Tamoxifen side effects
Hi I'm on tamoxifen. I take a low dose 5mg a day and my doctor is happy me doing this. I was coping v well for about 3 months but last couple of weeks sweats and hot flushes have really kicked in. The sweats wake me several times a night so I'm tired and getting low mood now as a result. My risk of recurrence is v low but I wanted try stay on tamoxifen as I feel better knowing I'm taking it. I'm just wondering has anyone had side effect symptoms l like this improve over time. I'm close to stopping taking it as I'm so tired all the time and feel I've no energy tp do the things I like doing. Any advice v welcome. If I thought it might improve I would stick at it maybe.
Comments
Dear CCG2
Thank you for posting your message on our online forum. The side effects of tamoxifen can be very hard to tolerate. There are many tips and suggestions that you could try to lessen these side effects. They may not lessen with time so if you could phone our support line and speak to a cancer nurse we could talk through with you what can help.
When sleep is disturbed coping with any issues is harder so firstly trying to minimise the night sweats may help. Also when you feel that your mood is low it can help to speak to a nurse and we can refer you on for the Irish Cancer Society free counselling service.
One can feel very alone at a time like this. You might find it supportive to speak to one of peer-to-peer volunteers who has been on tamoxifen for a number of years. We can arrange this too.
Meanwhile try the following tips re night sweats & do keep in mind that your doctor can also prescribe medication to help if it continues to be very debilitating.
Tips such as:
Both during the day and at night try to wear layers of clothing-ideally natural 100% cotton, silk or bamboo fabric especially next to your skin. Also having your bed clothes in layers-easy to strip off a layer when having a flush. Avoid hot showers/baths before bed, instead have lukewarm ones.
Caffeine and alcohol exacerbate night sweats so try decaf products etc and maybe try nice iced tonic water etc for a while avoiding alcohol.
It could be that you have tried all of the above and more and still struggling. We would love to support you through this. I do hope we will hear from you. Our phone number is 1800 200 700 and we are here Mon-Fri 9-5pm
Kind regards
Cancer Nurse
Hi ccg2 hope your doing OK what type of cancer have you im still waiting my results of the biopsy but have a feeling this will be what I will be on too just went 5 yrs into the menopause with very little symptoms was feeling so proud that I didn't have to take hrt now if taking this will help safe me from a more aggressive cancer I feel do we really have a choice