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Anyone help me? want to know everything about Tamoxifen side-effects and how to manage them
Asked by cranburymom on Monday, May 28, 2012
Anyone help me? want to know everything about Tamoxifen side-effects and how to manage them
I finished my chemo and radiation, I am 45 and just about to feel better (yes finally!). I hear a hormone fog and other yucky changes in body - which I can only guess....I know I need to take this pill for 5 years. BUT I have a big mental barrier towards this pill. Yes, yes, I know, it should be much better than chemo!!!! But any info., would be hugely appreciated. Wish I do not need to take it :-(
7 Answers from the Community
nancyjac
I took Tamoxifen for 5 years and had no side effects.
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almost 9 years agofoneheads
I have been taking Tamoxifen since February. So far the only thing I have had to deal with is hot flashes; more often in the beginning, but still get them from time to time at night.
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almost 9 years agoDru
I have been taking Tamoxifen for 2 1/2 years and the only side effect is mild hot flashes. Since I am also menopausal, though, I might have had the hot flashes anyway.
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almost 9 years agoSunnydays
Have been taking Tamoxifen for almost a year (I'm 44 years old). Only side effect I've noticed is mild hot flashes but those started during chemo-induced menopause so may not be associated with tamoxifen. Remember, all those horrible side effects you read about are frightening but only happen to a few people and hopefully, the benefits of Tamoxifen will outweigh the potential side effects. All the best!
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almost 9 years agocranburymom
Thank you all for answering and sharing your experience with me.
I will be on Herceptin until Christmas (and this is a dream drug!). I had very bad side effects from chemo, taxotere and carbo and even from neulasta. So Tam has to be better, right? I saw discussions on tam tummy, depression, and excessive appetite, etc. I better stop reading these comments. :-)
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almost 9 years agojamrck
Everyone is different. From my personal experience and others I have known, the side effects from Tamoxifen are fairly mild, especially compared to everything else you've already been through. I had some water retention, but when it got bad (only a few times), I could take water pills. Hot flashes vary from person to person, just like in menopause. That was my worst side effect - I bought a tower fan for the side of the bed, and have a small fan on my office desk.
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almost 9 years agomom3b1g1969
I can't help you with experiences, but we can be a support for each other as I will start taking mine tomorrow evening. In my weighing of the side effects compared to chemo.....I would much rather be taking Tamoxifen. I see you are also taking herceptin....does it concern you that there may be interactions with the 2?? I am on many other meds for other health issues and have so much worry that they will interact. Let me know what you decide and I'll let you know how I am feeling as I begin taking mine. {{hugs}}
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