Hi - I was about to post a response to Springtime1, however the thread closed (it was in the ask the nurses section) since the nurse replied.
Given I’d written the below I’m posting it here in case it helps any newbies (from a decade on young forum-oldie!)
Hi Springtime1,
Well done on starting the Tamoxifen and good that you’ve not had many side effects. I know it’s easy to feel worried about possible side effects but not everyone gets them and many are quite rare.
It’s no wonder you are feeling flat at the moment - breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is a lot to take on board…I think at the time of going through treatment we don’t always digest it all properly since we are too focused on getting through it. So be kind and compassionate to yourself.
In case hearing my experience helps you at all (or others reading this), I was diagnosed in 2014, lumpectomy, radio, Tamoxifen (borderline chemo but not recommended)…I confess I had a staring competition with the packet of Tamo for some time (not recommending that!) since I was worried about side effects. I did get some side effects but considered the benefits of Tamo reducing risk of recurrence outweighed any side effects.
When I noticed any changes I thought might be caused by Tamoxifen, I mentioned them to my GP and oncologist who were good suggesting things which might help, or checks to make sure I was ok. It’s also worth mentioning to any medical practitioners (including optician) you see for anything else that you are on Tamoxifen just in case it might be relevant.
All that said, despite my initial fears, and some spells of rather supersonic hot flushes, I took Tamo for 8 years and 8 months. I’m now 10 years on from diagnosis and thankful that I’ve not had any recurrence. (I like to post on and off as a way of giving back to the BCN forum since I found it so helpful while I was on my BC journey).
There’s reliable info on the BCN website hormone therapy pages. And the BCN Nurses are available online or on the phone if you think you would find it reassuring to speak to someone qualified.
I hope that helps you in some small way! It is a rollercoaster so be kind to yourself.
Sending a virtual hug
Seabreeze x