Tamoxifen Queey

Hello

I am five weeks post breast cancer surgery and am on my third week of Tamoxifen.  I wanted to ask if anyone has experienced anxiety on this medication?  I am so anxious literally 24 hours a day.  I have read up on Tamoxifen side effects but anxiety doesn't feature at all.

Has anyone else out there had this symptom? 
Thank you in advance xx

  • Good morning Bananazz

    Just wanted to pop on and post a reply to your message to offer you some reassurance that what you're feeling is absolutely normal. 

    I know we've had many women post here about how anxious, upset and emotional they feel once starting hormone treatment after a breast cancer diagnosis. When you factor in everything else such as the diagnosis itself and the surgery it's no wonder that we can feel overwhelmed by things. 

    For the majority of women, things seem to settle as your body adapts to the new medication. Some women find that particular brands are easier to tolerate than others but it really does depend on the individual. I'd really encourage you to speak to your Breast Care Nurse. It may be that there is some psychological support available to you and this really can help. Alternatively, have a look at your local Maggie's Centre as they are also able to provide the support that can help. If things don't settle then have a chat with your GP who will be able to discuss other ways to support you through this time. 

    You're also welcome to give our team of nurses a call if you'd like to chat things through with them. They're back in the office after the bank holiday on 0808 800 4040 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). 

    Most of all Bananazz be kind to yourself and take each day as it comes. You have been through a lot and although it's a cliche, it will take time for you to adjust and for things to settle again. 

    Keep in touch with us here. We've lots of women who have been in your position and I'm sure they will post to share their advice and support too. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Hi there ...

    No one told me either ... I went from strong and coping to a blubbering wreck   : (( I cryed over everything even adverts ... ruined my son's birthday , running out crying ... it lasted a couple of months .. but wish I'd known at the start , I would have been prepared and could have warned those around me ...

    Good news is it does pass ... but good luck ... hope yours goes quicker then mine .... Chrissie x

  • Love your emoji pic ... that's just how it feels .... at least your sense of humour is peeping through ... big vertual tamoxifen hug .... x

  • Thank you for your replies.  I've just noticed I can't spell query . But thank you so much for responding to me.

    I feel like a bit of an alien at the moment.  It's my second time for a 'good' cancer as they called it.  My first was thyroid cancer in 2016, and now this very small grade 2 breast cancer which they have removed.   There was nothing good about either of them!  
    the anxiety is new and worrying, so I will speak to my nurses and GP.  I am a nurse myself.... but I am the worst patient  

     

    Also Chrissie... my pic should be my passport photo because this is how I feel now ♥️