Tamoxifen side effects

Hi everyone Just browsing about Tamoxifen and so glad I came across this forum. Have been on this now for 3 & half years after unsuccessfully trying Anastrozole and Letrozole which gave me unbearable side effects particularly leg and hip pains. The main side effects of Tamoxifen which I am struggling with are concentration and "fuzzy brain". I can empathise with those (particularly Topsy) with the same effects as not everyone understands just how you feel! Am also trying to cope with the depression side effect which I mentioned to my oncologist who simply gave me Citalopram which scrambled my brain even more worse so I ditched that! Blurred vision is also a problem but am glad to say that the night sweats have calmed down considerably. Leg cramps are bothersome but not as bad as they were (think maybe joining a yoga class has helped there). On a more positive note, I had the full round of treatments: lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, Herceptin. Have recovered well from all of this and everyone comments on how well I look. Hair growth has been amazing and now keep it long as I love wearing it up in different styles. Unfortunately it didn't grow back in my original colour, as I had hoped, but I love my grey locks. Good luck to you all. I only have another 6 & half years on Tamoxifen to go!!!
  • Hi everyone Just browsing about Tamoxifen and so glad I came across this forum. Have been on this now for 3 & half years after unsuccessfully trying Anastrozole and Letrozole which gave me unbearable side effects particularly leg and hip pains. The main side effects of Tamoxifen which I am struggling with are concentration and "fuzzy brain". I can empathise with those (particularly Topsy) with the same effects as not everyone understands just how you feel! Am also trying to cope with the depression side effect which I mentioned to my oncologist who simply gave me Citalopram which scrambled my brain even more worse so I ditched that! Blurred vision is also a problem but am glad to say that the night sweats have calmed down considerably. Leg cramps are bothersome but not as bad as they were (think maybe joining a yoga class has helped there). On a more positive note, I had the full round of treatments: lumpectomy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, Herceptin. Have recovered well from all of this and everyone comments on how well I look. Hair growth has been amazing and now keep it long as I love wearing it up in different styles. Unfortunately it didn't grow back in my original colour, as I had hoped, but I love my grey locks. Good luck to you all. I only have another 6 & half years on Tamoxifen to go!!!
  • Hello Chic,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat and thank you for sharing your  experience of Tamoxifen side effects. I am pleased to hear the night sweats have calmed down considerably and that you have recovered well from all of this and that your hair is looking great. It must be fun to be able to wear it in different styles.

    Best of luck with the rest of your Tamoxifen treatment,

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator