Hi nsnoweandrews,
Thanks for posting.
It sounds like a difficult time with your joint aches and pains, disrupted sleep and fatigue. It is understandable that you’re feeling defeated, and it may help to know you are not alone in feeling this way.
Although less common, joint pain is one of the known side effects of tamoxifen. There are several things that can help ease painful symptoms, including regular simple pain killers (like paracetamol) or you can ask your treatment team or GP about other types of pain relief. Other ways to help include complementary therapies, gentle exercise and if necessary, a physiotherapy referral.
Arthritis UK has comprehensive information on joint pain, treatment and practical tips for managing it that you might find helpful.
Some women find changing the brand of tamoxifen helps with side effects, you can ask your treatment team or GP about this. It is worth noting that it takes most women about three months for their bodies to adapt to the newly lowered oestrogen levels, so you may notice an improvement over the next few weeks.
Although tamoxifen commonly causes fatigue, your radiotherapy finished 4 weeks ago so, as you mention, it is very likely that your fatigue is related to this treatment as well. There are techniques that many women find helpful for managing their fatigue, including eating a balanced diet and pacing yourself. It is important to give yourself regular breaks and plan for rest time. You may want to keep a diary to record when you feel most tired. This can help you plan activities you enjoy in the times when you have more energy. You may also be interested in the Macmillan booklet Coping with fatigue (tiredness).
You may find our Facebook live on mindfulness and sleep deprivation, and our Speakers Live session on better sleep helpful whilst your sleep is disrupted.
If you have not done so already, do discuss how you are feeling with your treatment team, breast care nurse or GP. Occasionally 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.
We hear from many women who are impacted by these side effects after their hospital-based treatment has finished. It can feel disappointing when you aren’t feeling ‘back to normal’, but it can sometimes help to share your experiences with others who may have been through something similar. If you haven’t done so already, you might like to look at our Someone Like Me and Moving forward services for further support during this time.
Do 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 additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
Our number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties dial 18001 followed by our number and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes,
Tiggy
Breast Care Nurse
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