Hello all I have been taking tamoxifen for about 4 weeks first prescription was 21 days then chemist gave me a different brand for repeat prescription I have had the occasional hot flush and really low mood I know this will sound stupid but I expected more side effects I’m thankful that I’ve not had any but I’m all over the place google has me terrified. I’m just so scared
Hi springtime1
The internet, particularly cancer support groups, is full of people reaching out for help and support as that is what they are there for. People rarely post when things are going well as they are simply getting on with their lives and this can give the impression everyone has loads of side effects. Apart from hot flushes the chance of other effects, particularly major ones, is actually quite low (NHS link below) . I’ve only been taking Tamoxifen a couple of weeks but so far nothing. I read a comment a while ago from someone saying don’t look for side effects. This really hit home for me and I’m rolling with that advice. 
Thank you I’m gonna roll with that too xx it’s still all so scary xxx
Hi springtime1
Thanks for your post.
Having a breast cancer diagnosis and starting a new treatment like tamoxifen can be tough. Everyone reacts differently to drug treatments. It sounds as if you are experiencing some menopausal side effects including occasional hot flushes and low in mood. These are common side effects, but, as @southwest123 says, most side effects will not be severe and usually settle after a few months.
However, if you do experience side effects and they are not manageable, do contact your treatment team or breast care nurse and talk it through. There are things that can be suggested that maybe helpful.
If you have recently finished hospital treatment for primary breast cancer, many people are surprised at how emotional they feel when their treatment finishes. It is not unusual to feel ‘all over the place’ when starting a new treatment like tamoxifen. However, ‘googling’ can often cause anxiety, You may be reading information that isn’t relevant to your individual breast cancer and personal situation. So often talking to those who know your specific case may be better for you.
It may be helpful to talk to someone who has had a similar experience this can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0114 263 6490 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer.
You may also be interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.
You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.
You could also contact your breast care nurse or GP to let them know how you’re feeling. They may be able to refer you for some talking therapies to help you through this difficult time.
Macmillan cancer support also offer free counselling sessions online, which may be of interest to you.
As you are feeling scared, do feel you can call us on 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, (Relay UK -prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Helen
Breast Care Nurse
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