I was just wondering if any of you are on Tamoxifen at all? I ask as initially I was told that following my chemo and rads I would be having Zoladex and Arimidex (I’m 35). However, when I saw the onc reg on Monday to discuss rads she told me that I would be starting Tamoxifen at the same time as rads. I had read up totally about Zoladex and Arimidex but know almost nothing about Tamoxifen as I wasn’t expecting to be on it!
My trials nurse is as confused about all this as I am as she was told by my cons onc that it would be Zoladex and Arimidex for me. She is currently trying to get this ironed out for me one way or the other. I don’t mind what I’m on as long as they make a decision and stick to it!
So, can anyone tell me anything about Tamoxifen? All I know is one of the side effects are night sweats which I am dreading. Also, has anyone kept their periods during this treatment? The cons reg said that I may do and if so they will give me Zoladex. She also reckons that my fertility should return to normal as soon as I finish. God I hope so as we would love to have children!!
Hiya Kelly
i’ve been on tamoxifen for 2 months and dont have any of the menopausal symtoms that go hand in hand with all of the drugs you mentioned. I’m 40 and was told it was the best drug for me as it stops the circulating oestrogen only. You still get the benefit of some oestrogen which has a protective effect especially from osteoporosis. Zoledex was an option which they prefer to give to younger women, it is an option for you at 35. It would mean monthly injections. Armidex completely gets rid of oestrogen i believe, not so good for your age. the breast cancer care has a good leaflet on tamoxifen. it is a scary drug to take because of all the side effects. Read the leaflet and make up your own mind. I’m just glad i’m hormone positive so i can have all the treatment options, others aren’t so lucky.
Consider the zoledex at length too, as you want kids yet it may be the better choice. This is info i’ve picked up a long the way, i want it to be accurate for you but it is my own understanding having gone through a similar choice.
best of luck to you!
Julie X
Im 37 and have been taking Tamoxifen for a few months, luckily I have had no side effects apart from the occasional hot sweat which lasts seconds. Have a read through the other current threads that are open for this, you will find a lot of interesting input.
I had lumpectomy and lymph node removal in June 2000. (Oestrogen positive). I was 34 at the time and hoped to have children in the future. I had cmf chemo followed by radiotherapy. I had zoladex implants for 2 years along with 5 years Tamoxifen, I had the night sweats but nothing too unbearable.I also had a mirena coil - no periods. Mirena was removed and periods resumed.
We tried for a baby for nearly a year and were just about to attend the Fertility Clinic, when we discovered that we’d been successful. Baby boy was born 21 Aug 2007 - weighing in at a healthy 11lb 2.5oz.
Good Luck! I had no problems with Tamoxifen
Wow sixpen just caught up with this thread - you had a whopper there, 11lb 2.5oz, thought my little boy was big at just 8lb 13oz (big for me). Congratulations and enjoy motherhood - it is amazing isn’t it. I have 2 children, one 4 in December and little baby will be 1 in November.
Hope everyone is ok today and enjoying their weekend.
Sixpen - your news was so wonderful and I am utterly grateful to you for posting! Congratulations on the birth of your whopper!!! Thats awesome news and you’ve really given me hope so I can’t thank you enough. Enjoy motherhood, I know I will!!
Sixpen - Just jumping on board - Many Congratulations on the birth of your big boy - WOW! I bet you’ve had to take a lot of newborn clothes back.
Yours is such a wonderful story and will fill so many women on here with hope.
I already have 2 children - enough for me - but will probably have to take Tamoxifen after my chemo finishes & was wondering about the Zoledex option but am not really clear on what the main differences are.
I have read up on both on this site & the side effects look about the same - can anyone help shed a bit more light for me?
Sixpen, just wanted to join in on the congratulations! I may not know you, but my heart leapt with joy when I read your story. Thank you for sharing it, it really gave me hope.
I’ve been taking tamoxifen since December 2006, I take mine at night so I sleep through the sweats (if I have any). I do also take Vitamin E as this helps reduced flushes. I do every now and again get some flushed throughout the day but some days I don’t have any. I can say that they are the only side-effects I have had. As I am 33 I was told I had no choice but Tamoxifen as I am pre-menopausal… different PCT’s I wonder?
My auntie is also on Tamoxifen and she has had no side effects at all and she has been on it since September 2005. They are changing her to Armidex though but I think its cause of her age and she is menopausal.
thanks so much for responding. I had no idea how many younger women were on Tamoxifen 'til I started looking into it. I think I will take mine at night, my onc suggested that too. What Vit E do you take? Is it supplements like you find in a health food shop?
I buy my Vit-E from the Health Shop, little capsules they are, I take one along with the Tamoxifen. I know what you mean though about the amount of younger women, there are so many of us, its rather scary!
Take care of yourself.
Claire x
PS - Tracey, I’m going to take mine with milk now - thanks.