Breast Cancer Now Forum

I too was very worried about starting to take Tamoxifen. However I have very little side effects. An occasional hot flush in the evening. I have far less hot flushes than friends (who are 100% healthy) the same age (early 50's). The only brand I have used is Wockhardt. My legs did ache slightly the first month I took it but I didn't even have to take painkillers as it was only slight. Please don't worry. Best advice I read on hear was "don't go looking for side effects"   Hugs Sparkle xx ... View more

Hi KellyMc   Doctor at hospital says my swelling is a normal side effect of rads and nothing to worry about.  Hope you're doing okay.   Sparkle xxx ... View more

Doctor at hospital says my swelling is a side effect of rads and nothing to worry about. If anything changes I was told to phone BCN and he would see me again.   Hope everyone else is doing well.   Sparkle xxx  ... View more

Thanks KellyMc.   My boob is only slightly swollen and it's not sore at all so hopefully not lymphoedema.  I'll also have a look at the other thread. Will let you know what happens.   Sparkle xxx  ... View more

Jennifed   After reading that I'm having another cup of tea rather than a glass of wine.    Sparkle xxx ... View more

Tamoxifen factsheet says it can be "used to treat both pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women" ... View more

Hi Lorna   I don't have osteoporosis (as far as I know?). I have never had a bone scan like some people. I did wonder why I was given Tamoxifen rather than an AI but haven't asked. I may ask at my first annual review. My consultant did say I would start on Tamoxifen but if I had bad Side Effects they would consider changing to something else. Is Tamoxifen cheaper than an AI? As I'm finding it okay I don't want to change for change sake.   Sparkle xxx ... View more

Hi Egret   I have taken Wockhardt Tamoxifen since April, following WLE and rads. I've had a few hot flushes most evenings but no more than friends (who are well) the same age (early 50's) and less than some. Although I am post-menopausal (hysterectomy a few years ago) I was prescribed Tamoxifen. I was 8/8 ER+. My legs ached for about a week in June but no other aches and pains or SE. So I'm staying with Wockhardt.   Sparkle xxx ... View more

Hi Kelly Mc   Can I ask what symptons you had and how you were diagnosed? I'm asking because my treated boob has swollen so it is now larger than the other one. I went to the GP and she said she would refer me back to breast clinic as she was unsure what was normal after rads. Hope someone is able to answer your query.   Sparkle xxx  ... View more

Hi Shell   Like you I had WLE and rads, finished May. My boob was slighty smaller than the other one. Now it has swollen and is a little larger than the other one. My scar feels tight when I raise my arm. I still do the exercises 3 times daily. I was paranoid I had lymphodema but I have none of the other symptons. Hopefully others who finished treatment earlier than us will be along to say it's normal.   Sparkle xx ... View more

Hi Cath   Physically I could have worked from diagnosis to the end of my treatment. I had rads. I did not feel tired. Emotionally I was too fragile. I'd burst into tears at anything, not good in a large open plan office. I returned to work on a 6 week phased return 1.5 weeks after my rads ended. I received full pay while sick. I was off for 3.5 months in total. I kept in touch with my work while I was off which made it easier to return. I had several appointments to attend. It was good not having to rush to them.   Do what is right for you.   Sparkle xxx ... View more

I have taken Wockhardt Tamoxifen since 18.04.15. Only side effects have been a few hot flushes each day (in the evenings and early mornings) and my legs ached for approx 2 weeks in July. I do not have any more flushes than my friends/colleagues who are the same age as me (early fifties). I have less than some.   The first month I had no flushes. When it was warmer weather in June I did have more hot flushes than usual. I keep a supply of small cheap ice lollies in the freezer so if I get a flush in the evening I'll have a lolly if required to cool me down.     Sparkle xxx   ... View more

Thanks for the reply Ash66.   I've spoken to a genetics counsellor and he offered me the test the same day. I said I'd think about it.    He is going to check if I can get MRI screenings without having the test done. My mammo failed to spot the cancer (due to dense breasts) so that's why I want MRI screenings. The oncologist said you only get MRI screening if you are classed as high risk. The genetics counsellor said he thought I should be classed as high risk (without having the test) due to family history. He is writing to oncology dept.   I asked if the test came back negative would that mean I wouldn't be offered MRI screenings but he was unsure. This is why I didn't do the test immediately. I want MRI screenings.   Thanks for your help   Sparkle x   ... View more

Just found this on the Royal United Bath hospital website   "The blue dye used for the test does have a number of possible side effects. It will discolour the skin of the breast where the injection was placed. This discolouration may persist for many months and indeed it may be permanent in some women."   Permanent!?!?  I hope not.   Sparkle xxx ... View more

Expected reactions to extraordinary events.   I read this somewhere and took a note of it as I feel it it helped me understand things. I too slumped after surgery/results. I'm now back at work full-time and moving forward. Taking Wockhardt Tamoxifen. Have a few hot flushes most evenings but managable and no more than friends the same age (early fifties).  Why do you never get a flush when you're cold??   Hugs   Sparkle  xxx  ... View more

I had a "clear"  first routine mammogram at age 50. 3 months later found lump.WLE & rads followed. ... View more