<p>I started an antidepressant to help me with the “mood” stuff I anticipate from chemopause and tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is a life saving drug. I read recently though that there are only certain types of antidepresants you can take or they nullify the tamoxifen so check-(anyone who is considering this)
Survivor the abouve gives me hope Ihave just been hearing the horror stories, like childbirth!!!good timing start today!!!</p>
<p>Sixties,
Have been on Tamoxifen for one year. Initially had joint and bone pain which is a very rare side effect but that seemed to be something I was prone to as I had severe bone pain with my second chemo.
The hot flashes are terrible for me ( I get about 7 per night) and less during the day. I was nauseous when I took it in the morning but that is better since I take it at bedtime.
My oncologist put me on an antidepressent which was supposed to help with the night sweats but I didn’t like the way it made me feel, so I live with the flashes.
He also told me that studies have shown that if you get hot flashes the drug has been more effective.
Next year I will be two years without a period and then will have to decide between the two meds.</p>
<p>not every antidepressant works for everyone it is amazing how they all work differently. Hot flashes are tough, i’m feeling quite warm on my way home from chemo (no fever) so cant wait until the real ones set in. Yahoo!!!</p>
<p>I am glad (boy do I sound like Pollyanna, I’m sorry) that your first treatment is over. One down…you’ll get through it you will.</p>
<p>Sixties, my mom took Tamoxifen for four years after her mastectomy/chemo. The doctor had wanted her on it for five years, but she stopped after she had problems with a thickening of the lining of her uterus. She has been cancer-free for 16 years, so she considers it worthwhile to have taken it. She didn’t have any side effects other than the thickening - at least she hasn’t had anything that she believes was a result of the Tamoxifen.</p>
<p>mt mom took tamoxifen for 6 months and then got switched to arimedex once it came on the market, I think tamoxifen is for premenopausal women. She had hot flashes only did not like the arimedex at first but the side effects she had subsided, from what I read everone has different responses to varying degrees.She was stage 0 her doc said it could be overkill but he did not want to take a chance.</p>
<p>how is everyone doing???</p>
<p>Just fine. I wish that my meds didn’t make me so achy. But achy versus cancer, no problem.</p>
<p>I hope you are all well and coping as best you can with the circumstances in your lives. I’m still trying to make a decision about Tamoxifen. My blood test shows that my liver will metabolize it well. I’m thinking I’ll try it. My concern is side effects. It seems so many people are on so many other meds to take care of the side effects that I’m concerned about getting off all this medication after the five years. Also, weight gain is not an option for me since I have severe osterarthritis and have already had one joint replacement. I can’t afford to gain a lot of weight because that would mean more surgeries. It’s a tough decision but I guess I’ll see how I react to it. Maybe if I really watch what I eat and exercise more it won’t be a huge problem. I’ve had 2 women tell me they actually lost weight.</p>
<p>I can’t venture an opinion about Tamoxifen. But I am glad that you are better.</p>
<p>I took Tamoxifen for 4 years and I have been on Femara for 3.5 years. I have had no problems with either medicine. I was worried about weight gain and joint pain too. I am every physically active - maybe that makes a difference. Good Luck!</p>
<p>I think that side effects are a matter of luck. I walk everyday and with Femara I am in a fiar amount of discomfort. However: joint pain and weight gain versus cancer? Not a choice in my book.</p>
<p>I agree - everyone reacts differently to medicine.</p>
<p>From what Ihave been able to gather it is all individual, I also was afraid of Tamoxifen, but was considering taking it before this episosde, now no choice. I had a friend on it for 5 years she exersizes alot and battles her weight but did not consider it an issue apart from the normal battle of the bulge. If it is recommended perhaps you should try it knowing what you know and see how it goes. My mom was on it and then switched to another one per her doctor she preferred the tomoxifen and she tends to get alot of side effects from meds. it didnt seem to bother her. good luck with your choice.</p>
<p>Thanks for the information DTE and everyone else. I’ve decided to try the Tamoxifen. My mind is at ease about it since I’ve spoken to my gyn. I have an appt. for teaching next week. I can always discontinue it but I’ve decided to take a positive attitude with this as with the other decisions I’ve had to make. I do try to get a lot or exercise and possibly that will help.</p>
<p>Honey I had the needle biopsy last year, and it was benign. It is a terrifying thing to go through. Both my husband and I were cancer widows (although neither to breast cancer), so we know that it can happen to us. But thank God, this time, it did not.</p>
<p><em>hugs</em></p>
<p>FINISHED 3RD ROUND OF ac TODAY SOME ISSUES BUT IT FELS GOOD TO HAVE JUST ONE MORE TO GO!</p>
<p>sUSGEEK</p>
<p>mY AUNT lost her H to cancer , when her second husband got a skin cancer she flipped. Logical to go there. but cancer including breast takes on all shapes and sizes and many womwn are surviving and thriving. Ther is hope God Bless and hope this nevertouches your life again.</p>
<p>-</p>
<p>Just one more…that it…hang in there. HUGS to get you through.</p>
<p>ellebud you are a joy thanks so much for all your support!</p>