Hi all so I’ve been on tamoxifen for two weeks now I had my surgery 7 June and will be starting chemo sometime August but my oncologist told me to start the tamoxifen now so just before I started I had just had a three week period after no period for 65 days I’m perimenopausal , I feel absolutely drained as if I have the flu and struggling to function is this normal with tamoxifen if so I literally don’t know how I will cope
Thanks
Hi @user214
Im a tad down the line with tamoxifen on my 3rd pack. Im also perimenopausal, though before all this was mostly every 27 days - its gone haywire since tamoxifen.
What I have learnt is how shit I felt in the week running up to a period and in the week during. Then, a few days after period finished, sudden clarity of mind, happiness ( hadnt realised how depressed it had made me feel), was buzzing in comparison, just fab. Its eased off a bit now, not buzzing, but I’m also mid way through radiotherapy. Mind isnt as foggy and not as nauseous as in those 2 weeks but some light-headedness at times.
I also learnt that I felt a peak of tiredness and crapness about 4 hours after taking it, so I aim to have it at around 8pm. Initially started taking it when I went to bed - which was about 2-3 am (got into a bad habit of night-owlness after diagnosis) But that just gave me insomnia for various reasons, so tried it in the morning which spectacularly backfired as felt ill thoughout the day.
On the plus side the RT has pushed me into a better sleep pattern as I run out of steam by midnight now. Also sleeping better.
So I’d recommend about 4 hours before bedtime, but even then expect to feel worst around period time as that is when oestrogen is at its lowest.
Hi user214
Thank you for posting.
It sounds as though this is a very difficult time for you just now.
You mention you are feeling drained. We hear from many women who are struggling following a diagnosis of breast cancer, so you are not alone in feeling this way. You are also still waiting to have chemotherapy.
Side effects of breast cancer treatment, such as tamoxifen, can cause menopausal symptoms such as low mood, extreme tiredness and sleep disruption. Cancer-related fatigue is extreme tiredness and exhaustion that doesn’t go away with rest or sleep. It can affect you physically and emotionally. As @entropy mentions sometimes it can help to change the time you take the drug depending on your side effects.
Macmillan Cancer Support publishes an information booklet called Coping with fatigue, which you may find useful. Order it free from Macmillan’s website or call 0808 808 00 00.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in including the Someone Like Me service.
I wonder if you would find it helpful to have a chat about all of this. 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 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
Grete
Breast Care Nurse
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