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Coming off Tamoxifen

Juls
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Hi. I've just joined your group and wondered if anyone has ever stopped taking Tamoxifen after just 2 months. My side effects were not good, cramp in both legs; hot sweats; nausea; lack of sleep and mood/temper swings. Having been thrown from pillar to post with my GP and oncology department asking if there was any other medication I could take the oncologist has said there's no alternative and stop taking them. This was communicated through my GP. Feel a bit let down and isolated and wondering if anyone else has had these kind of symptoms and is there an alternative at all? 

  • Offline in reply to Bettybobo

    HI BettyBobo,

    I'm 74 and I changed from Tamoxifen when I got my second bout of breast cancer. This was a year after I had my first diagnosis. I moved to Letrozole. There are also other hormone therapies such as Anastrole, Zoladex and Aromasin.  I notice that some people around our age also use Aromatase Inhibitors. There are also trials that you might be suitable for. Have you discussed all of these with your oncologist?

    I must confess that although Tamoxifen affected my emotions a lot, Letrozole caused much more bother with my joints and I still have problems with these, despite finishing my course of Letrozole 6 years ago. A number of people opt for quality of life rather than quantity and that is totally their choice. Before you stop taking Tamoxifen, do have a chat with your oncologist to see if there is anything else that s/he can suggest.

    Please keep in touch and let us know what you decide to do. Remember that we are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Hi Jolamine

    i intend to chat with my Oncologist about it all just not going to c him for another month So will talk to my GP next week first Unfortunatly I have very servera ostioarthris as well especially in my back so I already know my options will be limited

    kind regards

     

  • Offline in reply to Bettybobo

    HI Bettybobo,

    Your back problems may rule out Letrozole then, as this can cause havoc with the joints. I had to have both of my knees replaced as a result and still have severe problems with all of my joints. Please let us know what you decide to do after you have soken to your GP and oncologist.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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