Bottle 'o Tamoxifen

tinkertude

Sandee.... she hurt her leg and developed cellulitis and so far the antibiiotics are not clearing it up the way the doc wanted so we are heading back to him tomorrow to see what he thinks... will keep you  posted.

Jo... dinner looks wonderful!!!!!!!.... i did get my monster shake but shared with my daughter.... ...

Sandeeonherown

Tink- good gravy....do they need a stronger antibiotic? a different one? good for you for being proactive!

tinkertude

He cultured it yesterday, she may need iv antibiotics... not sure yet... never dull never dull..... im thinkinh dull would be nice huh?

jo1955

Sandee - Our animals become a part of our families and when they are sick or hurting if does effect us.  I hate it when my dog gets sick - he can't tell me where it hurts and am at the mercy of the vet.  Hope your cat gets better soon.  We did hire new office/maintenance help yesterday.  I am the manager and will have to do the training.  

 Tink - Glad you enjoyed the shake - probably tasted better sharing it with your daughter.  Hope she does not need IV antibiotics. 

Sandeeonherown

Jo - yeah...Muds is a big part of my worldhoping she can get through this one and doing everything in my power to help it happen. Great re. the new staff!!! You can train them EXACTLY as you want them....always a plus:)

Tink- iv anibiotics can get there faster and at a more furious pace....keeping my fingers crossed that she wakes up tomrrow am and things are better instead of worse Hugs to you my dear

June2268

Sandee I am so thinking of you and kitty, how sad.  Nothing better than an animal who loves us unconditionally.  Keep us posted and sending a great big HUG your way!  Miss you!

Jo so happy that they will be gone and you will train this new crew and be back to normal before you know. My Fingers are crossed!

tinkertude

Thanks Jo and Sandee.. honestly at this point im just like give her the iv antibiotics and lets move on... know whatI mean????

jo1955

Tink - It is way past time you get a break.  It has been one thing after another for you.  Miss the Friday night pillow fights and chatting with you when everyone else has gone to bed.

tinkertude

me too Jo..... I ended up taking my xanax and pass out cause I can take it anymore.... I will be back I just gotta get my Tinkertude back on!!!!... miss you too xoxox...

Sherryc

Tink sending prayers for your brother. And really you just need a break. Hoping your daughters leg gets better

Alicia-easier said than done but try not to worry. My husband had a spot show on his liver during an MRI in Jan and when they did the contrasting CT there wer three b9 cyst. But of course we worried until we found out. Sending BIG HUGS your way.

June how are you holding up these days? My Dad is healing well from his surgery and wants to get his chemo started. He is being very impatient, but maybe that is a good thing.

Jo we do freak out so much, and the internet is not always our friend. hehe

I went and got my hair colored today. I noticed that my hair has thinned out on the sides so I asked my cousin who is my hairdresser what I could do about it. She says Sherry I did not want to say anything but your hair has really thinned since the last time I cut it. I started tamox on Feb 7th and she cut my hair on Feb 8th. I have been trying to let it grow out so I have not been back just been trimming it on my own. Now she tells me she can tell a difference. Of course her immediate thought was my radiation but I thought is the tamox. I have read were that is a side effect. Not as common, but heck I have had all the other SE I guess I can have this one too. But gee I don't want to loose my hair. She is ordering me the Nioxin starter kit to try and see if that will help me. I thought since I did not do chemo I was safe with my hair. I will take my ovaries out before I loose my hair. The bad part is I have very fine thin hair to begin with, I can't afford to loose any.

EastCoastGrl

Hi everyone! I have been MIA lately from the boards....had a lot to catch up on reading!! Oh my.

Have a lot going on in my life unrelated to the cancer (as so many of you do as well!) and I've been having a very hard time lately. Feeling so down and depressed. (how much of that is the Tamoxifen I wonder?) So much stress in my life right now. (( Just didn't have the energy to come here and post.

I'm not going to be able to address everyone and everything I read but I did read all posts and I am thinking of you all!

Alicia- HUGS to you! I pray everything turns out benign. So scary it all is. Just really never ends for us. 

Tink-So sorry you are going through so much lately. Praying for your family and that things get "dull" very soon! I could use some dull myself. 

June- I'm not sure what you are describing but I have "cording" still from my masectomy....not sure if radiation would cause that though. Hope you get some answers on that soon!!

Sandee- HUGS.....so sorry about your cat. They really do become part of the family and it is so very hard to lose them.

Well, I am still on my 10mg of Tamox. Not loving it. Weird tummy feeling SE I thought had gone away is back, migraine headaches (that I've had for 20 yrs) seem to be worse...sort of a general slight achiness daily, feeling down, just generally not good feeling, hot flashes at night, some leg cramping. Just don't feel like my old self.  I occasionally skip a day (I know bad, but it's messing with my mind) and I feel a bit better with the SE's. It's a mental tug of war to take this little white pill every day, I tell ya. Afraid if I don't, and not sure I'm all too comfy if I do.

I've also consulted with a new PS who I am thinking will do my reconstruction of my reconstruction! It's a little overwhelming and scary because he is about 3 hrs away from me in DC. Nervous about having surgery so far away and out of my "comfort zone" of home. But he was highly recommended! Thanks Tink. And I was highly impressed with him. So that's my bright spot right now.  

Hugs to you all!

Sherryc

ECG-HUGS hope you can get to feeling better and glad you have found a PS that can help.  That alone will make you feel better.

tinkertude

ECG..I know what you mean about the mental tug of war. I swear tonight as soon as i took it i felt dizzy it HAS to be realted to the Tam. I am on only 10mg for now for 2 weeks.... i have on week left on 10mg then she said i have to bump back up.... she gave me a break because ofa ll that was going on and said maybe 10mg would ease some of the anxiety..... not really.... oh well... glad you liked him... talk to y ou soon! hugs!!!!!

Beanius

Sgreenarch - I agree it helps so much for us to share what we are going through. I am so sorry to that we are all going through this and I just hope that by sharing we can keep each other sane because it is hard stuff and there's so much to deal with that even our best doctors don't always know what to do for. Well my rash was on my lower back and hips, inside of my knees and inside of my upper arms, so yours on your feet sound nice that it's in one spot. Anyway, I got this lidex cream and for now it's gone away. I do think it could be the tami (somehow), but will talk to my MO next week about it. I think an allergy of some sort makes sense. And speaking of aches and pains, today has been really an achy day for me. I'm relieved to hear the high number wasn't something serious. About ovaries out, I wasn't sure what nasty shots you meant...I'm planning to have mine out next spring (delay, delay, he he he) and didn't hear about any shots after that, so not sure about that. Congratulations on your Dad getting to a 20 year anniversary, that is fantastic! I am very much inspired by your Dad's words, thanks for sharing. I pray a lot too. For me and for all of us every day. Xanax is really good for anxiety I'm glad you have some handy to take the edge off. I don't think it makes you a druggie at all!

Alicia - I'm so glad surfette has some experience with this to share. I know I would be totally panicked too, but you have done so much to kick this...I think Jo is right to get the tests, see what they show...I hope you are able to relax...oh me...thinking of you! The ice cream sandwich sounds like a great idea!

Jo - really achy today...and boob is itchy inside...aaarrrggghhh! My mind races too but mostly I worry about more cancer and more tests and more doctor visits...yuck! I was trying to diagnose this side ache on the internet and you're right, it's a waste of time. I am hoping my MO next week can give me some ideas. Glad things are going better at work and hope the new assistant managers will be great next week. Thanks for the beautiful dinner, much better than what I had planned (smile).

Tinkertude - I will be praying for your brother and your daughter and you.

June - hope that is nothing to worry about...when I called my MO about the rash I was told to get in to see a doctor right away and that has turned out to be nothing (so far) so I hope the same for you...

Sandeeonherown - yeah, I have my 6 mo mamos next week - I was freaking out but now I think I'm going numb. That's the nice thing about when you worry so much, you finally just go BOINK numb. I'm sorry about your cat, I am hoping she gets well, sounds like you are doing absolutely everything for her...so hard...

Sherry - you are so lucky your cousin does your hair! I have so much trouble finding someone to just take a little bit off. I'm sorry your hair has thinned. Mine has too but not too noticeable...I used Nioxin once when I started chemo and it tingled and I didn't like it, but hope you will like it as a lot of women swear by it. I sure hope it helps!

EastCoastGrl - Good to hear from you and sorry to hear things are difficult right now. I have had 2 migraines since I started Tami, like you I've had many before though, so WTH? Def have weird tummy feelings and left side ache and general back aches...it does sort of come and go here and there so it's crazy making. Best of luck with your recon decision. I had two surgeries that were 3 hours from home, but they weren't as complex, so I can really understand being nervous.

Big hugs to all of you...I'm glad to know the tami seems to be causing anxiety for others, not that I want you to feel anxiety, but it makes me feel less crazy to know others are having the same reaction. Sweet dreams!

Valgal

I've asked this before but nobody has ever responded. Did anyone notice that their thighs got really really swollen on tamoxifen? I'm starting to worry that there is something wrong. I get nerve twitches in them and they look like they are getting bigger every day. Any one have this reaction? Is it edema? If you know anything let me know. Thanks!

surfette

Valgal,

Not thighs specifically but I have gained 15 pounds since starting tamoxifen in January. 

Valgal

Hi Surfette,

I'm gaining too but its the tightness and hard feeling that is getting me freaked out. Its not just fat it's wierd. It came on so fast too. Are you normally a pretty regular type person as far as weight gain goes?

chabba

Sherry - I have very fine hair but it is very thick, my best feature.  When I started Tammy in November my hair dresser warned me that Tamoxifen can cause thinning and suggested I get Biotin and take that.  Said it also helps nails, mine have always been week and short.  This last time I had a hair cut she said that if anything my "hair loss" when washing is less than before.  And my nails are the hardest and longest they have ever been.

jo1955

Valgirl - My thighs are not swollen but my feet sure are especially at the end of the day. The swelling makes my toe joints hurt that much more. UGH!

tinkertude

valgal.... no swelling just achiness...

surfette

Valgal, I normally weigh 120 and have ballooned up to 135. I am very very active and don't usually have a problem with my weight. I have had to have my thyroid meds adjusted but still 15 pounds is a lot in 3 months.

June2268

ChabbaI have started Biotin and hear it takes awhile to work.  Ever since starting Tamoxifen my nails are horrible and break and chip so very low.  I used to have really nice strong nails, not anymore.  As for the hair, just doesn't behave like it used to.  Not thinning out, just no luster.  Hoping that by mid summer my hair and my nails will look better. 

Got the call back from my MO and they want to see me, so fingers crossed ladies that it is nothing at all.....appointment is tomorrow at 3:30..

Jo Dinner was great last night, thank you!!!

Tink thinking about you and your brother today....please keep us all poisted.

ECG so nice to hear from you and sorry you are still having a hard time and not feeling like you used to.  I wonder if this drug is for you?  Quality of life is huge and so important, but if this drug is messing with you that much I would look into seeing what else they can do for you......just a suggestion....I am like you, have has so much on my plate lately and it is hard to come here everyday and I truly miss it!!!!!

Sherry I am hanging in here.  Days are rough and I feel like I am getting stronger everyday in respects to my Dad.  I read his obituary and I didn't cry, it was absolutely beautiful and so LONG.....I feel my lack of tears must be due to my getting stronger and accepting this is how it has to be.....glad your Dad is healin nicely from the surgery and I can only imagine how impatient he is, as that is not something to look forward to.....keep me posted and I will be thinking of you both.

Sandee how is kitty today?

Hoping all you lovely ladies have a great day!

sgreenarch

Dear Valgal, i think you might want to call your doctor re the swollen thighs. First cause you shouldnt have to worry needlessly and second because you want to be sure its nothing circulatory, thank you, tami. I would rather call about something that lingers than sit home and worry. Mind you i am not very good at following my own advice but am trying to be. I just assume that if i started to grow fins and scales it would be just another SE. But we need not to automatically assume that every symptom is an SE to be silently endured, and stop to ask.



My onc called today and calmed me down a lot re my high E2 levels. Says the lupron shots will start working immed and also not to worry, that it could not have been that high for that long as its caused by tami and takes a while to build up. She said shots are as good as oopherectomy oncologically. Whats good about this is it allows me some time to think. I want to carefully research this before i yank out these ovaries. Last body part i lost (breast) was under time



Sounds like a bunch of us have things to worry or deal with lately, and i will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. I find it helpful to check in on the success stories thread (or other positive threads) on this site as there are stories of women who have lived through this even more than once and prevailed

Sherryc

valgal I would definalty go see the Dr about the swollen thighes.  I have not had that problem.

Chabba and June how much biotin are you taking.  I am currently taking 1000mcg.  started it about a month ago because my nails have terrible ridges in them and are weak.  They have been this way for awhile, but I noticed they were getting worse and it never dawned on me that it may be the tammi, but now with my hair loss, well probably so.

LtotheK

Anyone else out there with lower back and groin pain?  Weird!  And I'm sure it's Tamox, never had this before I started taking it.  Am swimming and exercising every day.  If I don't, I'm a mess.  And I wake up at least 1x a night with the pain from turning. 

Additionally, the constipation is an ongoing issue.  I'm having to experiment a lot with stuff, and it's a drag.

The hot flashes are getting better, I think (famous last words).

Anyway, I'm down on this drug this week!  I know it gives me an 8% benefit given my Oncotype, so I'm careful not to complain too much.  But the "I feel like an 80 yr old" is ringing true with me lately.

tinkertude

I do get wierd groin kinda ovary pain and it seems to be related to when i am ovulating. Never happened before though but it is VERY noticable now... same thing only since i have been on Tamoxifen... and yes last night very shortly after I took my dear little white pill i got that dizzy wierd feeling it has to be it..

oh well gonna get busy brothers surgery is at 1

Sherryc

LtotheK-in the beginning I was having terrible hip joint pain.  don't know if that is what you are referring to.  My MO  had me start taking liquid Glucosome Chrondroitin 2 Tablespoons 2 times a day.  I did that and it went away so after a month I went down to once a day and I was still fine.  A couple of weeks ago I decided to try to stop it and see what happens and the pain is back so yesterday I started back up again.  Guess I will have to stay on it while I'm on this lovely little friend of ours.

Beanius

Valgirl - so far I've had no swelling in my thighs, I would def check with your doc if they are getting bigger.

Surfette - it sure seems like it would be easy to put on weight on this tami. I've been weighing myself every morning to keep an eye on it.

June - glad you are seeing your MO tomorrow, wishing you all the best.

Sgreenarch - that is good news about your high E2 levels, glad you are getting that worked out.

LtothK - I've been achy on my left side just under or around lower rib cage, but not groin. I jog about 2 to 3 miles a day and it seems to help while I'm exercising, but then it comes right back. Have not had constipation and hot flashes are better, but I also wake at night at least once due to hot/cold and I get so thirsty and have to pee.

Tinkertude - Take care today and I sure hope all goes well for your brother.

Sherry - so the glucosome chondroitin helped with hip joint pain?

Sherryc

Beans yes it did and the MO was specific about the liquid as he said it abosorbs better.  It is a little sweet but you get use to it. You can buy it at Walmart or I go to SAms and get a large bottle really cheap.  You can also get it at Cotsco in a large quantity.

June2268

Sherry I am going to try the Glucosome as well as my joint pain at the moment is is the hip and then next week it will be something else.   Worth a try.

Thank you Beans, I am sure it will be nothing but worth a trip to make sure.

My Dad is is the ER again as he stopped breathing for a few seconds and has a very high fever along with chills.  My family has decided along with the Doc's that it is best that he finish his time in a Nursing Home.  They are thinking of putting him with my Mom in her room.  I have mixed emotions about that and how it will affect her later on, but is there a right and wrong way?  I have eaten so much today I am going to be a FAT blimp.....totally a stress eater.