Tamoxifen - good and bad.

Hello,

I was diagnosed with grade 2 breast cancer and recently had a lumpectomy. My pathology results came back and lymph nodes were clear and clear margins also. I will also be getting radiotherapy and started on Tamoxifen. I’m really quite worried about taking it as I’ve read some horror stories on side effects! 

Really looking to hear some good and bad experience please? 

Thanks!

  • Hi there , I’m glad your surgery is over and that there is no spread , that is fantastic news ! I’m on Letrozole not Tamoxifen , but I believe the side effects are similar . Some people get away with few side effects so I would wait and see how it goes and then if you do get side effects , post on here and see if anyone can help. I think the main thing is hot flushes and night sweats ! Good luck and keep us posted! Xx

  • Hello there ,good to hear all is well . I am also on Letrezole, a friend of mine on Tamoxifen. As LCR said , see how things go .Nightsweats  and flushes and achy bones are pretty common . But it’s ok . All the best xx

  • I switched to Tamoxifen from letrezole which I had quite bad side effects from . As we’re going to be on these drugs for many years I believe it’s important to I Ow you have choices & options , one drug might be hard for you and another tolerable .

    all the best to you 

  • Jolene 

    im on tanoxifen gif the usuals hot flushes aching bones mood swings I started these nov 22 didn’t get side affects until 6 months in but hey Ho got to take these for 10 years so best i get used to these 

    good luck lots don’t have any side effects xx 

  • Hi all! 

    Just a wee update on Tamoxifen. I’ve been taking them for almost 2 months now and I have had no side effects other than the odd mood swing! I know I’m still early days but so far so good.I just wanted to put it out there for anyone else who might be anxious to start taking it. I’m 39 and pre menopausal.  

    I’ve completed radiotherapy also and now feel a bit out on my own now that treatment has finished. Did anyone else feel this way?

    I also wanted to ask re alcohol…does anyone still enjoy a few glasses of wine? I was oestrogen positive and usually drank a bottle of wine a week. I’ve not been drinking lately but don’t want to feel guilt for enjoying an evening unwinding with some wine when I do decide to have a drink. I’m otherwise healthy, not overweight and active (although could be a bit better!) 

      

      

      

      

  • Hi , I’m glad you’re managing with few side effects x It’s also an odd feeling finishing treatment and sometimes it just hits you out of the blue what you’ve been through but just take  iit a day at a time and enjoy your glass of wine ! I do ! Xx

  • I was interested to read your post, as I’m likely to be given tamoxifen- although I’m older than you. I’m worried about side effects so it’s reassuring to know that you’ve been ok so far xx

  • Jolene 

    min a year on tamoxifen I drink most weekends with no bad after affects life’s to short enjoy it loveky xxx