Bottle o Tamoxifen
Comments
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Yahoo Tinker your getting better!!! Love ya girlie!
Welcome back heartandsoul. I know that I to struggled for many months. I just couldn't get past alot of this BC stuff. It hit mean like a ton of bricks. It was like the first kiss and you see fire works kinda deal. But I did finally get thru to me, if that makes any scense. I can be my own worst enemy sometimes. I am just so glad I finally stopped trying to find the normal and thats when things started coming into play for me. I also think that alot had to do with some of the pills I was taking. I stopped most of them and I think that really helped as well. Hang in there girl.
bdavis, that was one thing my MO had said to me was watch my vision. I had one done after I had been on the Tammo for 6 weeks. The eyedoctor even had said that with Tammo that a regular eyeexam is a must. Just for your peace of mind, have one. What the Onc doesnt now wont hurt him.
Sherry I just cant believe that your planting already. This year Im gonna do a small on for sure. I love home grown veggied.
Junie Love Ya!!!!!! I hope that gal gathering was fun!
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heartnsoul - Talk as much as you want. This is the place to get all the BC crap out and on the table so to speak. We are all in this together and we will help you get through this.
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heartnsould--I have transition lens. I need my glasses to see far away and then I have another strength for the middle which is for computer use and then for reading I don't need anything. With the transition you do not see lines they just look like regular glasses. Takes a couple of weeks to get use to them but well worth it. But they are expensive.
Paula we have not had much of a winter and the weather has been beautiful. I can't wait for my tomotoes.
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heartnsoul, they do make bifocals for contacts, I haven't tried them as I have "dry eyes" which the Dr. says would not adapt well to contacts. When I first needed bifocals my Dr recommended transition lenses as she said my correction would require trifocals by the time I was in my fifties - she was right. Transitions give you that middle field. I started with transitions and have never regretted it. I now have a second pair for computer that just go from near to middle vision.
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Thanks, ladies! It is great to have you all to talk to! Paula, I think you are right - I need to stop trying to find the old normal. You got there a lot faster than I did; I guess that's what denial does to you, it slows down your progress. Jo, yes I want to get all the crap out - I guess I've been suppressing my emotions about this and, yes I'm probably depressed now. Sherry, yikes! I don't want expensive glasses but I guess there's not much I can do about it. I got some cheapo ones to see far away, and I have a cute pair of magnifier glasses for up close, but neither one of them is around me when I need them! I can't keep up with them so I'm afraid to invest in expensive ones! Oh...right. If they're bifocal I won't be leaving them all over the place, they'll be on my nose! haha! Chabba, excellent! I might try for the contacts first. I hope my eyes aren't too dry. My brother, who has worn contacts his whole adult life, said I'm too old to wear contacts but I think I'm going to try because I can't get used to glasses. Well, that's a terrible fix - contacts and glasses will both be hard to get used to, but I HAVE to. I honestly expected my blurry eyes to eventually clear up. Can we say the Queen of de Nile?
Find the new normal....I mentally blocked that phrase, but it's completely accurate. Obviously, accepting that is the only road out of my apparent depression. I saw my MO about 3 weeks ago, and I just chirped, "I'm fine!". LOL, I think I'm scared not to be fine. Gee, just deal with it, Lynn! Okay, I need a shrink, and some drugs, and I'll take some wine with that, as well! That'll do it, haha!
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I have been on tamoxofen now for 3 months. I have read that it can cause aches. I have pain or achyness in my neck, at the nape of my neck actually. I was in a rear end collision about 20 years ago and had an xray of my neck in October 2011 and it showed some degeneration. Could the tamoxofen be making this part of my neck ache due to an old injury and degeneration? I had blood work done at my onc in January and all was fine.
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Hi Ladies,
I take Glucosamine-Chondroitin for my aching knees and it has helped a lot. But lately I'm getting more pain. I also take fish oil capsules Omega3...which I've heard helps joints too.
Anyone have luck with any other meds for joints??? So far it's just my knees.
I had luck with your recommending Biotin and I'm hoping maybe someone will know what else I could try.
Thanks
Bonnie
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Hi Ladies, does anyone know if there is anything besides Tamoxifen if you have not gone through menopause yet. I am 51 and don't want to take Tamoxifen. My ER and PR reseptors are both positive. The path report says both are 90%.
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ckgrayoh-I was also in a bad car accident 17 years ago and broke my neck. It has never given me any problems until now. Since being on Tamoxifen I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my left hip, my neck (old injury area) and now my left shoulder is hurting me. If I get an x-ray they will probably tell me it is arthritis. I never had any of this before tamoxifen. I will be having surgery the end of March and will be off of Tamoxifen for a month. Will be interesting to see how I feel during that time.
Dianarose I have hear a few people taking fereston. I'm not familiar with that drug but you could look it ut.
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Been following this thread - I started Tamoxifen about a month ago, and SE's are starting to kick in. The insomnia is not getting any better - last night I was awake for much of the night. I'm not one to normally take sleeping meds, but this is getting ridiculous, and I'm desperate. Are sleeping meds okay to take with Tamoxifen? I will take some type of European sleeping pill, as that is what's available to me.
I've been taking fish oil and probiotics for a couple of years, and didn't realize it but Biotin is included in my multi-vit. Joint pain and constipation haven't been a problem for me (yet)
Maybe the supplements have something to do with it. 0 -
Lynn you will get there, this Im sure of. Come here to rant anytime. It just takes time. This BC stuff is alot to deal with and there never is a timeline, take it easy on yourself. Trust me I know how it is. I beat myself up for awhile and finally gave in. If you need something talk to your PC or MO. I'm sure they will be able to help.
joyh1109 I know some gals have had luck with the melatonin. I use Ambien. I do know with the Ambien, I have to make for sure I give myself plenty of sleep it off time. I cant take it at 11pm and expect to be up by 6am and feel rested. I've tried that and it wasn't a good experence.
To all my sistas LOVE N LIGHT for you all!!! Enjoy your day!
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joyh - I take melatonin. It works fine and you can even take it in the middle of the night and have no after effects the next morning, though If I need to take it late and must be up by a certain time I do set an alarm. It is safe with tamoxifen and it is a substance our own bodies produce.
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joy...I take melatonin. I was using Tylenol PM until I learned that benedryl interferes with the body's metabolism of tamoxifen. Benedryl is the active ingredient in Tylenol PM that makes us sleep.
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Paula - I woke up this morning feeling a LOT better! The first thing I thought before I got out of bed was, "Accept your limitations." I didn't say it with any forethought, but now I think I'm going to say that first thing every morning and hopefully start to accept all these changes.
As far as melatonin goes, some studies have shown that women with low melatonin levels are at a greater risk for developing BC. It has never worked for me as a sleeping aid, but I do take it at night as a supplement - just 5 mg. I might double that and see if it helps me sleep. I used Ambien last night, and as long as I don't use it regularly it puts me to sleep immediately.
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I think "Accept your limitations" is another way of saying "Be in the present moment"...Not thinking about how I used to be or what might or might not happen today.
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I have Melatonin in the med cabinet - 2 mg capsules. How many should I start with, to help sleep? I've never taken it. Thanks!
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The brand I take is 1.5 mg. I start with 1 but sometimes need a second. It also comes in 3 and 5 mg strengths. Suggest you try one cap and then take another if needed.
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I take 3 mg.
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I refused the Tamoxifen when I had my first diagnosis in June 2008. I had bilateral DCIS with lumpectomies and radiation. In August 2011, I was diagnosed with IDC in the left breast. I had BMXs in September 2011 and have finished my chemo. I have the Tamoxifen but haven't taken the first pill yet. For some reason that pill scares me. I had a hysterectomy in 2010 but I am afraid of blood clots. How will I know that I have one? I guess I will have to suck it up and start them soon. I am waiting until the fatigue wears off from the chemo so I can move around more.
Is there ayone else who was scared to take the Tamo because of side effects?
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I am terrified to take Tamo. I keep searching for an alternative, but haven't found one yet.
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bethu77 when the final path report came to me and my MO gave me my optitions. To tell you the truth I was like you. The Tamoxifen scared me worse then the chemo did. I guess its all the horror stories you hear. But then again you never hear the good of anything because that wouldn't make for good news. I finally got over my fears and took it. It has been a ride for sure, but the gals around here make it so worth it. Come back and post whatever you are wanting to know or just to chat. The gals around here are the best.
Lynn, yahoo for you!!!! I was talking with a gal yesterday about how I felt up until a few weeks ago. I told her it is rough. I still have bad days along with the good. Im just glad that its finally more good days then bad. I can tell you this much the light at the end of the tunnel has gotten a bit brighter and I can finally start living instead of being. I like your new morning action!! You go girl!!!!
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welcome new ladies... yes I was petrified at first sat on my counter for a few weeks but finally did it. I have been on and off of it a few times for surgery revisions. The vbreak was always welcomed. I did find that splitting my dose 10 in the am and 10 in the pm did help. The insomnia eventually did get better and although I still have some rough nights I dont pull all nighters anymore. My biggest challenge has been the moods. I exercise everyday and that helps alittle. I notice some se come and go..like hot flashes but everyone responds so differently..so go ahead give it a shot we are hear for whatever you may need.... hugs and welcome aboard!!!!!!!
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you would think that pharmaceutical companies would be all over coming up with something other than tamoxifen for pre-menopausal woman being how there are so many of us. I thought if I had my overies out that I wouldn't have to take it, but from some of the posts here I see that is not always the case
. I am not one for taking any kind of meds. I had my lumpectomy awake and never took any pain meds. I have been so allergic to meds in the past that I avoid them at all costs. Not looking forward to this ride. 0 -
Wow! Lots of new folks here! Welcome!
Tink, glad you are improving.
Someone above mentioned feeling lots better after getting off meds - I am finding that as well - I am off everything except tamoxifen, vit D, vit E, and ambien (gotta have some sleep). My brain is finally clearing up, getting a little more energy, mental attitude MUCH better. Sometimes meds are helpful, sometimes not so much.
Tamoxifen & eyes. I am having problems with dry irritated eyes, along with blurred vision. Don't remember if dryness started before or after beginning tammi, but I was blaming it on chemo. Had new lens prescription in July and just am getting new glasses - hope they are right and that my eyes haven't changed much more. Using eye drops multiple times during the day. The only thing the manufacturers state on their package inserts seems to be increased risk of cataracts, but I didn't find anything on dry eyes.
bethu77, I started tamox last year, quit taking it because of SEs. Turns out they might have been due to prolonged chemo effects (MO not helpful with figuring that out, just unhappy that I wouldn't take the tamox). Got recurrence in 6 months. More surgery, no more chemo unless I get to stage IV, but am doing tamox again. Fewer SEs this time, not sure why. Blood clots are scary, and several people in my family have had problems with clots, so I am a little nervous, but it is my only option right now for potentially improving my odds of the BC not coming back. I have an agreement to take it 3 months at a time since my MO would write for 3-month Rx (saves me a couple dollars). So, I know how scary this drug is, I also know that it is very effective for many women, and I just hope I'm one of them. But if SEs become an issue, I won't hesitate to quit it, but also not letting my anxiety run away with me on this one (it runs away with me for other things, just not this one! LOL).0 -
Bethu77,
I too am scared -- I have not got my prescription yet but it is just a matter of time. I have been looking around to see what others say and found this thread. It is Alternatives -- diet and dim .... there was some interesting things there -- enough that I will speak to my MO about them.
http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/121/topic/782955?page=1#idx_30
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Hi new ladies - Bethu77, Dianarose, Joanne_53...
I too was scared but began taking it in Nov. as my Onc said I really needed it to prevent future recurrence. It improves my chances close to 25%.
I have a hard time with most medicines (even Ibuprofen). I have allergic reactions, pretty serious ones, like not being able to breath, tongue swelling, etc. So, as you can imagine, I was afraid. I chose to proceed anyway because the thought of getting the cancer somewhere else in my body was more frightening.
I did have a allergic reaction (hives/rash), along with several other side effects, yeast infections, thrush, bone pain, dry everything (mouth, eyes, skins, nails), hot flashes, mild bone pain, mood swings and loss of libido. Some of these SE's are typical of menopause so it was hard to tell if it was the drug or just my body. My Onc had me go off in January. Within a few weeks, the hives lessened and the other side effects started to minimize. By six weeks most were gone.
I just started back on it last week. I changed to a different manufacturer (Mylan now, Teva previously) and am taking 10mg in the morning and 10mg in the evening. No hives yet (they started within 48 hours in November). I hoping the change in manufacturer and splitting the dose will make a difference (I learned this from the ladies on this thread).
In addition, I will take the supplements Biotin (for skin and nails), Biotene muthwash (for dry mouth), vitamin E/coconut oil suppositories for vaginal dryness, exercise as much as possible, eat a mostly vegetarian/fruit diet and pray that I can make it the five years.
The studies I've read since beginning this drug have indicated the blood clots and uterine cancer risk is very low; as in the 1-2% range of women taking the drug. I've decided to believe I won't be one of them.
I hope you can get encouragement and support (as I have) from the women on the forum and in particular, the Tamoxifen threads.
Take care and have a good evening.
Deborah
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Linda good to see ya coming outa the fog to. Like you said the meds are helpful, but I think it depends on the person and what they are taking them for. I found that I have done a turn around as well. I still have days but I feel like I can handle them tons better now.
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Jo - I understand...just when I think things are fine, I find myself weeping on the massage table...good grief...but as my lymphodema therapist says...2-5 years Sandee...you have gone through a lot...hell, we all have..our bodies are adjusting..constantly adjusting...the past few months, it is my ribs...#4 and #5...they are out and it causes problems with breathing...then I have no idea if it is heart related, rib related, cancer related...and I get overwhelmed...so yeah...the new normal Jo...we will eventually be ok.
Tappy- I got my biotin at the local health food store
PUL- the dance was fun...kind of...lots of youth bands...really enjoyed the college band as that gal could SI NG!...danced some but was a bit out of breath...danced anyhow. WEnt to a flow/yoga class the next day instead of a salsa lesson though....probably the best idea!
heartandsoul...hugs to you...
ok..I am only on page 605 so I have two more pages to read before I can continue posting to you all!
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Linda- my eye doc told me to get annual checks, not biannual as tammi CAN have an affect on our eyes so dry eyes is not an uncommon thing!
Welcome new Tammi gals...we ar ehere if you need us and we are all at different stages in the tammi, no tammi, used to be tammi business so hopefully we can answer any questions you have. I am a 'was on tammi for three months only and then had to go off it' gal.
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Sandee - I truly believe I will finally be able to put alot of this BC crap behind me once I have my recon surgery. It irritates the crap out of me that no one told me I had this option even though I had a lumpectomy. Half my boob is gone for chrissakes! I don't think anyone would want to settle for this. For the most part, I am doing so so good. Much better than I expected. I don't spend a lot of time looking back over my shoulder. The view back there sucks! (((HUGS)))
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