Hi there - first time I’ve used the forums tho read them q a bit! I just want to try to get an idea of how ‘normal’ I should now be feeling tho I know we are all different! Diagnosed in 2008, surgery, chemo and radiotherapy and started on Tamoxifen in Feb 2009.
Apart from hot flushes, bad sleeps, weight gain, irregular/ no periods, puffy ankles (!) which I all put down to side effects (tho my consultant said - ‘you might just get a bit hot’ when I first discussed SE with her!) I am now feeling regularly really tired and little energy. Despite exercising, eating healthy, sleeping as well as I can - it’s now really starting to bother me. Is this normal? Is it yet another side effect of Tamoxifen? Im seriously considering stopping taking it for a few weeks to see if I feel better.
I know I should probably speak to a medical person - but only see the consultant once a year and my Dr doesn’t really know much about this area!
Hello Shazmac
Welcome to the forums, I’m sure other users will be along to support you soon.
In the meantime you may find it helpful to contact our free helpline on 0808 800 6000, opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 – 2.00.
With best wishes
June, moderator
Hi there
Really sorry to hear you’re feeling so rough.
It may be that your symptoms are more to do with menopause than tamoxifen (or a combination of both). As you’re not having regular periods this is also indicator alongside all your other symptoms. It may be worth asking your GP to do a hormone profile on you. Basically it’s a set of blood tests to see if you are menopausal: luteinising hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and oestradiol (oestrogen).
I would strongly urge you to get medical advice before considering coming off your tamoxifen. If you have appointments once a year then ring your Oncologist’s secretary and say that you’d like an appointment to see him/her to discuss issues with your medication. That shouldn’t be any problem.
I’d suggest the blood tests first though as that will give them a better picture of what is going with you.
I’m on tamoxifen and 18 months post last chemo. I’ve been menopausal and had most of your symptoms. In the three months since my blood test in December my ovaries have started functioning again and I’m out of menopause confirmed by blood tests. My energy level has picked up considerably and hot flushes completely stopped.
take care, Elinda x
Thanks both for your advice.
Yes, it’s likely menopausal - caused by Tamoxifen as Im 41. Think Im putting off getting medical advice as assume I’ll just be told to carry on taking them and put up with it! Usually do just grin and bear it but think I’m having a bad day, certainly not feeling good! 