Hi there ..

I know exactly how debilitating tamoxifen is .. so my heart goes out to you ... I've got arthritis and scoliosis and stenosis in spine and other joints, so after two years , I couldn't move.. even getting out of bed hurt .. so I asked for the facts and I was told the % of this 3% improvement... as it stops the oestrogen and when our cancers are oestrogen based it can stop them attaching without it...

I couldn't carry on like that, so gradually came off .. now my pain is manageable... but I'm worried you were ordered not to stop it .. I have an amazing surgeon who has supported me all the way .. I didn't stop it lightly.. I weighed everything up .. and my age and health ... 

So ask for the percentage.. ask for the facts .. and remember you just maybe one of the 3% it helps .. but I'm sure you cannot be forced to do anything .. but they probly have your interest at heart .. they just don't realise how horendious it is to feel so much pain, and eleven worse was the rollercoaster of emotion .. 

But you must decide what's right for you ... Chrissie x

Hi Jennyr

I know Tamoxifen is a pain, been there done that, but I had never considered coming off it as it was prescribed in order to cut the risk of the cancer returning. Its a life saving drug and would much rather have the side effects of tamoxifen rather than the side effects of chemo if the cancer came back. 

I would discuss it with your oncologist and see what else they think may help, I increased the amount of exercise I did which helped, especially swimming that helped with my joints. I am now on Anastrozole and take sertralin to help with the hot flushes/sweats and within a week of taking it the hot flushes stopped so my antidepressant worked and I felt back to my old self. 

Don't give up on tamoxifen, if one brand doesn't work for you try another, the best tamoxifen brand for me was TEVA  but it may be another brand that works for you but you do have to give it 6 months to settle.

Thanks Chriss. I'm going to talk to the oncologist on Friday. I just feel sooo tired and arthritis pain that is normally bearable is worse. A joint in my wrist has come up in so it's difficult to write. I've forced myself to attend my twice weekly ballet class but it's a struggle. I'll see what Friday brings. Thanks for your message. 

Thank you Magpiemaggie. I'm seeing the oncologist on Friday so hopefully will have time to discuss my medication. I'm just hoping I don't have to have radiotherapy. 

Hello ladies really difficult finding the one that works, I started approx on Tomoxifen 4 weeks ago and I can't remember the manufacture name but it was in a blue and white box which seemed ok after a few weeks apart from hot flushes ad feeling somewhat tearful.

I have had a lumpectomy and one or two lymph glands removed.  Has anyone had the radiotherapy as this reduces the risk further of a recurrence.