marriage and tamoxifen

[ElizabethManning]

My friend was advised acupuncture to get rid of side effects. I hope this helps. As I know in the initial phase of tamoxifen treatment, it may stimulate ovulation and thus making the women more fertile.  My friend had sex problems with her husband because she didn't want to have sex with him for months. Therefore a year later her husband decided to divorce her referring to the fact that he doesn't see a future in their relationship http://breakupangels.com/tag/men/. I think only assholes can break up with their partners at such a difficult time.

[Jill1998]

Yes it's a big op and there is hormonal fallout from having your ovaries removed too 🙁.I had the op last year .Have you tried accupuncture to help with the side effects ?

[charpar]

Hi Jill, thanks for replying.  It's reassuring to know I can reach out to others who understand.  I am 4 weeks into my new brand of Tamoxifen (TEVA) and it's effects feel the same!  The other option i've discussed and had agreed by my ongologist & gyneacologist, is a hysterectomy, however it seems such a big step to take, I thought i'd see if things improved which they haven't!!  X

[Jill1998]

Hello charpar ,welcome to the forum ,sorry you are having such a dreadful time with Tamoxifen - the psychological impact of hormone therapy really can be devastating.Does your Oncologist have any other suggestions regarding this ? Have you tried different brands of Tamoxifen - some people find certain brands a lot kinder than others .If you follow this link you will find the hormone therapy section of the forum and find lots of people who understand how you feel , also look in the moving forward after breast cancer section for advice and support .https://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Hormone-therapy/bd-p/4438. https://forum.breastcancercare.org.uk/t5/Moving-Forward-after-breast/ct-p/living_with_beyond_breast_...

[Becca_BCC]

Hi charpar,

It sounds like you're having a really difficult time at the moment and going through a lot on your chemo medication, I'm really sorry to hear that.

It also sounds as though you've done all the right things by making time and space for yourself and consulting with your psychologist and oncologist.

I hope others on the Forum can also help with their experiences of Tamoxifen and ways of coping, if you use the Forum search bar and look for "Tamoxifen" you may find a busier thread with people discussing this at the moment.

In the meantime, our Helpline is open again tomorrow on 0808 800 6000.

Take care, Becca at Breast Cancer Care.

[charpar]

Here I am 2 years, since I was diagnosed with stage 2 BC.  Had mastectomy with expander inserted, 6 cycles of chemo, 3 weeks of radio.  I had 2nd mastectomy 8 months ago, with breast reconstruction using implants and LD flap.  I have been taking Tamoxifen for 1 year now (9 to go).

Tamoxifen is ruining my life!  and my marriage.  My husband has been amazing throughout the whole ordeal, but now he doesn't know what to do!  My behaviour is irrational and I plummet into the darkest depressive state, I know it will pass as there is a pattern, but trying to explain this and expect him to remain unaffected seems impossible.

I am healthy, I exercise, I practice mindfulness, yoga, i have a changed perspective on my lovely life and family, i've had postive sessions with my psychologist. My oncologist suggested a 5 week break from tamoxifen, I actually felt like my old pre diagnosed self!!  Then 3 weeks back on it and it's started again.  How can a medication be so cruel? Chemo was undescribeable, but it's something you endure to stay alive.  I'm 45 with 3 children, if I were older i'd probably not take it.  I am struggling, and would like to know if there is anyone who is feeling this way too? X