeks I stopped spliting the pill and its been ok for me.  I do have hotflashes and cold chills still, but Im told that should let up with time.  Good luck and know we are here for you!

    Tink take care and I hope your alright.  ECG same goes for you.

  • tinkertude
    tinkertude Posts: 1,998
    edited July 2011

    Thanks Paula!! hugs... still running  a low grade fever. They said though it was prob due to post op healing and not to worry unless it was above 101... so it has been just enough to make me feel crummy. They also said the higher pain issue this time was actually very normal as the surgery I had in Nov was more superficial witht he lift and nipple reconstruction that this one was more deep tissue, scar tissue and involved the chest wall, so all was according to plan and now I know that it was normal and I am not wimping out haha!!! thanks :)

    welcome new ladies you will find great ladies here!

  • Sandeeonherown
    Sandeeonherown Posts: 1,781
    edited July 2011

    Shari I get it...I have heart meds and a sleepin gaid ..tat is enough. the potential antidepressant is right in front of me at my fingertips...when i need to talk i have to remember to get on here and talk ...then I don't feel the stress actually....and had not been on hwere in a while...it all stemmed from not having enough air to do the stationary bike and it threw me off and pissed me off...so...i cried..which concerned peopl ebecause they do not know me and generally see th happy, determined, driven face I give out at the gym....so it makes sense they would jump to ;redpression;...but I am not going there...nope...I am going with tired so i need o slow down and not go my regular Sandee pace...fair enough; HVE NOT GOTTEN TOGETHER WITH THE COUNDELLOR BUT HAV EPHYSIO TMORROW WHICH WILL HURT AND THEN CHIRO ON fRIDAY WHICH WILL ALSO HURT SO...THEN i AM DONE.oops sory...caps wer eon...camping on the weekend with teens who have never gone camoing in CAnada..it will be a hoot!

    hugs Shari. (and all!)

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011
    Tink - So glad to hear you are doing better - sending gentle (((HUGS)))
  • Just_V
    Just_V Posts: 436
    edited July 2011

    Took my first pill about 1/2 hour ago with a smoothy of yougart, honey, strawberries, banana, and pineapple... nothing yet (yea) but hope it wakes me up!

  • tinkertude
    tinkertude Posts: 1,998
    edited July 2011

    Good for you VHSHEA!!!!

    Sandee... sounds like an exciting weekend!!!! have fun :)

    Jo.. thanks :0  slow road but getting there and thats allthat matters right? :). I may even be up to a pillow fight tomorrow night. What do you say??? and drinks of course LOTS of drinks :)

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    vhshea - way to go for it.  Just keep think of that little white pill as an added insurance policy against recurrance.  Crossing fingers for no SEs.

    Tink - Tell you what, you can referee the pillow fight.  If you are up to flying around, you can make sure we play fair - yea right - like that is going to happen.  Don't think I could whack you just yet. 

  • tinkertude
    tinkertude Posts: 1,998
    edited July 2011

    I would be happy to "referee" hehehe  but you know me so well not sure i could just fly by and do nothing... BUT with proper refreshments it could work lol!!!! miss you!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Tink - So glad you are feeling better - sure missed you.

    It's 5:00 some where. 

     

  • tinkertude
    tinkertude Posts: 1,998
    edited July 2011

    Nowwww your talking Jo!!!!!

  • EastCoastGrl
    EastCoastGrl Posts: 206
    edited July 2011

    Hi girls!! :) Just want to check in.... Things went well with the surgery. I now have smaller implants (that are even in size and placement,yay!...such a simple thing ;)  and LOTS of stitching. And I can feel every bit of it! ;) I didn't realize it was going to be so similar to after masectomy with the pain and tightness, sleeping sitting up and waking in the morning with what feels like an elephant on my chest. But he did a wonderful job. I am very happy with the outcome but cannot wait for the tightness and pain to go away. Oh and the drains too...ick. Hopefully those can come out tomorrow. I guess I will be starting back on the little white pill soon.

    Welcome to all the new tammy ladies! This is a great group here with lots of support and FUN! :) I need some fun....feeling in a funk after this surgery. I think I may join in on the pillow fight but imaginary pillows for me...ha....not quite there yet. :) I'll take some drinks though. ;) HUGS everyone.... 

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited July 2011

    ECG I am so glad things went better for you.  You sound so much better after this surgery than your last.  Hope you heal quickly and you can use imaginary pillows, would not want those stitches to come loose.

  • Sandeeonherown
    Sandeeonherown Posts: 1,781
    edited July 2011

    vhshea- for the 4 months I took it, Isplit the does in half...10mgs inthe am and 10mgs in the pm..lrssened the hot flashes I was suddenly having...went from warm flushes to ho t [ersonal summer moments within weeks of starting Tammi. Iam now a surrogate Botle o'Tamoxifen member as I can no longer take it because of the heart attack...

    Went to the cancer part of our hospital tday for physio and brought my bottle of tammi with me since I had seen a sign a couple of months back saying if you had BC drugs you could not use or had no more use for , to bring them in and they would be donated to a needy woman. I brought my bottle down and it was refused today....they said that because of provincial laws, they are not allowed to take them!!Frustrating as I knwo there are women out there not on drug plans who could use them ...Think I need to go to the bonfire and toss in the law!

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    ECG - Good  to hear this surgery went well and you are on the road to recovery.  We go through so much with this darn disease - crossing fingers you get the drains out tomorrow.  Sending gentle hugs your way.

  • Sherryc
    Sherryc Posts: 4,503
    edited July 2011

    Sandee I spent 17 years in the Nursing Home business and can't tell you how many thousands of drugs we had to dispose of.  I always thought it was such a shame that we were not aloud to give them to someone else that was financially strapped.  I hate the laws that prevent you from doing it. 

  • Linda-n3
    Linda-n3 Posts: 1,713
    edited July 2011

    ECG, glad you are doing well and hoping the pain/discomfort disappears quickly.  With those drinks from Jo, I think most of us could get some fast relief from whatever is bothering us!  Thanks, Jo!

    I must admit I am a little concerned about Tink and ECG with the upcoming festivities... would suggest folks be kind to them with those pillows, but I have this other sneaking suspicion that Tink wouldn't play fair anyway!! Wink

  • Just_V
    Just_V Posts: 436
    edited July 2011

    Anybody want my birth control pills I got filled the day before my DX???   LOL.  Gosh BC SUCKS!

  • Just_V
    Just_V Posts: 436
    edited July 2011

    Anybody want my birth control pills I got filled the day before my DX???   LOL.  Gosh BC SUCKS!

  • JustmeAlicia
    JustmeAlicia Posts: 629
    edited July 2011

    Welcome VHshea ~ and any other new girls I have missed.  You have joined a wonderful bunch of ladies brought together by crappy BC ~  But we sure do make the best of it !

    ECG ~ so glad to hear you are happy with your new foobies.  I had to also get a second set and it made the world of difference to me as well.  I hope you feel better soon. 

    I miss you all lots, the drinks and a pillow fight sound wonderful.  Can we get a cowboy too?!  :)

    I have been so busy and now my mom had some bloodwork come back with "dry" kidneys.  So I have to take her Monday for more bloodwork.  Lord don't let her get sick, I have no time to take care of her.  I know that sounds awful ~ 

    Hope everyone is doing well and keeping cool.  It is scorching hot here in NY!

    Big hugs and I think of you all each day even if I don't pop in !

    Alicia 

  • jo1955
    jo1955 Posts: 7,545
    edited July 2011

    Linda - I know Tink very well and she will not play fair - especially if she gets those wings on and takes off.  She can be very sneaky so watch out.  

     Alicia - Glad to see you pop in. We should ask Sherry if she can rustle up some cowboys - she is good at that.  

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