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Tamoxifen

by Lori on 11/15/2007 at 2:40 pmin category Tell Your Story
I have just completed my chemo (yeah?) and will meet with the radiation people tomorrow to determine of that treatment. I will be starting on tamoxifen and wondered about other reactions to this drug. Thanks, Lori

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ArleneK, What is the prescription cream you refered to below? Thanks, Joanne
by Jo S
on 11/18/2007 at 7:56 pm
I have been taking Tamoxifen for 8 months. I experienced some nausea when eating certain foods - especially fried foods and sweets. However, that turned out to be good for me because it resulted in weight loss which was a good thing for me. I now eat much healthier. Of course individual side effects vary! Of course I did have hot flashes but was prescribed Effexor (an anti-depressant) and that helped tremendously!! I still have some hot flashes - more so in the hot summer, but they are not frequent.
I agree with DecaturJulie about using the prescription cream. I had concerns about radiation because my skin is fair and sensitive. My radiation oncologist advised me to begin using it a week before my first radiation treatment. I faithfully applied it 3 times a day and had no redness - except in the underarm area - I did not know that area was being radiated and therefore did not apply the cream there until it began turning red. Hope all goes well for you. arlenek
by arlenek
on 11/17/2007 at 2:29 am
Hi Lori - I just finished 33 radiation treatments and did really well with them. I was lucky to escape the fatigue that some suffer. I think the fact that I walk about 4 or 5 times a week helped. I am pretty red but it just itches occassionally but not much pain at all. I would suggest that from the beginning listen to the Rad Onc team and start with the radiation therapy lotion and aloe right away (I did this) rather than waiting until you start to turn red. You will do great with this. Now that I am finished with radiation, it is on to tamoxifan. Because I am premenopausal and 45 this is my only drug choice. My understanding from my medical oncologist and other women that I have spoken to is that the hot flashes is the main side affect with some people having leg pain (this is less of an issue if you are active). Since it thrusts you in to menopause if you aren't already there those are the symptoms you get. My Dr also mentioned that if the side effects are too difficult he could put me on a medication like zoloft (used for depression usually) that greatly decreases the effects. A friend of mine who is a breast cancer survivor (and an oncology nurse) did this and she said it gave her back her life. If it comes to that I will take the additional medication. Good luck and keep in touch so we know how you are.
by Decaturjulie
on 11/16/2007 at 7:29 am
In the beginning I was going to take tamoxifen but was switched to arimidex. It is very expensive, but I was able to get a grant for at least the first $4,000 worth. I have slight joint pain in my hands, which I never had before the cancer. I have slight headaches, here and there, not bad. I take a very strong antioxidant which I feel will also help in preventing more cancer. I finished my radiation 8/23 and still have stinging under my arm and in my chest, occasionally. (side points). I had a one side mastectomy in May.
by BreastFriend
on 11/15/2007 at 6:29 pm

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