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Tamoxifen

Coll0042
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Hi all who reads this,

I was wondering if I could get some opinions? I am 18mths into 10yrs of taking Tamoxifen (or as a friend of mine who takes it too calls it, tamoxi********) and I feel rough most of the time on it. Luckily it seems after all my cancer treatment that my period has come back and did so about 3mths after completing radiotherapy whilst I was still having immunotherapy. Although, it is an awful lot lighter and shorter than it ever used to be which is good, now and then it can be pretty painful. Is that the Tamoxifen??? I also go through bouts of having REALLY itchy dry skin and bad insomnia. Trouble is my brain thinks it's worth it because I feel as though I'm doing something to prevent a recurrence of course.

Anyway, I'm rambling! All this is besides the point I'm trying to make. In June, I am preparing to stop taking Tamoxifen in order to try for a baby. I was trying to conceive before my cancer diagnosis slapped me in the face. My concern is, if I feel as crap as I do taking Tamoxifen, I'm worried about how I will feel when I come off of it. I am also having doubts about coming off of it anyway now in order to try for a baby because I'm not sure my body is ready for it! Thing is, I don't have time in my favour as I am 38. Am I utterly nuts to be even thinking of doing this?

 

  • Hello Coll0042

    I admit to chuckling about the nickname that your friend uses for tamoxifen. I also know someone who also calls it that :laugh: 

    The symptoms that you've mentioned about changes to your cycle and the skin are recognised side effects of the medication. With regards to skincare, it really can help to make sure that you're drinking plenty of fluids during the day and moisturising. We know that some women find taking their medication at a different time of day can help with insomnia so it may be worth thinking about trialing that change as well. 

    In terms of your questions about stopping tamoxifen to try to conceive it's difficult to answer really. Everyone is different and how your body reacts you won't know until you reach that point.

    I'm presuming that you've spoken with your Consultant about stopping the medication to try for a pregnancy. They will be best placed to advise you about any risks. It sounds as if you have quite a lot of concerns at the moment but what I would say is that June is a good few months away yet and things can change. By the summer you may feel completely ready to embark on that new journey or you may have decided that it's not the right time for you. Just take things a day at a time and try not to look too far ahead as this often can leave you feeling more anxious. 

    If you want to chat with one of our team of nurses at any point you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. I'm sure they would be happy to be a sounding board and to offer any advice and support that they can. 

    Whatever you decide, I hope that the side effects settle for you. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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