Hi lamamma,
Thank you for posting your question. It sounds like you’re having a really difficult time with side effects from tamoxifen. You may find it helpful to call our helpline to talk through how you’re feeling. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information.
For many people the side effects from hormone therapies such as tamoxifen, get better over time but for others they can persist, or get worse, as seems to be the case for you. This can have a significant impact on your quality of life and it’s understandable that you are questioning if you should carry on taking tamoxifen.
If you haven’t done so already, do talk to your breast care nurse about this. They will be able to arrange an appointment with your treatment team to discuss the symptoms you have, ways to manage them and possible alternatives. Sometime a treatment break may be recommended to see if the symptoms get better. Some people do find they need to stop their hormone therapy, and this can be a really difficult decision to make. Your treatment team would be able to talk through the risks and benefits in your case and help you come to a decision that is right for you.
You might find our Facebook Live session about managing hormone therapy side effects has some useful information.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
We also offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in.
As mentioned above, please do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. Please complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
We’re continually evaluating this service. If you want to provide feedback, please click the link to complete the survey . It should take approximately 10 minutes.
Best wishes
Cassie
Breast Care Nurse
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