Tamoxifen and Acupuncture, or other options?

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operamom1
operamom1 Member Posts: 40
edited December 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Hello!

I've been on Tamoxifen for about 4 months now. The side effects are really starting to kick in -- mood swings, a total lack of libido, bone pain, fatigue. I'm wondering if anyone here has explored acupuncture to relieve any of these side effects. I'm afraid to discontinue the medication, but these side effects are really affecting my quality of life and my relationship with my husband.

When I spoke with my Oncologist last month it seemed pretty hopeless. She didn't offer anything that could help at all.

Thank you so much, in advance, for any advice you can offer.

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  • DiagnosisDisruption
    DiagnosisDisruption Member Posts: 108
    edited November 2018

    I am about five weeks into Tamoxifen and had acupuncture yesterday. So far I've had the muscle/joint pain and the face flushes from Tamoxifen. The hot flashes are starting (I don't miss those from chemo!) up again. The biggest thing for me has been absolute dizziness. I mentioned all this to my acupuncturist. After, I drove home in a complete fog (should NOT have been driving) thinking I really messed it up.

    Woke up this morning feeling great! My hip has a little hitch, but not as bad, and my knees don't hurt from the stairs. I'm also still awake.

    I had never been to acupuncture until I was in chemo. After acupuncture got rid of the sweet taste in my mouth (I didn't get metallic, I got sweet) I was sold and continue almost 10 months later.

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  • Michelle_in_cornland
    Michelle_in_cornland Member Posts: 1,689
    edited November 2018

    If I might weigh in here, the side effects do diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication. So much stress is put upon us with diagnosis, surgery and treatment. My thoughts are that you need to heal physically, mentally, and emotionally before fully embracing the next step in preventing a recurrence. Alot of women are rushed to hormone therapy, when they should be seeing a counselor and working through the emotional effects of the diagnosis. My time line was diagnosis and surgery in month 1, radiation in month 3, recovery in months 4 and 5, oopherectomy/hysterectomy in month 6, start of Tamoxifen in month 7. When I started Tamoxifen in month 7, I started with a smaller dose at 10 1x per day, increasing to 10mgs 2x per day within three weeks of starting. For muscle aches I took magnesium, tylenol, ssri with tricyclic booster, massage etc. I had my 2nd annual mammogram after my diagnosis in August of 2016, and it was fine. The feeling of confidence when taking medication was therapeutic when facing the mammogram this week.

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  • Georgia1
    Georgia1 Member Posts: 1,321
    edited November 2018

    Hi there. I have not tried acupuncture but I second the suggestion of magnesium. And shame on your oncologist. For many women the side effects abate after six months or so and I hope that is true for you. But there are many possible solutions and if vaginal dryness is an issue I'd discuss with your gynecologist. Meanwhile acupuncture is worth a try.

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  • operamom1
    operamom1 Member Posts: 40
    edited December 2018

    Thank you for the helpful suggestions and encouragement. I have been taking Magnesium daily for at least the last year. I have no doubt that it is helpful in so many ways.

    I had my first acupuncture appointment on Wednesday of last week. I am hopeful that this will help alleviate some of these side effects. The latest has been an ongoing dull headache. I just want to feel normal again!

    The most frustrating part about this is that I seemed to be doing just fine, and now almost 5 months into this I am beginning to feel all of these side effects.

    In any case, thank you again for your advice and good words!

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