Hi everyone, I just wondered if anyone has been on tamoxifen and what side effects to expect. I’ve been warned about menopausal symptoms. Also i’m waiting to see if i’m HER2 positive which will mean herceptin. Has anyone had this traetment. What would i expect. The nuse said I would need chemo too as i’m only 40!!! I thought that because i had no lymph involvement I would not need any.
JulieX
the chemo is just to mop up any stray beasties that may have got loose. Its tough, but dooable.
Im 30 and almost finished chemo, last session next week wooohooo. Ive got my first prescription of tamoxifen which i cant start taking til im two weeks clear of last chemo…read the leaflet and it basically said menopausal symptoms, hot flushes all the normal good stuff oh joy. Ive not got my HER results yet, so dont know about herceptin yet, but im figuring they will come back positive…everything else did lol…so just add one more to the list!
Hi all
I have posted this on behalf of new user Gracie
Best wishes
Emma
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
I just wanted to know if Tamoxifen is suitable for somebody who is Her2+++?
Gracie
I’ve just started taking tamoxifen, the only thing I’ve noticed is the hot flushes, but I’ve had hot flushes since finishing chemo in May and they don’t seem to be anymore intense. I’m HER+ and due to have herceptin so can’t comment on that but would also be interested in hearing about the side-effects.
Hi Julie,
Herceptin is a walk in the park after chemo if you need it (whoops, at least I have found so).
I started taking tamoxifen on the 1st April, the first 6 weeks or so the hot flushes were quite fierce.
Things have settled down now so they are hardly there at all.
I know I’m one of the lucky ones (hah! at least in this respect lol)
Here’s hoping you’ll be the same.
Best Wishes
Linda xx
HI Gracie,
I’ve been prescribed Tamoxifen and I’m HER2+ so I presume it’s OK!
Hi all
I have posted this on behalf of new user Gracie
Regards
Sam
Moderator
Breast Cancer Care
That is reassuring veggiebean. I must have misunderstood what I read. Don’t we get ourselves into a state over the treatments on offer?
Gracie
HI
I know what you are meaning. I was prescribed my tamoxifen today and was told that i am a her2 positive so herceptin will be coming after the 1 month of rads (13 sessions in total). I am worring what side affects i will have. I am only 33 years and have had to have a mascetomy due to the chemo having to be stopped because of nerve damage.(I was 1 of the unlucky ones). I started off with a tumor of 6cm then chemo shrunk it down to 2cm. Then in the 4 weeks of not having chemo it grew to 7cm. They have comfirmed that they had a good clearance on me with only 1 lymphnode out of 13 and the 7cm.
I wish you all the best
Luv
Leanne
Hi.
I had my 10th of 18 Herceptins yesterday. As we all know we all react differently but I can honestly say I’ve had no side affects at all (touch wood!).
The worst bit is trying to find a vein, mine all run off scared whenever a nurse comes near me and if they manage to get the needle in on the 2nd or 3rd attempt I’m thrilled to bits…
Best Wishes
Linda
thanks for all your comments, i’m not looking forward to an early menopause, but i’m told it’s worth it. I’m still getting my knickers in a twist about herceptin though and i dont know if i need it yet. I’m just trying to understand every thing.All you having herceptin, how old are you and are you having chemo too ?
JulieX
Hi Julie,
I will be having Herceptin once I have finished chemo and rads. I am age 35 and started chemo in May. I’ll be having rads after this then Herceptin and hormones.
I was having tamoxifen until they found out I was HER2+ but now it looks like I’ll be having Zoladex along with Arimidex instead.(I’m sure they know what they’re doing!!)
Hope this helps,
Kelly
-x-
Hi Kelly, good to know i’m not the only one confused. Your young to start aimidex, i thought that was for post menopausal women?
Juliex