Hi,
As with many members I have been going through the vicious circle of weight gain, medication changed from tamoxifen to arimidex, more wieght gain, joint pain, exercise curtailed because of pain and more weight gain!!!
Well I’ve had enough. Today I phoned my surgery and asked if I could be put back on Tamoxifen. I’d rather have the opportunity to fight the weight gain with exercise than being prevented because of the side effects of arimidex, a drug “supposedly” linked with higher survival rates.
I love walking but find I can’t do the longer distances I loved because of joint pain and breathlessness. When I was on tamoxifen I could walk between three to five miles daily and even go to karate.
What’s the point of living longer if your quality of life is compromised. I vote for a happier and fullfilled lifestyle with a drug that has a proven track record.
Love to everyone
gentleninja
P.S Maybe when I’m back on tamoxifen I can return to aikido and karate.
PPS I’ll let you know what my GP says. : - ))))
Hi gentleninja. I’ve just been switched from tamoxifen to Zoladex and Arimidex, but I’ve been wondering if any of it is worth it. I’m usually very active (running, gym, swimming, yoga) and I’m now too knackered to do any of it. And very low too. My bcn tells me it’s my body’s reaction to the lack of oestrogen that is causing all my SEs, so what’s the point of switching drugs? They are surely all going to bring about the same effect? She wouldn’t even start to answer that one.
I’ve got an appointment with my GP this afternoon, as I’m thinking of getting some antidepressants. Maybe if I don’t feel so low, I will be able to cope with the fatigue? But I’m also dreading the possibility of joint pain with the Arimidex. Aaaarrrggghhhhh! I had thought after all the active treatment was over, I could get my life back, but I’m feeling worse now than I have done during the whole of my treatment.
Good luck.
Hi ladies
I’m not at your stage yet only just about to start my chemo.
However like you I believe if I cant live my life whats the point?
Have been told that I will start on Arimidex 3 weeks after last chemo for 3yers then 2 yers of Tamoxifen.
After reading about all the side effects on here I have already agreed with one of the research nurses to join a drug trial where they use non steroidal drugs to see if it can reduce the side effects. If it dosnt work for me I think I’ll also probably say take this drug and shove it, rather have a short good quality than a long unhappy one.
All the best
g
I have only been on Tamoxifen for a couple of months and had terrible weight gain, nightsweats, nausea, headaches and brain fuzzyness. I addressed this with the doctor and he suggested that we could cut the Tamoxifen for a week or two to see what SE I am left with to acknowledge the ones caused by Tamoxifen. We discussed the options and he gave me some anti sickness pills to allow me to walk more as I used to walk 5 miles a day but had to cut it down because of breathlessness and nausea. The tablets are called Valoid and they really do work.
I have been on them for two weeks and have managed to walk 5 miles for the last two days without panic and becoming stuck while out. I have also lost weight - good diet and exercise and also my brain has cleared.
I do not know if this is because of my determination to get out of isolation at home or a combination of watching my diet, more sleep at night or the tablets that allow me to keep moving but I will persevere with this. My diet has been home made soups, lots of greens and fruit and even when home I keep doing things to be active like gardening and clear outs. I take a rest between jobs and drink quite a bit of tea and water. I dont smoke or drink other than a baileys or pernod every now and then. I am no longer as tearful either.
I hope this helps but am now happier than before and will keep going on Tamoxifen.
Hope you all can find your way as I do believe it is an individual trial and effort to find what suits you.
The very best wishes to all. Dx
Hi Ladies
I was so sorry to learn of the horrible SE you are having on tamoxifen. I’ve been on Nolvedex D from the end of April and apart from the odd hot flush i’ve been fine. I have even managed to lose 10 pounds. Have you tried this brand of tamoxifen? I did loads of research prior to starting the tablets and this brand seemed to have the least SE. It’s a bit more expensive for your PT but I just told my doctor that’s the one I wanted and she was fine about it.
Good luck and I hope you all start feeling a bit more human soon. We have all gone through far too much to now have 5 years of horrible SE.
Take care
Foxy x