Tamoxifen

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many
many Member Posts: 254
edited June 2014 in Stage III Breast Cancer

my wife is on Tamoxifen since last 15 months

she used to have hot flashes since last 15 months but now her hot flashes have become minimal to nil

does this mean that tamoxifen is no longer working or is it possible that the pill has got adjusted to the body

suggections and guidance plz

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  • Kathleen26
    Kathleen26 Member Posts: 210
    edited March 2013

    I am also on Tamoxifen, and had some hot flashes in the beginning but have now subsided.  I believe that my body is adjusting to the drug, in the same way that women eventually adjust to menopause.    My doctor asked me the other day if I was having hot flashes, and I said no.   He said "good!", so I don't think he believes that it means it's not working either.

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  • Momof2inME
    Momof2inME Member Posts: 683
    edited March 2013

    My oncologist told me my hot flashes and night sweats will hopefully subside in 12-18 months. I think our bodies just adjust.

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  • lovujja
    lovujja Member Posts: 119
    edited March 2013

    I used to have horrible hot flashes and mood swing on the befining of treatment that was last year (started from April 24, 2012). I have found both mood swing and hot flashes is getting better. I think after a while for most of us, our body adjust.

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  • Maggs09
    Maggs09 Member Posts: 193
    edited April 2013

    I've been on Tamoxifen since mid Dec/12; some mood swings and hot flushes at first but much less now.

    My hot flushes were very often (7-12 in 24 hours) but never really strong or long lasting.

    Now they less often.

    I also worried that Tamox may not be fully working, so I had CYP2D6 test done on April 2nd. I will be seeing a dr to review these results on 26th. I hope I'm a good metabolizer of this drug and can stay on it a little bit longer. Otherwise, I will have to deal with ovaries removal and move to AIs.

    Is anyone taking melatonin along with tamoxifen?

    There is some controversial info about it. I found a research stating that melatonin supports efficacy of chemo, as well as Tamox. And that it has great anti cancer properties.

    But I also found publications stating that since melatonin is also metabolized by a liver - it may negatively affect efficacy of tamoxifen as well as increase risk of recurrence for hormon positive BC.

    What to believe????

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  • SpunkyGirl
    SpunkyGirl Member Posts: 1,568
    edited April 2013

    Many,

    I don't think your wife's lack of side effects means anything. Every person is different, and it sounds like her body adjusted to it. There are many women who can't tolerate tamoxifen and stay on it for as long as they should, so the fact that she is doing well is a good thing. I took it for five years, and I do remember mood swings In the first few weeks, but no hot flashes.

    There is so much literature out there, and opinions, that it can drive one crazy. Keep making sure that she is well-supported and well-rested (as much as possible), and try not to worry. You are a great hubby!

    Bobbie

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