Tamoxifen

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Tamoxifen

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Tamoxifen Hi (im new)

Just finished Chemo and had breast surgery (Free TRAM flap), im on top of the world because ive been told that they didnt find any cancer in my nodes so ive over the moon. I start Herceptin next week and also Tamoxifen, but reading about it im really worried as im starting to loose weight and feel good about myself, does taking Tamoxifen definelty mean that i will start putting on weight or is it small percentage, im really worried.

thanks

Tracey

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Well l dont think l have put on any weight in two and half yrs if that helps at all.My side effects have been centred more on my nether regions -thrush and atrophy-not great but l just think at least if l have side effects its doing its job! Im sure you will get some differing views here as all drugs affect us very differently.you have to weigh up its benifits and decide if you want to give it a try.good luck in deciding
sharonx

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Hi there Sharon

Oh im definetly going ahead, the consultant has been spot on with everything he has done for me so what ever he says goes but I will see what all the different views are and what other people have experience.

many thanks

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I lost weight while on tamoxifen all the research evidence seems to point to tamoxifen having no effect on weight. Some women tend to eat more after breast cancer for emotional reasons, and maybe people exercise less during and after treatment.

Another factor may be that breast cancer is more common after the menopause in women who are overweight, therefore they are probably more likely to have weight problems anyway.

I was diagnosed pre menopause when breast cancer is actually more likely in thinner women.
On my day of diagnosis, the surgeon said I’d lose weight which I did.

I think this was due to worry caused by him saying so. However just before I found the lump I’d decided to go to weight watchers. I kept missing the meetings due to sitting around way after my appointment time in breast clinics. So I was slung out.

So thank you to breast cancer, dropping out of weight watchers saved me a heck of a lot of money and reduced me to the sylph like creature I am today.

Mole

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Thanks Mole

that was interesting to read.

I actually put on weight after finding out as im a comfort eater during times of stress and for the first time in my life after 100’s of diets im actually loosing weight on my own by sensible eating which is a first so the thought of these drugs making me put on weight really hacked (wanted to use stronger language!) me off.

Bet it feels good to have a new figure, which is what im looking forward to, new weight, hair growing back, and a new me, fingers crossed.
xx

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4 months in - no weight gain! Hiya Tracy,

I’m 39, dx Nov last year - Grade 1, had lumpectomy, 6 lymph nodes removed (and clear), rads (just finished) and have been on Tamoxifen and Zoladex for the last 4 months. I too was worried about putting on weight, getting a beard, deeper voice, hairier etc. But the only 2 things I’ve noticed is that I’m getting about 10 hot flushes a day and appx 5 per night. They only last a few minutes and then I’m fine. The other thing is that the hairs on my legs and underarms are much finer, which is great! I haven’t put on any weight at all yet. I’m starting to do more exercise now - walking, cycling & Gym, which I think really helps.

Anyway, congrats on getting the all clear on your nodes - that is great news and good luck with Tamoxifen, you probably won’t get any side effects after all this now!

Best wishes

Lynne x

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Thanks Lynne

you made me laugh. Although didnt know about the hairy side effect, eek.
Are you on this Novaldex that everyone is raving about.

Thanks

Tracey