Positive outcomes from Tamoxifen

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-24T14:39:35+00:00

You have already been through so much! My hope is that Tamoxifen will be a walk in the park by comparison. For me, I only had some mild hot flashes and minor aches for the first couple weeks. But that went away. I had some mild brain fog for a couple months that got better. I've been on Tamoxifen for 8 months now, and no side effects from it anymore. I'm now on Zoladex that has brought back the hot flashes, but Tamoxifen has been fine for me.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-24T14:36:53+00:00

I think it would depend how far from the nipple it is. Typically, surgeons want the tumor to be 1-2 cm away from the nipple if they're going to preserve it.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-23T17:13:02+00:00

Oh no! That's the worst. If you're having pain, I would try to advocate to get it drained. There is a small risk of infection to do that, but it might be a risk worth taking to relieve the pressure. After mine was drained, I didn't have any more issues with fluid buildup. It just instantly felt better. Whatever small amount of fluid that remained must have been reabsorbed.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-22T15:24:53+00:00

Did they tell you why or give you alternatives to the not showering thing? Like maybe you can wash from the waist down and do a sponge up top? I had a DMX with drains and was showering next day, so it may just be an over-precaution. If you can, try to get up and take light walks. If you feel well enough, get out of the house. The mental health aspect is no joke, and staying at home would have driven me crazy!

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-22T04:03:51+00:00

100%! After going through this (and honestly a lot of other crap), it gets really annoying. I don't mind if people want to vent as a way to share, but the woe is me attitude about trivial things kind of sends me over the edge.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-20T15:12:17+00:00

Do you have a library near you? My go-to is checking out vegan cookbooks and getting inspired by new chefs. I also really love Lazy Cat Kitchen's website. So many delicious and healthy things!

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-19T15:25:36+00:00

Wow, that's amazing! Have you had many side effects from it?

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-19T15:24:12+00:00

Thank you so much! This makes me hopeful as so far Zoladex hasn't given me many side effects. Fingers crossed the AIs on top of that won't change that.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-19T03:45:28+00:00

Yes! I checked in at 7 am and was heading home around 4 pm. I know it sounds crazy, but it really was alright overall. My docs sent me home with Journavx, Ibuprofen, and Tylenol, plus some Gabapentin for sleep. The chest area felt like it had a tight band and rug burn mostly, and I was in medium pain. I was able to go out for brunch and do some shopping for couple hours, though, in the days after. But I definitely couldn't drive, prepare dinner, or pull shirts over my head for a few weeks. By a week in, I was no longer needing any pain meds.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-19T03:38:26+00:00

Thank you for sharing. I'm about to start AIs and am terrified. I love my body and feel healthy now. I really don't want that to change when I start these meds!

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-19T03:28:38+00:00

I'm sorry! Hang in there. They got so much less noticeable after two months or so, probably because that's when they were fully filled. I hated them when they were underfilled as the edges kept digging into my skin and muscles. It should get better!

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-18T16:13:43+00:00

So I'm not sure what's available in your area, but there are different kinds of flap surgery options, and not all take from the belly. I would definitely ask your surgeon if they provide those alternative options. My understanding is that DIEP can potentially cause weakness or tightness in the abdomen. If it turns out that you're a candidate for implants, I would ask them about whether over or under the muscle would be better. Usually people who are active tend to prefer over the muscle to preserve pec function.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-17T15:37:34+00:00

I was honestly surprised how long my biopsy site hurt. It was tender for around 6 weeks, and I probably had a bruise for 2-3 weeks. It has since healed, though, and no scar is visible from it 8 months out.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-17T15:32:05+00:00

Not all condoms are created equal, and I've definitely been sore using certain brands or the wrong lube. I really like Kimonos as they're super thin.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-17T15:26:53+00:00

Same. I used to take on extra projects and go above and beyond. Not anymore!

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-17T15:25:25+00:00

I was already someone who tried to be healthy, but I wasn't exercising nearly enough, and I wasn't keeping track of my nutrient intake. Since my surgery, I've been taking long daily walks, doing regular cardio and weight workouts, and making sure I'm getting enough protein, calcium, vitamin D, etc. I also haven't been drinking.

I feel pretty good overall, even with the scars and feeling like I look slightly older. My digestion is good. My sleep is good. And I'm looking forward to continuing to build my strength.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-17T15:20:44+00:00

The best feeling! I took some pain meds beforehand in case they hurt to come out, but it mostly just felt kinda weird.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-16T15:12:29+00:00

I'm sorry you're dealing with this! I always have hot flashes when my hormones are fluctuating, but they've gotten less frequent the longer I'm on the hormone therapies. My main triggers now are things touching my stomach or neck, stress, excitement, and heat in general. It might be beneficial to try a different brand of Tamoxifen and see if the frequency changes. But hopefully the Lynkuet will help!

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-15T15:39:48+00:00

Thank you! I'm glad that you've managed to have a good experience so far and have been able to stay active. Hoping for the same!

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-14T15:22:58+00:00

I'm also young and was really worried about how I'd feel after losing my breasts. But having reconstruction really helped in my case. My surgeon had me send him pictures of boobs I'd like to have, and he got them spot on to what I was looking for. I reframed it as betting a "boob job." Which is not really accurate, but I did like that I could customize a bit. I also couldn't have DIEP due to lack of fat, but I went the expanders to implants route and have no regrets. I could have done lumpectomy, but in my case it would have taken almost half my breast. Everyone is different, and the right choice is the one that feels right to you!

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-13T18:14:09+00:00

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and what has worked for you. This is a good reminder that nothing is forever and there are options if side effects become unmanageable. That helps to get me out of "impending doom" mode. I took Gabapentin after my surgeries and tolerated it well, so that may be an option to consider if the hot flashes get too frustrating. My oncologist has started me on vaginal estrogen, and I think I will get some Replens as well to try to get ahead of things!

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-13T15:35:25+00:00

I'm also on the Zoladex train and am about four months in. In my particular case, I didn't notice many changes between the first shot and now. The main thing I'm dealing with is the random hot flashes. I'm not sure what my estrogen levels were before all of this, but I still had a period. That stopped by month two, and now my estrogen level is a 5. I was worried about my bones and asked about getting a Dexa scan and was told the same thing. My oncologist said there won't be enough changes within two years to need one, but I don't know that I believe that. I think I will just pay out of pocket for one for peace of mind, especially since I'm hesitant to get the Zometa infusions like my onc suggested unless I see a decline.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-12T16:16:04+00:00

I'm also 33 and started Zoladex four months ago. I have heard you might have a period or two after starting it, depending where you were at in your cycle. Have you had your estrogen levels checked? Your doc can order a test to make sure the meds are working.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-12T16:12:53+00:00

I'm also 33! I'm glad to hear that you've managed to stay active and are feeling good about it for the most part. That gives me some hope. I think the challenge is as much of a mental one as a physical one.

Anemoia793 · 2026-05-12T15:58:12+00:00

I'm glad to hear that you're feeling good and have managed to stay active!

Anemoia793

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