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At my wit's end with Tamoxifen. Has anyone else struggled with this?

Hollibob
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Hi all

I was diagnosed with breast cancer on 12th September 2022 at the age of 38 so coming up to 2 year anniversary.  

I had lumpectomy, lymph node biopsy(clear) 5 weeks of radiotherapy and was put on tamoxifen in January 2023 for 10 years.

Oncologist discharged me pretty quickly and have no follow ups but I am at my wits end with tamoxifen right now.

I am struggling with very heavy periods that completely wipe me out, I have no energy, I'm moody and snappy majority of the time. I cry at everything and its making me so low.

I've had a uterine biopsy last week as I have endometrial thickening. No polyps. The gynaecologist asked I'd my family was complete which it is but makes me wonder if hysterectomy will be suggested (obviously depending on biopsy results which will be 6 to 8 weeks!)

Anyone else struggled or can suggest a way forward I would love to know

Just don't know what to do anymore but I'm no longer me

Thanks for reading

  • Hi Hollibob,

    I'm sorry to hear you are finding things difficult with Tamoxifen at the moment. I am sure this is something that others on here will relate to. Hopefully you'll get some more replies to your post soon, particularly from others with similar experience, but if not then it might be worth having a search of the forum for other relevant discussions and people to connect with about this.

    If you haven't already, do also try to discuss all this with your doctor to see what they have to say and if there is anything that can be done to help.

    You are also welcome to speak to one of our nurses if you'd like to talk things through. You can reach them on freephone 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

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    Hi Hollibob - firstly , really hope your biopsy comes back ok! And Tamoxifen is kicking my behind too. Have been taking it since February and was hoping the side effects would get better but they’re not. For me it’s the sweats and hot flushes that are the worst and brain fog - the sweats are day and night! I had a partial hysterectomy about 12 (I’m now 46) Years ago due to endometriosis and it was one of the best things I ever did (we did nt plan anymore children and the endometriosis was awful) but was too young for HRT and now that’s not an option because of the cancer. I’m going to try speaking to the Oncologist to see if there’s anything that can help with the side effects (have tried all the obvious things) - hope you manage to get some advice too! Also wishing you all the very best with your results , take care x

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