Bringing in 2014 with Tamoxifen!

Just started taking Femara (generic) one week ago today. My MO warned me that side effects had a wide range and varied greatly from person to person. I am just wondering if anyone is having SE's how quickly did you start to notice them? I have been feeling bone pain, especially in my hands the last couple of days and had my first ever hot flash tonight. Just seems like this is happening way to fast. I asked my MO the million dollar question of "if I were a family member would you recommend taking this?" He honestly couldn't answer because my pathology report from the biopsy in FL and my pathology report from the surgery in CA were different. The FL pathologist said I had DCIS and IDC and that the tumor was larger than the pathologist here in CA felt it was. Also no Oncotype test could be done because all of the IDC was removed with the biopsy. He said I was a difficult case and all he could do was give me my options and leave it up to me. Not liking the SE's at all and questioning whether I should take this or not. Seems like one pill leads to another pill for every SE you have

KLJ, Yep, I hear you. I read a report, actually a few, that said Chemo this the highest money maker for hospitals and cancer centers. You are so right with take this pill, oh se, oh here's another pill. Why would the pharmacy companies want to cure you? Just think of the money they would lose. It's sicking to think that Cancer has become a multi billion dollar business. A business set on just keeping you well or sick enough to need treatment or drugs. Ok my rant over too. And no I'm not one of those conspiracy people. It's Just Business.

rettemich, I'm not a conspiracy theory person either. It's just sad that it has to be this way!

Hi Amelia-

I just finished 4 mths on Tamoxifen and have had minimal side effects.   I do notice that I get quite tired during the afternoon.   I would say that it took a few weeks for that SE to start.  I also had a couple of very heavy periods in the first two months of taking Tami, but my last period was normaI. I think it really varies from person to person.   One previous poster said that they had new side effects show up at a year.   My Oncologist said that he thought that the side effects usually settle out after a couple of months.   So,  who knows?   I have to say that I was really worried about taking Tamoxifen and it has not been bad at all.   If it helps me to not have a recurrence then I can deal with the side effects I am currently having.   Wishing you minimal side effects too! 

I keep telling myself that it is too soon for SE's but I also hate to think they are just in my mind! But the mind can do some strange things. I'm giving it a month and then seeing the MO again to discuss it. Hot flashes, insomnia, and pain in both hands. Lot's to think about when it comes to taking these meds. And then the meds they want to use to treat the SE's. One pill after another. Keeps somebody in business and living the good life!

It's just been a week, so no SE so far.  I wasn't aware of all these SE until I read about them here.  Will let you know if anything changes.

KLJ- That would definitely take your mind off of it. Congratulations!!!  Enjoy that new grandbaby.

Thanks DawnCT and rettemich! He is 7 lbs. of pure adorable!

KatiAK, Happy Birthday! I'm glad you're on vacation but hope that it is not the only reason you are feeling better. I am seeing my oncologist again to talk about it. I really only notice the SE's first thing in the morning especially in my hands. So hard to get them moving. And then at night the hot flashes start. I think he will tell me to stick with it and that the SE's will get better with time. Wish it would all just go away for all of us!

KatiAK, Happy birthday. And enjoy your vacation.

Hey ladies!

I have been taking 37.5mg of effexor every other day to help combat the SEs from tami, but I really don't like taking it. Does anyone have any success stories for other things helping with hot flashes? 

RedReading, remember there are so many other medications to try. MOs are used to prescribing the same Tamoxifen but ask to change it to another one. I was just changed to Fareston and should start taking it very soon. 

Here in this same website there is a table that compares SE among the different medications. Under hormone therapy.

I just started Tamoxifen on Saturday.  My doctor prescribed 20 mg 1 x day, but I'm splitting it and taking 10 mg in the morning and 10 mg at night, because I have a sensitive stomach (I also read that the lower dosage twice a day can help with the side effects).

I am trying to stay positive, but the list of side effects scares the hell out of me.  I am going to take it one day at a time, but if my "quality of life" changes drastically because of the Tamoxifen, I will stop taking it.

Claire

Hello ladies! I'll be starting tamoxifen this week. I would greatly appreciate any opinions on the right time to take it, morning? night? Thanks! 

hi ladies!

for me, taking at night before bed helped a little. i think everyone is different though, so you just have to experiment. If you can tolerate or need an anti-depressant, effexor really puts the SEs of tami in check. I am finding that the SEs for effexor are more than I want to deal with though. again, those are different for everyone. it is not easy to navigate through this, but, i think it is worth it if it truly reduces the chances of recurrence or mets. 

good luck and good health to you!