Hi Everyone,
I’ve moved from the “newly diagnosed” category to here as I started tamoxifen about 2.5 weeks ago with rads about to start in 2 weeks, so I hope you’ll pardon the new thread, as I’m sure there are loads on here but searching is overwhelming me!! 
I know every person is going to have a slightly varied reaction to the drug but has anyone dealt with extreme exhaustion in addition to the hot flushes etc.? I’m specifically curious about pre-menopausal women’s responses to the drug.
I’ve collapsed twice from dizziness since starting the drug, but to be fair I’ve also had a bit of a summer cold and a wisdom tooth trying to break free! (mental!!) I also seem to be healing slowly from my surgery, so that could contribute to the tiredness as well.
I don’t want to write everything off to the the tamoxifen, but my body is going a bit bonkers and I’ve never been this tired before. I literally want to sleep *all the time*.
Anyone else experienced this or am as bonkers as my body is feeling?
Thanks in advance!
Hi LondonNic
I’m pre-menopausal (29 years old) and have been taking Tamoxifen since the beginning of April. I have to say, so far, I haven’t found it to be too bad. I have had two periods as normal and no weight gain yet!
However, I do feel really tired all of the time and I have started to feel a little dizzy sometimes. Like you I am a little reluctant to place the blame entirely on the Tamoxifen. I have a hospital appointment on Tuesday so will definitely query it, but I feel that I have to appreciate what my body has been through. I have recently finished treatment (lumpectomy, chemo and rads) and have two young boys at home - so tiredness is to be expected.
You have been through an awful lot already, both physically and emotionally, so try to take it easy. I would query your side effects at your next appointment but try to put it all in context of what you are going through.
Hoping that you feel better much soon and good luck with the rads.
Jo x
Thanks Jo -
I think the hardest part is not getting angry with myself for not being stronger, if that makes sense. So much easier to take it out on Tamoxifen!
I guess since it’s all happened so fast, I am still wrapping my head around it. I’m trying not to let my thoughts spiral and bring me down further. I suppose trying to analyse the reactions to the drugs feels more productive than getting depressed. I will definitely discuss all this at my next appointment, thanks - sane advice
How are you manging with two young boys? They must have energy off the charts! All the best to you with your post treatment recovery and likewise, I hope it only gets better for you!
Thank you again for responding.
Nic x
Hi Nic
Energy! Recovery time is not allowed in our house! They’re only 3 yrs and 21 months so they don’t understand that I am still a little out of action. My eldest just likes to tell everyone we meet, including strangers, that I have a poorly boobie!
It would be easy for me to tell you not to be too hard on yourself, but I expect too much from myself too. It is really hard when your body lets you down and you can’t carry on with the life that you had before disgnosis. I think one of the difficult parts is learning to accept that things will be different for a while and you cannot do anything about it. It is a loss of control that I found hard to swallow. Talking about how I felt really helped, and still does. Counselling isn’t an option where I live so I have relied on this site and kept a diary of my journey. Maybe your local hospital will be able to recommend support groups?
Hope you don’t mind me asking but are you having chemo/surgery as well as rads?
Take care of yourself
Jo
x