Tamoxifen

acar209

Hi mom has just finished her radiation therapy and prior to that her chemo, now the doctor has prescribed her tamoxifen to take for 5yrs.,  she's worried because the doctors have not been all that truthful with her with all the treatments. Can someone tell me what she can expect with this new medication since the doctors that always tell patients everything?

leaf

I've never had rads or chemo, but you may want to check out the Hormonals forum, about 6 forums below this one.

Different women experience different things.  I've had some mild warm flashes, and endometrial polyps, but otherwise have been fine.  Other people's experience ranges from  making their life miserable, stroke, or endometrial cancer, to absolutely ZERO side effects.

Please note that if you are doing absolutely fine on tamoxifen, you are less likely to post on this forum.  In other words, if you check out that forum, you may think that no sane person would take these medications.  But many people who are fine do not post.

People react differently.   

debbie2234

I have been on tamoxifen for about 9 months now. I don't have too many side effects. Some warm flashes and alot of night sweats- all tolerable. I do get some anxious feelings now and then, but not bad enough to stop taking it. I have been told that some people cannot tolerate taking the medication. I guess we all just have to try it and see.

lilith

Hi,

I too have been taking tamox for about 8 months (since Jan), and I haven't noticed any huge SE. Mostly, some hot flushes - I am 44 so I am largely pre-menopause. Cannot mention anything else really. Initially I took it at night, as I read some articles mentioning that it gave milder SE in that way, but since I switched to mornings and it doesn't make any difference for me.

If that can avoid having a recidive - oh well.

acar209

thank you for your responses, it makes my mom feel a little better hearing from others. Thanks.

bbmom

I've been on tamoxifen for 2 years. I have hot flashes, but was having those when chemo put me into menopause. I'm a little achy and stiff when I get up, but really don't pay that much attention to it. If your mother has had problems with blood clots or has family history of clotting she should discuss that with her onc. There is a chance of endometrial cancer, but it is very low. I was told the benefits more than outway the side effects. I've had some tell me they've gained weight on tamox. After I finished chemo I started eating healthier and walking daily and have been able to lose about 40 lbs. while taking tamox.

koshka1

well...i started tamox end of May....

I have the hot flashes and wake up sometimes slightly warm but have not had any night sweats,,,the hot flashes during the day are bearable...

i find that if i get more exercise during the day that the hot flashes are a lot less.....

anyway...hugs to all of you...

kosh

acar209

My mom has been on  Tamoxifen  or 30 days , and 15 days later began to  get rashes on her elbows and her hips, doctors aren't too sure if its side effect of the med. Anyone know something about this? She has had no other side effects.

sharpie

I've been taking Tamoxifen for 2 months with a few SE (hot flashes, some fatigue , and trouble concentrating during the first hours of taking it). I read that drinking lots of water is best and it has helped me.