Monday 6 December 2010

tamoxifen - the truth

I have to take tamoxifen (1 a day) for the next 5 years. This is a preventative measure as it shuts down oestrogen production and therefore lessens the risk of further tumours in the breast. However, there are quite a few unpleasant side effects, which are unbearable.
Every night I wake up sweating and cannot cool down. I therefore have trouble getting back to sleep and always wake up feeling crap. It has brought on the menopause and I wasn't quite ready for that after everything I've been through. Crikey my mood swings are massive! No wonder I found myself crying at X-Factor and I'm a Celebrity........put it down to the medication!!!
Weight gain; what the *@/K! It's just not fair. I'm not eating any more than I used to but everything's a bit snug. God help me after Christmas lunch.......bring on the elasticated slacks!
The terrifying list of side effects includes; permanent eye problems, risk of clotting, depression, extreme tiredness, headaches, ulcers, vomiting, hair-loss (give me a break!) and increased risk of cancer in the uterus..............What the......!!!!!!
So if I start shouting/crying/screaming/passing-out/laughing hysterically/wearing granny trousers, please give me a wide-berth and a knowing smile.
Oh and I won't even go into the listed side effects of the 6 months antibiotics - "a black hairy tongue", I kid you not!!!! (I don't have one but if I do do you think I could shave/wax it?)

2 comments:

  1. Why do they never invent drugs with great side effects - an ability to sing like ella fitzgerald, or the inability to have grey hair ever again. Save the black hairy tongue for you tube. kx

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  2. Of course I've always been able to sing (I'm Welsh, everyone thinks they're Tom Jones or Shirley Bassey).......ha ha ha ha!
    I think the black hairy tongue has to be the scariest side-effect I've ever heard of. Will keep you informed of any unusual developments x

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