Hi Laurenren

Well done for coping with the treatment so far - sounds like you've been through a lot.
 

I've just started tamoxifen - 8 days ago - and have/had lots of the same worries as you. My friend is a medical researcher and it turned out she'd led a research trial of tamoxifen so she knows a lot about it and she dug out lots of stats for me. The one that had the most impact on me was that I'm 48% less likely to have my breast cancer come back if I take tamoxifen. My consultant gave me exactly the same stat. That was enough to make me decide I should take it.

You're right that many women report side effects but the research shows that the majority won't experience them. My consultant said that it can take the body 6-8 weeks to get used to tamoxifen so we may experience side effects that then go away. I was worried about osteoporosis as my Mum has it but interestingly pre-menopausal women who take tamoxifen are protected from osteoporosis so there's an additional bonus!
 

I'm only 8 days in but I haven't experienced any side effects yet. I'm tired but I had a mastectomy and reconstruction 1 month ago, I've got 3 kids and I've got a cold so not sure I can blame it on tamoxifen!
 

Ask your consultant if there's any support for women taking tamoxifen at your hospital. It is quite common for women to stop taking it if they get side effects so at my hospital there is a breast nurse who specialises in supporting women to cope with any side effects so that they can keep taking it and benefit from the 48% stat. 
 

I'm taking the tablet before I go to sleep as I'd read that some women find it makes them drowsy. Also I am going to record the manufacturer of each batch of tamoxifen I get as some women say they get on better with a particular brand.

Hope that helps. Wishing you the very best with your ongoing treatment x

Hi, thank you so much for your very detailed reply! That stat is amazing and all your advice has helped reassure me already.

It sounds like you have been through a lot also and here you are helping others as well! Thank you :)

I should be starting it soon and will remember your words of advice. That's also a great tip about taking it at night.

What a journey we've all been on but we'll get there.

Sending hugs x

Hi Laurenren,

I just want to add a few more words of reassurance. I too am new to Tamoxifen (I started taking it mid December) and like you had read all sorts of horror stories about side effects. But so far I'm completely fine. My doc suggested taking it after food, which I do. I take it each evening, before bed, and that's working for me. I know it's early days but I'm hopeful that I'll be able to cope with it without any major problems. I hope it's the same for you. Fingers crossed!

Congratulations on getting through all your treatment so far, and I hope 2022 is a happy, healthy year for you.

Jenny xx

Hi Jenny,

Thanks so much for taking the time to reply to me, it was so kind of you :)

All I have been reading is the bad stuff so it's so nice to read that you've not been getting any side effects! Thank you for the tips about taking it after food and before bed too! I'm going to do the same. I have been more nervous about this pill than I am about radiotherapy starting!

Congrats to you also on getting through the treatment and I hope 2022 is amazing for you xx

I'm in exactly the same place. Just waiting for radio but prescribed a drug that in reality I need to take to save my life but why do I have so much dread.  I'm not a pill taker so the thought of this and many others to combat the side effects is daunting even after chemo....

I'm already getting menopausal symptoms before I add this in

Hey, I haven't been on here in ages but got a notification so popped on to reply to you. I just want to say that I have been on tamoxifen for months now, as well as a hormonal implant injection and I swear to you it's all totally fine! :)

I finished radio in February, which was also totally fine and now getting my life back! And my hair is thick and coming in fast. There is a light at the end of the tunnel and I'm here if you need to ask anything at all.

Sending hugs x

Oh my thats brilliant to hear.  Puts my mind at ease a bit.  What's the injection can I ask ? 

So pleased it is working out for you

The injection is a hormonal implant called Zoladex, it shuts down the ovaries and starts menopause etc. Not sure why I'm on both to be honest but I just do whatever they say haha.

Honestly, people on here helped me so much and I'm here for people too if you have any questions or need some reassurance/a chat :)