Comments on: On Tamoxifen: Sharing My Patient Experience

By: My Star Trek Moment: AI After Breast Cancer

My Star Trek Moment: AI After Breast Cancer — Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:50:57 +0000

[…] for the mental fog of breast cancer. I remember sitting in my French class shortly after starting tamoxifen. Suddenly, I realized I was struggling to find the words. I felt mentally foggy — partly from the […]

By: Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Mon, 30 Oct 2023 16:49:58 +0000

In reply to cara naylor. I'm so glad your bone scan came back clear! Hope that you can get more clarity on the bone pain after talking to your oncologist. I'm glad that my post could be helpful!

By: cara naylor

cara naylor — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 20:07:53 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing this journey. I have been on tamoxifen for 3 months and developed pain in my lower rib cage a week ago in the evenings and after doing many searches I was sure my breast cancer had moved to my ribs. Just had a bone scan and it came back negative for metastasis. I will talk to my oncologist!

By: Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Tue, 01 Nov 2022 13:28:04 +0000

In reply to Carolyn Hallberg. Hi Carolyn, It looks as if nausea can be a side effect of tamoxifen - but you’ll want to check with your oncologist! I took it with food, so I didn’t experience that side effect. I’m sorry to hear you’re feeling overwhelmed. That is a part of this journey- but it gets better!! ((Hugs))

By: Carolyn Hallberg

Carolyn Hallberg — Mon, 31 Oct 2022 16:49:41 +0000

Can Tamoxifen make me nauseous? I have DCIS also. Very overwhelmed. I took it for a few weeks. I am post menopausal

By: Laurel G

Laurel G — Tue, 26 Jul 2022 16:06:08 +0000

I just had my prescribing appointment with my oncologist yesterday for Tamoxifen. She did a good job of going over the side effects and the ones most commonly experienced. Hearing from someone who has taken it is a big help! My plan is to give it a try and see how it goes.

By: Kristie Konsoer

Kristie Konsoer — Sat, 10 Apr 2021 13:32:46 +0000

My oncologist was running a trial (maybe still is) on higher doses of tamoxifen for those with metastatic cancer. I declined because of the side effects. I may still do it down the road but it scares me.

By: Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Tue, 30 Mar 2021 19:47:29 +0000

In reply to Michelle Varner. Michelle, I am so sorry you've had so many issues. I can't imagine dealing with the side effects from tamoxifen and also radiation. I hope that you have been able to heal some from radiation and are able to feel better soon. Take care!

By: Michelle Varner

Michelle Varner — Tue, 09 Mar 2021 16:54:28 +0000

Thank you for sharing! I just started Tamoxifen a week ago and have had such bad body aches (right side of my ribs, left hip, left leg, etc..) and 2 bad skin rashes. I've stopped it already (I have to listen to my body and it's screaming right now). I still need to finish radiation (on my last week) and will research more in the meantime and flwup with my medical oncologist. Healing my skin from radiation and bad aches/rashes is too much at once.

By: Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Thu, 04 Feb 2021 03:20:21 +0000

In reply to Sheri Blackmon. I’m glad you found it helpful. It is quite surprising the wide range of side effects possible on the endocrine medicines. They are effective, but not without presenting us with other challenges to deal with. Hoping that you can find a way to get the rest you need.

By: Sheri Blackmon

Sheri Blackmon — Tue, 02 Feb 2021 19:16:33 +0000

Thank you for your informative post. I developed insomnia on Tamoxifen years ago, but my doctors wouldn’t affirm that was the cause. Now I’m on Letrozole after a recurrence and still dealing with the problem. Thank you for explaining the side effects of ET. It’s still the best defense for me despite the side effects.

By: Jennifer Douglas

Jennifer Douglas — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 00:20:26 +0000

In reply to Peggy Marshall. Peggy, I am so sorry that you have been dealing with side effects for anastrozole. I hope that you're able to get some help and relief soon. I'm really glad you are seeking out therapy. That can be such a great resource to help us deal with the emotional baggage that comes with our cancer journey. I have spent many hours talking out my emotions, and writing, which has really helped me unpack the challenges I have faced after treatment. I'm grateful that my words have been encouraging to you! Take care, Jen

By: Peggy Marshall

Peggy Marshall — Fri, 29 Jan 2021 19:25:46 +0000

Thank you for sharing this Jen. I have had the very same results & emotions with my medication, anastrozole. I have bad joint pain in my foot, ankle, thumb joint (trigger finger), wrist, and now knee. I to am weighing the cost of my physical, emotional, and mental well being to continue on. Only time will tell. For me what helped, and I will be candid and say I didn’t think it would, was to see a talk therapist after my family members shared with me that I was highly emotional. It has helped me to deal with all the emotions and fears we suppress, and frankly don’t realize we are, during this journey for the sake of having a positive outlook. Having a support system with family, friends, and doctor relationships is foundational. Thank you for sharing your journey. It really touched my heart!