Coping with hormone therapy (Tamoxifen & Zoladex)

Hooks29

I'm a newbie to this sort of thing and don't really know where to start.

I am 29 years old and was diagnosed with b/c at the age of 26. Things had to move fast as I had an aggressive tumour and before I knew it I had had a lumpectomy and lymph node removal, followed by chemo and radiotherapy. This was a scarey time in my life, however I remained positive and upbeat.

My problems started when I began hormone therapy. I initially started taking tamaxifen, however my periods continued and I was put on Zoladex injections in addition to the tamoxifen. I can safeIy say I wasn't fully prepared for the side effects which included, hot flushes, sweats during the night, mood swings etc. Thankfully I have recently finished the zoladex and just have the tamoxifen to contend with for another 18mths or so.

During this difficult time in my life I have met my partner whom I am marrying next year. He has been supportive and there for me when I have been in the depths of dispair and suffering from mood swings, including depression. However over the last few months my head and hormones are all over the place. I snap at the tiniest things, feel insecure, I'll be laughing one moment then crying the next, i feel like i'm going crazy. How can I expect my partner to understand when I can't make sense of it.

If there is anyone out there who can offer advice or who has experienced these feelings it would be nice to hear from you. I am also up for any advice/suggestions on ways to cope and maintain a my relationship.

lexislove

I have been on Tamoxifen and Lupron for 17 months now. I was diagnosed at 30, and am 32 now. I have mood swings and I find things set me off more. I have little patience and get aggitated easily.

I was taking a mild dosage of Effexor for about 6 months but stopped cold turkey. I am debating about going back on it. I have an appointment with my GP next week so I will discuss it then.

I feel like I'm 90. My joints ache especially below the waist. I use to have no pains and aches and now it kind of makes me feel down. I'm going to start being more active to try and see if things lessen up. Theres no pain...just aches.

Its hard for partners to understand. i try to explaine to mine but I'm not sure if he " gets it." We have got into some pretty heated arguments and I think a lot of the time its me going off the deep end, which pisses him off even more. Its an ugly circle.

Have you thought of an anti depressant? When I was on them things were better for me, but I just didn't want to take any more meds and plus I thought it helped contribute to my weight gain.

Hooks29

Thanks for your reply, most of the things you have described I can associate with. I can safely say my fella finds it hard to cope with my mood swings and like you said its an ugly circle. It seems that when you are feeling good, everything around you feels great, but when your feeling down its hard to see the positives.

I have thought about anti depressants but like you I don't want to take any more meds. I have considered trying herbal remedies and discussed taking St Johns Wart with my oncologist, however she was not keen and actively discouraged me from this. I am not sure of the reasons but I would assume that it may react with the tamoxifen. I am currently taking evening primrose and am hoping this helps with the mood swings.

Is Effexor an anti depressant?

I'm sorry to hear about your aching joints, luckily this is not something I suffer from. Have you thought about taking natural products to help the with this?