Tamoxifen & Medication Sensitivity

halogirl

Hi all!  I'm new to the discussion board.  I'm Halogirl, aka, LoudMezzo, and am a two year breast cancer survivor.  My journey did not include chemo or radiation, but I did have a double mastectomy and subsequent surgeries.  I'm just finishing my second year on Tamoxifen.  I've read various posts on this discussion site on and off over the course of my journey, and have benefited greatly from all of you sharing your experiences.  However, I'm experiencing something since starting Tamoxifen, and I'm wondering if there are any other ladies out there in a similar situation.

Even before my cancer diagnosis, I've always had an incredibly sensitive system.  I've had allergies and eczema all my life, and am extremely scent-sensitive.  I also am incredibly medication sensitive (I had a dystonic reaction to a medication at age 15!), so I was naturally concerned to go on Tamoxifen.  I started my breast cancer journey with 3 drug allergies, and am now at 9 of them!  But after some testing and a lot of discussion with my oncologist, we decided the benefits of Tamoxifen outweighed the risks.

Since starting Tamoxifen, it seems that my sensitive system is even more so.  My allergies, eczema and breakouts are far worse.  I spent a weekend visiting friends at the beach this summer, and came home with a case of severe hives from being out in the sun.  Upon discussing this with my oncologist, I was told there was no way that Tamoxifen caused my hives.  However, I've seen several posts on this discussion board with women who have experienced similar symptoms.

This past week, I developed a yeast infection and went to my OB for treatment.  He prescribed Diflucan for me, which I've taken previously with no issues.  Approximately 20 minutes after taking the pill, I began to shake as though I'd been experiencing hypothermia.  I first thought it might be some sort of panic attack, but the symptoms would not abate for hours and I had no hyperventilation.  I was panicked, so I called the pharmacist as well as my OB.  Neither of them had ever heard of any reaction between these two medications.  They were both left puzzled, shaking their heads, and had no answers for me.

In desperation, I placed a call to my oncologist to see if her expert knowledge of Tamoxifen could shed any light on the situation.  I spoke to her medical assistant, and asked if she could forward my concern along to see if she had any insight.  I was told again there were absolutely no cases of reaction between the two medications, and that it was "just me".

While I realize that there is no way to possibly determine if my reaction was caused by the Diflucan or by both the Diflucan and Tamoxifen, my health care professionals are all stating that there is no way this is even possible.  I know that the shaking was caused by the Diflucan because it has not continued since the drug was out of my system.  And since Tamoxifen is a select estrogen receptor modulator, I figure it has to have an effect on one's system.  After all, I've gained about 30 pounds on this drug since starting!

I'm just curious to see if there are any other "sensitive souls" out there since starting Tamoxifen.  I'm concerned as to how to navigate the next 3 years on this drug when no one will even talk to me about these side effects I'm having.  Have any of you out there ever experienced anything like this?  And if so, did your health care professionals listen to you?  What have you found most helpful?

Again, ladies, thank you for sharing your stories.  I am most appreciative to know I'm not alone in this journey.

My best to all of you for the upcoming holiday season, and may 2016 be a peaceful one!

Loud Mez