Hi Suzie, 

I hope that the radiotherapy is going smoothly. On a positive note these few weeks give you a chance to think about the treatment you have been offered and to discuss your concerns with your Dr/Nurse. 

We do have some information available on our website about Tamoxifen including a section on possible side effects. 

If you feel you'd like to discuss your concerns and questions with one of our team of nurses then they are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040 (free to call from a UK landline). They may also be to help with some advice on how to manage any side effects. 

Do keep in touch Suzie and let us know what you decide. 

Sending our best wishes, 
Jenn
Cancer Chat moderator

HI Jen, My Radio T has not started yet. I had an infection and its been 25 days or so since the lumpectomy and infection finally gone but still painful.

I go to the Hosp again on Monday and I think they will give me a date for the Radio T then and to discuss the Drugs. The 10 year thing is really bothering me. why dont they offer 5 years with a review ? i feel quite upset at putting those chemicals in my body for 5 years. Really anti medication really.

Suzie

Hi Suzie 

Ive been told I will need to be on Tamoxifen for 10yrs also and I hate the thought of it the same as you. Ive been taking it for just over 4 weeks so far maybe a little longer and the only side effects ive noticed have been "tamoxifen belly" (big belly fat) and also just feeling a little hot and cold sometimes but definately no sweats or anything else.

Im seeing my doctor next week and will be discussing my situation with her about the tablets too.

Aysia x

Hi Suzie.  I have been taking Tamoxifen since November 2015.  I feel that I have been gaining a little bit of weight, but it feels like fluid retention as though you are about to get your period.  I do get a few hot sweats but nothing that is unbearable.  I take the tablet last thing at night and it does not affect my sleeping.  I keep a note of my cycle so as to ensure I know it is regular and there is nothing going on inbetween cycles as I read about the possible issues that can arise.  Another thing I am concerned about is my eye-sight.  Am not sure whether it's my age or the tablets, but I really feel my eye-sight has deteriorated slightly.  I had an eye test in March - just 15 months after my previous one as I was worried.  There was a change in my vision but the optician believes it is due to my age (mid 40's) and should even itself out.  Haven't noticed my hair thinning, I think it may have become a little bit harsh or coarse, but it's not an issue.  I hope you get on with them.  I didn't like the thought of taking tablets as putting chemicals into my body is not something I want to do.  But it is a small price to pay to hopefully stay safe and for the cancer not to return.  Going back for my 1st year scan in about a month so will mention my eyesight to them and see what they say.  Good luck with everything.  You get through it all somehow -after a few months you cannot believe that you have gone through what you have and experienced. Take care xxxxx

HI BERNI. IM so stressed out about the side effects of the tablets they want me to take and lenght of time. I am going back to docs nxt week as im concerned to know where i am with my hormonal state as i believe i have gone through menopause last year (44) but early but my mum waa 38. It was enough for docs to put. Me on hrt!  If im correct Tamoxifen is supose to be for women who have not had the monopause and laprozle is the other one for women who have The doc was quite insistant "you need tamoxifen" it makes me wonder if this being around for 20 years is just the cheaper long term drug!! The side effects do bother me. Not keen on the idea of weight gain or hair thining or upset stomach for the next ten years.and the risk of cervical cancer links either... Suzie.