I had a long conversation with my Oncologist regarding the side effects of Tamoxifen. Her advice and statistical information was invaluable and I decided to stop taking Tamoxifen. Every person is different, some women are fine on Tamoxifen and some are not xxx

Can i ask how long u were on them for and how long it took for the side affects to go away. Xxx

I took them from Jan to April, tried a few brands. The hospital managed to get the brand that alot of women said the side effects were not too bad. So I was meant to go back on them in the June but my mum passed away and just couldn't face the side effects with everything going on. So started on them in the July and lasted until the September. It took a good couple of months for me to feel back to my old self. My periods didn't come back and it will be a year this September so I guess I have naturally started the Menopause. I was offered Acupuncture for the flushes and they have reduced so perhaps its helped? Xx

When I was being booked in for my Radiotherapy, the consultant filled in my details in the database (it measures the statistics that have been collected over the years). It asked my age, stage and type of cancer etc and the result came out that I had a 97% chance of it not returning. She then put in if I took Tamoxifen and the results improved by 0.5 to 1%. It was good information to have so I knew what to ask when I had my follow up appointment with the Oncologist. It isnt written in stone but the way I looked at it was that I wouldn't bet if I knew I only had 0.5% of winning it xx

Hi LLB,

This is the best way to decide - by making an informed decision.

I was referred to see some eminent researchers and got differing opinions from both. I had a number of side-effects, but I stuck to Tamoxifen for the first year until I was diagnosed with a second cancer. As it obviously hadn't worked for me, I then took Letrozole for 6½ years. This played havoc with my joints and eyesight, but I am still here 12 years on from my first diagnosis and living a busy and worthwhile life.

So to me it was worth all of the side-effects. It is different when your odds were as short as yours, but we've all got to be happy with our decisions.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Newbie here...

I just wanted to chime in and say that I've been taking Tamoxifen 20mg since June 2021 and honestly, I haven't had a single side effect. I'm 42, pre-menopausal, had stage two invasive lobular breast cancer, and it was treated with a therapeutic mammoplasty and 20 sessions of radiotherapy.

The first brand I tried (Milpharm) worked well for me, so I did some Googling and looked up ingredients lists for various different manufacturers. Relonchem is near-identical to Milpharm so when it's time to collect my prescription I ring around local pharmacies to check what they've got in stock, and make a beeline for a branch with either of those. I've found that I've been perfectly fine with both brands. 

I take my pill last thing at night, when I'm tackling my skincare routine and cleaning my teeth. Not sure that makes any difference, but it works for me.

Of course everyone is different, but I wanted to reassure anyone who was frightened about starting Tamoxifen that it's absolutely NOT the case that everyone has a bad experience with it. On the contrary. For me I just feel grateful that this clever medicine exists. 

Good luck all! 

Hi LondonBlonde,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am delighted to hear that you have coped well with Tamoxifen so far and hope that you continue to do so. I am also glad to see you post that you have had no bother with it, as we only tend to hear from those who have side-effects. I am sure that your post will reassure others who have doubts about taking this medication.

Thank you for your contribution. We hope to hear more from you along your cancer journey. Please remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hello London Blonde,

how wonderful that you are very happy on Tamoxifen!!! Brilliant!! 
 

I am not taking hormones after trying Letrozole for a brief period. I felt it altered me. Made me in low mood and my body ached. It wasn't for me. 
 

Delighted though that you have had such a positive experience!!! I am sure your experience will help many women to give hormonal treatment a try. 
 

Stay well!!

Kebbs x