Tamoxifen input

Was 54, breast cancer surgery, reconstruction through 3 months. Went very well. Was volunteering with B.C. Associations. Was happy! Started Tamoxifen and within a week started crying all the time. So depressed it stopped volunteering and I stayed home alone until I went back to work. Yes AGED! Almost needed a cane to walk. I managed to work ok, but a very different person ever since. I finished tamox after 5 yrs. Physically SO much better! But depression worse ever since. Now 10 yrs, 65 yrs old and had to retire.. so depressed. No meds help. Tried them all. I pray constantly for relief. Im ok around people when I can get out. Put up a front. I miss my real self!!!

@bd2024

Welcome to Mayo Connect, I stopped taking AIs and Tamoxifen due to the crying. Once I came off them, the crying stopped.

It is a shame you are not able to find a medication to help with depression. Is a physiatrist prescribing or a primary provider?

I am 84+ and have been taking tamoxifen for 3+ years. Don't be frightened by the horror stories you read on this site!! Use OTC support hose when riding for long distances, keep a positive mental attitude, get plenty of sleep/rest and know that this med prevents the few cancer cells from feeding on estrogen. It's a miraculous drug. I was told by several females to take the Mylan brand to prevent hot flashes and night sweats and, thus, I have avoided those symptoms. I order it from the MN mayo Clinic pharmacy. Again, thousands of people have successfully taken this drug for years and were saved from metastatic recurrence. Many of the folks who contribute to this site are a selective group of people who want to share their problems and negatives. I am doing fine and so will you.

I too am LIBRA, and I have problem deciding what to do. I'm 65, had double mastectomy and no radiation needed. My health in my bones is poor. Tamoxifen is sitting in my drawer waiting for me to decide. September oncologist wants to inject ZOMETA, twice a year. I don't want any more pain. I also need Creon to digest my food. I have EPI.
I have a husband who is 78 and in the pass few weeks seems to be going down hill. Doesn't want to eat, drink or get out of his recliner. HELP

Hi! @catlover2020

I am so sorry for all you've been through! We'll keep you and your husband in our thoughts & prayers, pray that the gracious Lord grants you wisdom to make the best decision in the journey ahead, strength to strive on and hope & peace of mind to enjoy life!

Wishing you all a healthier and brighter tomorrow!

@lovethedesert Research “ baby tam” as it is a 5 mg dose my oncologist just approved for me. It is only made in 10 mg at the lowest so you have to use a pill splitter or take it every other day. Everyone is not going to qualify for it, but some studies show it is just as effective as the 20 mg with much lower risk of side effects. My thoughts are why shouldn’t there be adjusted doses for women with widely varying stages instead of the same standard treatment across the board? If you don’t ask, the 20 mg will be what you get. So many women quit on this med and that could possibly change if more doctors were open to this. My previous oncologist would not do this because she was very much “old school.” (I am 2 weeks post lumpectomy, DCIS, 5 mm size, ER+ , nuclear grade 2, no concerning genetics, and 7 mm to closest margin. Radiation was recommended but I am opting out because of those side effects- and the difference in outcome isn’t worth the benefit to me.)

@sue417 just wondered if you were taking the 20 mg, as I am getting the 5 mg dose, and just hoping I can tolerate it. I have to make it work because I have osteoporosis (post menopausal matters here) and I think it is the only one that is better for your bones, as the AI’s are not.

@sunnydd
Hi
Believe it was 10 mg dose that I was taking.