About-to-Start-Hormones Group

Well, I started with the Tamoxifen on Saturday evening. Quite the selection of pills - Tamoxifen, Effexor (75mg), Vitamin D, Calcium every night. The Effexor tastes nasty, nasty, nasty. I'm allowed to take 150mg, but I'll wait and see how the Tamoxifen affects me before I add it.

3 down, 1,823 to go

My Effexor (32.5mg) comes in a capsule no taste. I wonder if you could get in that dosage and just take 2. My onc said I could up it to 75 w/out consulting her, but anything above that and I would need to see her. I also found taking the Effexor in the morning worked better for me, as long as I eat and take it an hour before I need to be fully human.

I've got to admit the meds keep me eating. Must have food with Effexor and the Vit D, so I space the Vit D at breakfast and dinner. I'm one of the "lucky" ones who has the lack of appetite and weight loss issue. Although the waist is beginning to spread back......... since being on the tamoxifen.

But, I intend to be around for my baby granddaughter's children, so I keep plugging along.

I think I'm stuck with the nasty-tasting Effexor. It's the generic and the only one the pharmacy has in stock. My insurance likes to pay for larger pills and have me cut them in half if necessary rather than take smaller ones. (You're right Kathi - it is a bitter pill to swallow )

The scrip has me taking 75mg at night, and if I want to up the dosage I'd take the other one in the morning/12 hours later.  In my case, I was on 150mg of Zoloft so my doc is allowing me to figure out where I feel best.  So far it's ok, but it's still early days and who knows how the Tamox. will affect me.

Kathi - the thing with Deb really knocked me for a loop. While I appreciate women doing what they feel is best with their lives and their health, I cannot imagine not doing everything I can to keep my cancer b***h at bay. When I think of all that Deb did to keep herself going....

Im finally back on the group - I am 3 weeks post hysterectomy and started Femara last Saturday. Ive noticed a few warm flushes similar to some I had during chemo but nothing else so far.

Rose47- please PM me and let me know of your alternative treatments/diet/supplements- I am also doing a lot in that area and would love to hear what someone else is doing.

Kristy 

I was told today by my bs that Tamoxifen is a Chemotherapy drug. I've just heard hormone therapy used by my oncol. That was news to me!

I  decided awhile back not to take Tamoxifen.

LOL! Your right Springtime - one would have to block that thought out!

Hi wendy.  I sure understand being afraid to take Tamoxifen and/or the AIs.  I found this part of the therapy much, much more difficult.  I think it is still really difficult.  I experienced tremendous sadness when I realized that my "primary or acute" care was over that now was when the real battle begins.  We are living with cancer and have to figure out how to live happily, healthfully, even with these side effects and the ridiculous choices or trades we have to make with these drugs.

I wish you the best and if you come up with a way to lessen your fears or ways that make this easier please let me know.  E 

Good for you Wndalina!  You can do it!

Kak,

Congrats to you! It must be such a relief!  Have a great weekend.

I spoke to my BS today and she told me not to worry about the calicifications, that I should have another mam in 6 months.  I meet with her in March as well and I think I may suggest an MRI since the calificiations are freaking me out.  Prior to my finding my lump last summer, I had a mam that showed nothing!  Within 1 months, I found the lump.

Happy Valentines Day to all!

KAK,

Make sure you're eating something with it. I had a little nausea for about a week, then some head spinning, but that too subsides. I have to take mine at 530 in order to be good to go at 7

blue

This has nothing to do with anything, except I noticed my Dals in the picture. ( I had to put them both down within weeks of each other last year due to failing kidneys.)

 Well, against my better judgement, I called a Dal rescue group in N J today.  No, I don't need another Dalmatian.  But, yes, I really miss my two.  Hmmm, we'll see.  I never asked what the cost was.  Yikes.  That may make up my mind for me! 

Well, I have completed my first week! Yeh!  My Effexor seems to be going well, no problems with me, but I only take it after I have eaten - I never take pills on an empty stomach...  I take my Effexor and 1/2 of my tamox in the am after breakfast and the other half of tamox at bed time.  I can't tell if my sweating at night is a SE this fast or if it is because we have a warm spell in PA.  Guess I will see in a week or so huh?  I wasn't expecting too many SE's since I am still young.  I did start going to a gym this week too - so who knows!  But man is my butt sore! :-)  have a great weekend all!

Pattyk - Oh crap.  "It is just rads stuff"... that's your mantra until you find out differently!  Crossing my fingers, feet, legs, eyes...whatever else I can cross in hopes that you'll be looking back at this as just a small detour on the road to NED!!

Susan

I had a PET scan  3 weeks ago bcs my tumor markers were quite elevated. Al it showed was an area of 'probable fat necrosis'. My onc felt a 'nodule ' on good side, ordered MRI. loks clear but questionable cysts. So Thursday I go for US to drain cysts and a biopsy of 'nodule'. I had a unilat, chemo and now Tamoxifen. I did find out today I am eligible for the SOFT trial. I need to read more  before making a decision. Life goes on.......

D

Thanks Makraz and MZmiller99,

I'm just so sick of the black cloud hanging over all of us.  

 Why am I so scared?  The dr. assured me that even if they find something it would be so early it would be so treatable.  I'm not even sure what I'm afraid of.  I think it's losing control again and that my body has once again betrayed me.  Kind of dramatic, I know, but I really am sooo tired of breast cancer and the worry about breast cancer!