For me , personally.....One word really ...

Excruciating... 

Two words ...Emotional rollercoaster...

Three ... mustle / bone pain ...

If oncologist had to take it, think they would invent something kinder ... xx

I think I had every side effect listed within a couple of weeks of starting it and it's just got worse. Wish I had never set eyes on the stuff. As you say if they had to take it maybe things would change. 

Hi everyone,

hormone tablets have never felt very attractive to me. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2019. Breast reduction in November 2019. Radiotherapy (after an ONCO test to identify the help (or not) chemo might assist me. Turned out it would be more harm than help. Onco score was 9. 

Anyway hormone tablets prescribed when I completed 15 sessions of radiotherapy at the end of February. I was hesitant to say the least! Still not taken them but keep thinking on it. (as I am 67 it’s Anastrozile not Tamoxifen) 

Just want to agree with what Chriss says above. It IS worth asking an oncologist what % of future risk these meds give you. Often it’s only a tiny amount. Mine is under 2% chance of a recurrence. To become depressed, in pain and in an hormonal haze is it worth it???? Well it IS a big personal decision of course but honestly daily exercise will also combat cancer by a small %. That’s my way forward. Swimming (when allowed again!) walking and rowing machine here I come.  

Most medics want us to go the hormone route. I feel I want to truly live not just be breathing. I am not taking them. My choice and my ‘risk’ which I see as worth taking. 

Go well and stay safe. 

Kebbs x 

You may wish to discuss this with your oncologist: according to the research certain foods can naturally reduce/balance the estrogen in your body and/or block the estrogen receptors on any potential cancer cells, e.g. soy, mushrooms, cruciferous veg, flaxseeds (due to lignans). These are generally considered healthy foods anyway. It's interesting to note that Japanese women for example have some of the lowest cases of breast cancer and menopause symptoms in the world and they think this is because of the soy consumption (and probably the healthier diet overall).
 

So true! Just add extreem tirdness and PMPS....

I’m 4 years into my 10 years of tamoxifen and seem to have tried everything. It’s not helped by people at work making menopause jokes. They haven’t got a clue!!

My oncologist says it’s the only thing that really works so I’m determined to stick with it but it is really tough at times.