I’ve just started taking tamoxifen (first one on 2/6/16). I’d be interested in keeping in touch with others who are starting tamoxifen around the same time so we can share experiences. I’ve worried myself by looking at other people’s side effects but am trying to be positive. Hoping that those who have good experiences tend not to get involved in discussions about it, so maybe we only hear the negative!
I’ve been reading about how important it is to continue tamoxifen for 5 or even 10 years to improve chances of remaining cancer free.
Nearly one week in (early days I know) and all is well. :)
I am sure some users who has experience of tamoxifen will be along to show their support very soon.
You may want to take a look at and post in a thread already started by users which you can find here.
In the meantime please do call our helpline at 0808 800 6000 who will be able to help answer any questions you may have around tamoxifen and offer a friendly ear. The opening hours are below.
Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Late opening Wednesday 9am-7pm,
Saturday, 9am-1pm
hi cyclingmad, I’ve been on tamoxifen now for 3 weeks, like you I was apprehensive, but so far it’s been fine. I’m a few years older than you, so was having some menopausal symptoms anyway, but as onc felt I was peri-menopausal, so was prescribed tamox rather than AIs. She also recommended 10 years with view to AIs further down the line. At the moment, I’m quite happy on tamox & feel well.
Obviously, everyone’s different & some will experience issues which will tend to be highlighted more often.
I’m also interested in low dose aspirin & will ask my onc about this at my next appointment.
ann
x
Hi, I have been on tamoxifen since Mar15 and haven’t really had any trouble with it. I do get a few night sweats but I’m 51 so that was beginning anyway. I was hoping it would stop my periods which were very heavy anyway but sadly not, they are just as heavy and after being every 5 wks for the first year on it they now seem to be going erratic so Dr. Is sending me for an ultrasound just to make sure all is ok. There is a risk of thickening of the endometrium so it is as well to be aware if you get any irregular bleeding symptoms and get them checked. Other than that I haven’t had any of the aches and pains or mood swings that others talk about but I have noticed a loss of interest in sex! I’m sure you will be fine, good luck.xx
Hi I’ve been on Tamoxifen for nearly 3 months, so far I’ve virtually no side effects. I was chatting to a work colleague the other day she’s been on it for 9 years with no side effects. My BCN said most women get very few side effects.
Hi. I just starting taking Tamoxifen - first tablet this morning! A bit older than you at 52, and in peri-menopause. Not sure I’ll be a reassuring voice, as am already imagining side effects having read probably too much (which I know is ridiculous :-)). Would be great to keep in contact and share experiences! Have a friend who has been on Tamoxifen for nearly a year now, and only side effect is hot flushes (which she was getting beforehand anyway!) and she says if anything, the tablets have improved her menopause symptoms, so no more joint pain or mood swings. I remain hopeful and positive too :smileyhappy:
hi diane, I know what you mean about reading too much beforehand! I found it raised my anxiety & had to remind myself that generally problems tend to be reported, in the end I decided I had just to get on with it & see what happens. Like your friend, I was having hot flushes anyway, which are now ‘warm glows’ & nothing else significant, so hope it continues. I have also concentrated on improving my fitness through walking & yoga
ann
x
I’m a little further down the line having been on Tamoxifen for about 18 months now (51 and previously premenopausal). I couldn’t wait to get started on it once I knew my receptor status (ER8/PR8) and side effects have been totally manageable considering the potential benefit.
My tropical moments come and go but the Ladycare magnet helps, night sweats virtually disappeared once I started taking it in the evening instead of in the morning. My hair was already fine but it has never looked so good since starting to use Nioxin, and I’ve lost a stone in weight without a great deal of effort (new very large workplace so more exercise just getting around it) so weight gain isn’t inevitable.
Whilst I totally get that many ladies do suffer terribly from the side effects, please don’t go looking for them and try to appreciate that you can be given something that may stop this bu**er from returning.
Hi I started tamoxifen on 27 May 2016 so just behind you. I’m also on Zoladex injection and bisphosphonates as have bone mets. All was going pretty well til last week I started with headaches and horrible aches. It seemed to coincide with the three week mark of the Zoladex when the oestrogen level dropped dramatically. Reading up it seems tamoxifen can also cause headaches and aches so I reckon I’m getting a double whammy just now. Haven’t had any hot flushes as such just a slight feeling of warmth running round my body. Few night sweats but then it has been very muggy last few days so might be that. I can cope with the se if these drugs are halting the cancer. Hope this helps. Feel free to private message me if you’d like. I’m 48. Debbie x
Hi everyone, I started taking Tamoxifen on Wednesday (so this is day 5 for me). I, like many of you, am prepared to put up with side effects if it means this won’t come back. This evening though I am a little concerned as I have some pink (bubbly!) vaginal discharge. I’ve checked the info leaflet and can see I need to report it to my doctor. I’m going to see my GP in the morning. I wondered if anybody else had experienced this? I’m 49 btw and starting rads this week. Thanks x
Hi there. I started in Tamoxifen 3/19/14 so I am halfway there. My hormone levels indicate no menopause either and I can honestly say that the only side effect that gets the best of me are the hot flashes. I notice that they happen several times a day but I know hat one is guaranteed any time I get nervous lol… Weird huh? I was dreading the weight gain because I am in Weight Watchers and I’ve gained about 5 lbs so I’ll take it. Other than that, I don’t notice any other side effects. I am 52 and keep praying for the menopause to coincide with the Tamoxifen hot flashes ?
Best of luck to you!!!