Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hi Jo, I haven’t been taking Tamoxifen as long as you, only since November but have recently had a break from it and also felt so much better, like me again, although it did level out a bit after an initial high.  I spoke with an oncologist this week and was told ER + score was 8 (scored from 0-8) so he strongly recommended I restart.  I have done so and am trying to be positive and doing what I can do e.g. he suggested taking at a different time of day and a friend said (and other people on the forum have also said) different brands can have different side effects so whenI get my next prescription I’ll ask for a different one. He’s going to ring me again in 2 months to see about side effects (mine sound similar to yours) and said he might suggest either an antidepressant or hormonal profile (I don’t know what this is).  Obviously I’m nervous about the same symptoms coming back as it was making life difficult e.g. I had to take time off work as couldn’t cope but don’t know what to do about going back.  I rang up the BC Now helpline and had a long conversation with one of the breast cancer nurses which I found really helpful.  One of the things she said to me was imagine you’ve made the decision both ways and see which gives you the most peace. I think it’s a really hard decision, hope you find a way through it. ... View more

Also I found music really helpful when jogging e.g. BBC sounds - half wower and radio 1 happy hour gave me some energy to keep going  ... View more

Hi Eglis, I know it’s not easy finding motivation but it’s brilliant you’re doing this.  I just wanted to offer some encouragement really.  I had a mastectomy in October and recently completed Couch to 5k (slow jog but all good!).  I struggled at times (tamoxifen didn’t help I think eg fatigue) and repeated weeks when I needed to.  If you search for ‘5k your way’, it’s a group and running plan for people who have cancer/have had treatment so may be worth looking at. Also I spoke to my BC nurse and she put me in touch with a local group which supports people with exercise during/post treatment and I’m doing an online yoga class which I’m finding helpful.  I tried a circuits class but it was a bit full on for me but then I’ve never done circuits before! Might be worth asking if there’s anything similar local to you? ... View more

Thanks Anne, would be great to have a zoom catch up x ... View more

I guess to keep in touch we can just use this thread to chat, share experiences and ask any questions.   So Benita mentioned positive thinking.  I’m definitely realising that the emotional part is going to take the longest and self care is going to be really important.  I’ve started having some counselling through my work which is difficult but helpful.  I planted some seeds this week, which always seems like an optimistic act and I know I’ll be happy to see any tiny seedlings that poke through the soil.  And as my kids are back at school full time and I have days off again this week, I’ve started doing couch to 5k, used to jog before treatment and know it helps my mental health as much as anything and am feeling quite a sense of achievement at running for 8 minutes (not consecutive, spaced out with walks in between).  Take good care all, Fiona x   ... View more

Hi, hope you’re all having a good week.  Would be lovely to keep in touch with folk from the course.  I don’t have close friends who have had breast cancer, and as lovely as they are it’s good to talk with people who have been through similar experiences x ... View more