Starting Tamoxifen

Options
kk12903
kk12903 Member Posts: 79
edited August 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hi I went to my onco today ., I have been given my prescription for tamoxifen for being high risk.

I have to admitt very nervouse about the side effects was wondering if it is better to take in the am or pm?

What was some se people have had.

Sorry for ? 

Very nervous nelly!!

Comments

  • Marstons
    Marstons Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2014

    I just finish my first 90 days. I take mine in the evening before bed. My side effects are hot and cold flashes. I seem to be sensitive to the temperature of the environment and will get the cold flashes when the environment is cool and hot flashes when it's warm. If only the opposite could be true! The hot flashes are a more very warm, clammy feeling. I don't get really sweaty and need to change clothes. I feel like I do have some restlessness at night. The hot flashes wake me up and then I sometimes have a hard time getting back to sleep. All in all I find the side effects annoying but tolerable. 

    I too was nervous stating Tamoxifen. It took me a week to get up the courage to take the first pill. A Tamoxifen pep talk from the genetic counselor helped get me going.

    Good luck. I hope that you too find it tolerable. It's worth a try.

  • kk12903
    kk12903 Member Posts: 79
    edited June 2014

    TY.. Very nervous I still have to fill prescription..

    I have heard  weight gain. Hair thining 

    Of course the outcome could be worse

    I am grateful that my bs and onco are taking preventative  measures.

  • Marstons
    Marstons Member Posts: 9
    edited June 2014

    Maybe I've had a wee bit more hair loss. My husband seems to think its just as bad as it ever was. He doesn't see a change. And my weight has stayed steady for me. I was more worried about nauseau. I'm always worried about nausea. But I had none of that. 

    I  waited one week before starting. Then I just took the plunge and nothing happened. That was good. It took about 48 hours for se to kick in. For the first two days I thought I might be se free. Oh well. 

    Good luck!

    Christine

  • Lorilee61
    Lorilee61 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2014


    I also started Tamoxifen in March 2014 after surgery.  I take mine in the morning (after trying the night time) and found I sleep better if I take it in the morning.  I do wake up once or twice with night sweats/flashes and have found that a bedside tower fan helps if I turn it on when the flash starts.  I have been finding a host of other side effects like cramps, eyes blurring, rash, bruising easily, bone pain--all of which I never had before starting the drug.  I have found that eating fresh veggies & fruits and stopping the soda, fast foods and sugary snacks has lessoned the degree of the hot flashes. 

Categories