Tamoxifen

Hi everyone I've been reading a few of the posts of you poor individuals experiences of being on Tamoxifen.

I had my lumpcectopy then 3 1/2 weeks of radiotherapy  Sept 2015. I tried all the hormone treatment drugs including Tamoxifen, Letazole, Exemestane, plus others. Out of them all, and at the time I had less side  effects on Tamoxifen until recently.....
I have joint ache all over, have trouble bending my fingers, weight gain, trouble sleeping, and fatigue omg unbelievable!!!!! I work as a cleaner 4 hours a day and by the time I'm finished I get home and I'm like a zombie absolutely shattered!!! I just now chill and relax when I can and if it means having little sleeps to recharge batteries so be it. I don't have half the stamina I used to have and I'm into my 6th of 10 years being in it. My dry skin, thin hair plus everything else...it's a nightmare but what else can I do. So my heart goes out to all you fellow survivors and for you who are also in Tamoxifen I truly feel for you all xx

EDIT: I meant to also say that apart from the side effects of Tamoxifen giving you menopausal symptoms, I've had a full hysterectomy 2 years ago. I'm therefore experiencing double trouble of everything but obviously can't take HRT does/has anyone else suffer/suffered like me and if so any ideas as to what might help please? I just feel I'm running on empty most of the time. Thankyou xx

  • I'm sorry you're starting to have some trouble with the side effects of Tamoxifen.

    As you've mentioned it's starting to affect your work and daily life it may be worth getting in touch with your doctor to see what other options may be available to you now.

    I hope some of our members get back to you soon but if you'd like to have a chat with one of our cancer nurses about this you're welcome to give them a call on 0808 800 4040. Their phone lines are open Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    I hope you're able to get some help with these issues soon Jo.

    All the best,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi,

    I am sorry to hear about your side effects. I am post menopausal as I am 68, but recently have been having hot flushes another side effect of the hormone treatment.

    I have achy bones and stiffness sometimes, I have just posted about my side effects on Anastrazole. I am only 9 months after treatment for breast cancer. I too am so fatigued that I contacted the nurses and they suggested stopping for 6 weeks and see how I feel. Some people decide to stop the medication altogether but does the worry of cancer recurrence outweigh the side effects? I too have gained weight and and am really not the same person, losing a breast too is so traumatic! 
    The bone loss is not good either caused by these drugs 

    You are a long way ahead of me 6years on this medication! I'm going to try the 6 weeks break and see how I feel.....

    Silver