My Tamoxifen Vlog | Weeks 1-3 | Breast Cancer Survivor

Starting Tamoxifen for the second time, I decided to make a vlog to document when side effects began, how I felt, and what I noticed as the weeks passed.
I was surprised at how quickly I started to notice changes in my body! I hope this helps you in some way🌷.
❤SUBSCRIBE for more videos relating to my breast cancer journey created to help others, and share a space where we all feel less alone🫂. Thank you for your support and for being here with me!
You are stronger than you know!
Sincerely,
Chelsey
#tamoxifen #breastcancerjourney #breastcancersurvivor
*The content of this video simply shares my personal experience and what I've learned through it; therefore it should in NO WAY be substituted for any medical or professional advice.
I highly recommend doing your own research, and following the recommendations of your personal medical care team *

[@Sarappreciates]

I have so many questions, but I don't want to bombard you. I've been on Lupron and Letrozole for 3 years, and I continue to take Ibrance (targeted therapy), which is keeping my tumors very small. I think maybe you have an earlier stage cancer than mine? I cannot imagine taking a year off to have a baby! That's AMAZING! ❤CONGRATULATIONS to you and your partner!! I got warm fuzzy goosebumps when I heard the baby cry because healthy babies cry. Keep in mind that fatigue and depression can feel very similar. And healing requires energy too. It's very normal to feel tired while healing, and it can make us feel like we're depressed. Fatigue and depression can feed each other. So if you ever feel depressed, maybe check your sleep and rest to see if you've been getting enough. My sleep hack: repeatedly thinking "don't think" until I drift off - not 100%, but it's an old Air Force pilot trick. Go easy on yourself. I think insomnia is just part of menopause too. Your cancer is HR+, which is AWESOME, meaning it's one of the most treatable kinds of cancer! This is me trying to give you something nice to think about. I hope this means they're curing you, not just treating you. Also, all these surgeries, biopsies, scans, and this total life changing experience may have left you with a tiny bit of PTSD that can present as "hypervigilance," which is super common in cancer patients, I learned this from a therapist at the local cancer center. We tend to notice every little ache, all the tiny signs that something might be amiss. This is super logical and makes complete sense because we tend to know that even a tiny ache or little twinge might be SOMETHING. We become hyper-aware of our bodies. If it makes you feel any better, there are women who were diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer over 20 years ago who are still alive today. That inspires me a lot. I was diagnosed stage 4 about 3 and a half years ago, and I feel healthy, a little sleepy, sometimes pain, but mostly just fine. I'm never sure if I'm oversharing, sorry this is so long.

[@ChelseyTarnow]

Thank you so so much for your very thoughtful, insightful message! I resonated with so many of the things you were saying💕. And so you know, I appreciate the sharing (not over sharing) it's nice to connect with people who understand and who can share some light🌟 (which is exactly what you did)!

[@sueu6263]

I’m glad to see this happy video and the depression you had before isn’t there now. 🥰💕

[@ChelseyTarnow]

Thank you💕🌷🙏!

[@sacredheart414]

Encouraging so far! The Lord continue to bless your journey, Chelsey! 😊

[@ChelseyTarnow]

It is! Thank you so much🙏🌷!

[@karmen3284]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! My surgery is scheduled for March and will be on that medication which I am super nervous about. I hope you are doing well 🙏

[@ChelseyTarnow]

I hope hearing someone else's experience has been helpful for you. Sending so much love and healing vibes for your upcoming surgery💕🌱💫

[@kristirichards2249]

I could tell by the look on your three week face that you had good news. So happy you are sleeping better!! It may sound minor in the scheme of things but sleep is crucial for everyone, and in particular for new moms!! So happy for you and praying nightly for your continued health and happiness!!

[@ChelseyTarnow]

Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers🌷🙏💕!! Being able to sleep is definitely a game changer!

[@AnnamariaPrasti]

Hi you are a beautiful person, and positive outlook is amazing I am on my 6 month of Tamoxifen and do herceptin every 3 weeks. Didn't notice any side effects in the beginning but depression hit me this week and insomnia. Hopefully it will get better. As cancer warriors we don't have a choice but to survive. Best wishes on your new baby 👶. 😊

[@ChelseyTarnow]

Thank you so much for the message! I hope that as time passes your side effects fade and diminish🙏. Your strength to survive is evident. I appreciate you sharing your outlook with us💪❤💪!

[@kmc714md]

Thank you so much for sharing this! On Day 6 of Tamoxifen and trying not to get anxious about the possible side effects. Your journey gives me hope 💖

[@ChelseyTarnow]

I hope it's helpful for you! What I try to do is not go looking for side effects and just live... if they show up so be it, but if I don't notice anything that's great👍. Here's hoping you haven't noticed a thing! 💕💕

[@kmc714md]

You're right, I should try this! There is no point in worrying unnecessarily. Thank you!💜

[@ChelseyTarnow]

@@kmc714md Exactly👊🙏❤!

[@janna7777]

You are a true HERO,really❤️ Huge,huge RESPECT to YOU🌹❤️ ! I wish you ALL THE BEST and ALL THE JOY, LOVE and HAPPINESS in THE WORLD❤️🌹💗💖💝

[@ChelseyTarnow]

Oh my goodness thank you so very much🙏💕🥲!!!

[@janna7777]

@@ChelseyTarnow 💖💝❤️🌹🤗🙂

[@debbieg5543]

"To continued health" I love that🌺

[@ChelseyTarnow]

Thank you, it has been so helpful for me🌷💫!

[@annalane8307]

I am on Tamoxifen and the insomnia and hot flashes and joint aches were hard but since I restarted regular yoga I am sleeping again, so really recommend that if you can.

[@ChelseyTarnow]

Oh that's amazing🥳!!! Thank you so much for sharing! I've been thinking about getting into it too👏👏

[@terrytarnow5760]

Thanks

[@ChelseyTarnow]

Thanks for watching!

[@SyedMussa-o2y]

What is your cancer stage

[@julietstarling5444]

How are you going now? I start t as king it this week.

[@ChelseyTarnow]

I just finished month 7 and every month has been different so far... it's like a revolving door of emotions and physical changes for me. I did make monthly vlogs if you are interested in some of thr different ans random side effects I've noticed. Of course everyone's body is different so keep that in mind. Wishing you all the best moving forward and hoping you don't notice a thing as you begin Tamoxifen💕:)

[@Celines8887]

I am 52 yrs, 1 week on Tamoxifen, I continue to have hot flashes all day and night, so i cant say for sure my insomnia is from the pills...

[@ChelseyTarnow]

It can be such a challenging medication with lots of potential benefit. Only you can decide what's best for you💕

[@LB-zc1hj]

Hi lovely lady, what dose are you taking please? ❤

[@ChelseyTarnow]

Hi🌷! 20mg for me...