Help/advice - horrendous tamoxifen menopausal side affects

Hi all, 

I’m new here so if I’m on the wrong forum please direct me to the right one!

I was diagnosed with Her2positive BC in Sept 17, underwent chemo, surgery(wide local incision) radiotherapy, herceptin & tamoxifen (since April 18). The tamoxifen has given me horrendous hormonal side affects, I’m up 4/5 times a night with hot flushes sweats, which leave me seriously sleep deprived,  I’m like a zombie the next day, I also have the flushes/sweats throughout the day. My bones ache especially my feet & hands so I hobble around like an old woman & my wedding ring doesn’t fit anymore. I’m really forgetful & its caused problems with my reproductive system, which my consultant said can only be helped by HRT which I can’t take because my cancer is hormone positive! I also feel depressed, and am utterly exhausted all the time, I’ve tried all kinds of remedies, been given antidepressants - nothing works. Several oncologists have told me to live with the symptoms but it’s seriously affecting my quality of life. I’ve been told by oncologists in the past that aromitase inhibitors will have the same side affects but now they’re wanting to change my tamoxifen for them. I’ve told them I’m scared but I’m honestly at the end of my tether so would appreciate if anyone has had a similar experience & can offer some advice. I did speak to a lady via email on “someone like me” & she advised me to use the forum. Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading & I look forward to hearing some advice .

Hi Gigismum

You have definitely come to the right place to share your experience and get advice/support.

 

I am really sorry to read that you are suffering so badly from Tamoxifen. I’ve read lots of similar chats on here from people on both Tamoxifen and aromatase inhibitors, so I’m sure people will be along soon to offer advice. I didn’t want to read without acknowledging your post and giving you a hug.

 

It’s important to remember that not everyone experiences bad side effects with these drugs, it seems to be very random, so maybe the AI drugs will be kinder to you?? Have you tried changing brands of Tamoxifen? I have been on it for about 2 years and always had the Teva brand til they stopped doing the 20mg, so have been moved to Wockhardt. I’m getting more hot flushes on this brand so I’m going to speak to my GP about moving me onto the 10mg Teva tablets (and taking double), to see if that helps.

 

Hugs

Evie xx