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Tamoxifen - How long before side effects appear?

MrsS1972
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Hello, 

Would you mind sharing your experiences please of how long it took any side effects of Tamoxifen to appear after you first started taking it?

I have a liver disorder, and am paranoid that my liver won't metabolise the Tamoxifen and so it won't work. My doctor has told me not to worry, and that when I get hot flushes etc. I'll know it's working. I've been on it a week now so I appreciate it's very early days. 

 

Many thanks for your time :happy:

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    Hi Mrs S,

    A very warm welcome to our forum, although I'm sorry that you've had to join us. I suspect that youmay get some varied answers to this question. We are all individuals with different types and grades of breast cancer and all of our experiences can be different. Some people are fortunate enough that they sail trough treatment with no side effects, whilst othersare not so lucky.

    I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer 10 & 11 years ago. I took Tamoxifen first time around after I had my lumpectoy and continued to take this for a year, until I discovered a second cancer. I started to get side-effects 2-3 weeks into my treatment., although I understand that it can take a few months. I also have liver problems and my liver function tests were caried out regularly to assess any damage caused. There was a slight change, but nothing that significant.

    If you find that Tamoxifen isn't for you, there are alternatives, although they all have side-effects of some sort or other. Your oncologist will be happy to help out if needed.

    I wish you all the best on your journey. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Many thanks for your reply, and yes I appreciate everyone's experience will be different. My breast cancer was grade 2 invasive ductal, and as it was hormone receptor positive and hadn't spread to my nodes, my mastectomy and hormone therapy are at the moment sufficient. I do feel extremely lucky in this respect. Thank you again X

  • Offline in reply to MrsS1972

     

    Hi Mrs S,

    My cancer was grade 1, invasive ductal and , I had a lumpectomy followed by Tamoxifen first time around and then a double mastectomy followed by Letrozole for 6½ years following that.

    I sincerely hope that you too do well after your treatment.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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