HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Tomaxifen as continuing treatment

Support Forums
>
Breast Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/22/2009 1:34 PM (GMT 0)

Hello.  I am a current cancer survivor.  I was HER2+.  I have finished my chemo treatments, had a double mastectomy and continue to take Herceptin every 3 weeks.  My oncologist is suggesting that I begin taking tamoxifen.  I am concerned about the side effects and would be very interested in hearing from anyone that is currently taking it or that has taken it in the past.  I am single and would like to move on with my life and it seems that the side effects of tamoxifen are another roadblock in that area...How did it effect you?

Posted 10/23/2009 12:28 AM (GMT 0)

I took Tamoxifen from 2000-2005. I gained a little weight, slowly, and I liked to blame the tamoxifen but it may well have been diet related too. I had no real side effects to speak of ad was thrilled and fortunate to have it in my arsenal to keep the fight going. I was in my early 30's at the time and found it created no obstacles. However, this all varies widely based on your age and just your on personal tolerance or reaction to it. Age comes into play as they said those closer to menopause age had a harder time with hotflashes. I had none.

If I were giving out advice, I'd encourage you to take it....and discontinue if the side effects become too intolerable.

Posted 4/17/2011 12:56 PM (GMT 0)
to Bogey

I am 53 post meno. Diagnosed BC 2010. 2 small lumps 3mm grade 2- 4mm grade 1 with 10mm spread, 2 nodes removed clear.

3 weeks radio, and been on Tamoxifen for about 2 months. 1st month fine. Everyone is different. I have always suffered badly with ezcema, asthma, circulation problems, so my problems could be different to others.

I experienced very dry skin, cracked and bleeding heels, ezcema returned after 40 years, vag dryness and itching (drove me crazy), caught Strep B vag infection, and now suffering from piles due to constipation. Now i ask u.

My oncologist said that if i have problems with tamo, i can come off it as i have a 96% survival without taking it. So what the hell, i have not slept properly in 4 weeks due to terrible dryness and itching and Strep B. Decided today to stop Tamo.

What appreciate any advice.

Pinkie
Posted 5/18/2011 10:23 PM (GMT 0)
I jusy got off of it 2 months ago after 5 years. I didn't have any kind of side effects. turn
Posted 5/25/2011 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
I am a Stage I breast cancer survivor. I am currently taking Tomaxefin and have had no side effects. I have been on the medication a little over a year now. I am 44 yrs. old and so far no weight gain that I can blame on the Tomaxefin and no hot flashes. I was very fearful of what if would get bad side effects, but I am so happy I have not. Good Luck, give it a shot and see what happens. You can always stop it if necessary.
Posted 5/29/2011 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
I had exactly the same reaction to Tamox as I did with all 3 aromatase inhibitors. They made me feel like I had had arthritis for 100 years. Aromasin was so bad it gave me 3 trigger fingers - after only 3 doses- that eventually needed surgery. Femara was a little better. I lasted nearly 6 months on it before I decided I didn't want to live like that.

I'm getting no treatment now. After a year off the meds I feel much better, although not as good as before them. I think some of the effects are permanent.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply