Hi all! I’m a newbie to the forum and am struggling with information overload 
I was diagnosed with stage 3 ER breast cancer last year and after a swift lumpectomy and radiotherapy have had a clear 1 year mammogram - thank goodness. However, I am on tamoxifen and zolodex injections (28 days) and the side effects are really getting to me. I am so, so tired all the time and suffer from low moods quite regularly. I have seen that taking magnesium glycinate boosts energy and moods but I don’t know if I can take this? Any advice would be much appreciated. Thanks xxx
1 Like
Hi missemmie80
Thanks for posting on our forum
We hope to be able to respond to you tomorrow.
In the meantime our helpline is open until 4pm today.
If you do phone our helpline please let us know that you have asked a question on our forum so that we know your query has been answered. Thank you
With best wishes.
Lisa
Ask Our Nurses service co-ordinator
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
Hi missemmie80
Thanks for your post. It sounds like you’re having a difficult time with the side effects of tamoxifen and zoladex. The amount of information received can be overwhelming.
It’s understandable that you’re asking if you can take magnesium glycinate to help with your extreme tiredness and low mood.
Many people ask about vitamin and herb supplements as they want to do as much as possible to be healthy. There is often the belief that vitamins and herbs are safe as they are considered natural.
There is much we don’t know about supplements and herbal remedies. Herbal treatments don’t have to comply with the same regulations or rigorous testing that conventional medicines do. For many products there is a lack of research to support their use, and some can interfere with conventional medicines including cancer treatments.
It’s important to speak to your treatment team before taking any supplements, as they are best placed to advise if magnesium glycinate would be safe for you.
Experiencing fatigue (extreme tiredness) after receiving treatment for breast cancer is very common.
Other factors may also contribute to fatigue, such as: the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis; altered sleep patterns; reduced activity and poor diet.
There are things you can try to help manage fatigue as discussed in the previous links. Eating a healthy well balanced diet is also important. The following tips for better sleep may also be helpful.
You may also be interested in the Macmillan booklet Coping with Extreme Tiredness (Fatigue).
If you have not done so already, do discuss how you are feeling with your treatment team, breast care nurse or GP. It’s important they are aware of any side effects you are experiencing and how they are affecting your daily life. There are a few situations where fatigue can be due to other conditions such as anaemia, (too few red blood cells in the body) or thyroid problems so it’s important these are ruled out.
Do also let them know how you’re feeling. They may suggest a referral for some counselling or talking therapies.
Macmillan Cancer Support offer online counselling sessions which may be of interest to you.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events. For more details about all of these services, please see the information on the link.
You’re also welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this, please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back .
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Addie
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.