Tamoxifen

I'm due to start taking tamoxifen this week.Feeling anxious about it.Does anyone have experience with this drug.I think out of everything I've been through I'm the most worried about this drug than anything else.I honestly think if I thought I could get away with not taking it I would.

I see that hair loss/thinning is a side affect.I'm only just starting to grow hair! This upsets me..And the pain it causes too is it bad? 

I would be grateful for anyone to can help me with their own experiences 

thankyou 

Ness x 

  • Hi Ness :)

    I have been taking Tamoxifen now for about 4 weeks....I havnt had any pain or any bad side effects from the tablets at all...the one thing I have noticed though is that my tunny has grown a bit since taking them I believe its called "tamoxifen belly" ...I hate it and am waiting to see my doctor to ask if anything else can be done and wether I can change the tablets.

    Like you I was worried about the side effects of Tamoxifen ...my oncologist says I will need to take them for 10yrs....

    Please try not to worry about taking these tablets as you may find that your fears are unfounded....my hair is just growing back also and ive not noticed any thinning at all in fact my hair is growing very well and as thick as it ever was :)

    I hope all is well for you !

    Aysia x

  • hi Aysia 

    Thankyou for taking the time to write tone me.Pleased to hear that tamoxifen has been going well for you.

    I too have been told I must take for 10 years...I should of started taking them today but I haven't.

    I don't like the sound of the bigger tummy either.I know that is something I will really struggle with.Before I had my youngest child I had troubles with bulimia.

    All I can do is hope I'm ok.Just really bugs me you know luke we've not had enough to worry about.I know it's to help us stop reoccurrence but I feel angry that it will further change my body and quality of life.I'm also worried about my sex life.

    so sorry for myself ranting here.

    Besides this I'm not too bad,I actually feel almost human again ;-) 

    how are you? 

    Ness x

  • Hi Ness :)

    |I can totally understand what youre saying about the treatment changing your body ...I find it all very difficult to get used to....especially this weight gain which is really upsetting ...I think its bad enough to have cancer but to have this added weight gain on top to make me feel disgusting and ugly is just the end.

    I can only see how things go ...but the oncologist told me there were other tablets that I could take if Tamoxifen really wasnt for me (which it isnt).....will let you know what the outcome is after seeing my doctor next week ok :)

  • Apart from the Tamoxifen im getting "me" back slowly which is great!