Tamoxifen & Aromatase Inhibitors: How to Tolerate them for best results!

[@susiepingleton3614]

4.5 years of every joint stiff. I am done!! Going in Tuesday and will inform my oncologist that I am done! You never even mentioned full body massages! Have truly helped me!!

[@kelleywatt4167]

Good for you ! You are doing the right thing

[@Ms17796]

@@susiepingleton3614 Hi black seed oil is so wonderful for joint stiffness and joint pain . I drink 3 a days is a total change without toxic pharmaceutical hope it helps you .

[@summergirl9257]

Thanks for making it easy to understand the difference, I just finished 10 years of hormone therapy, I started out on tamoxifen didn't have severe SEs just tiredness and slight mood changes , then I was put on AIs and wow I couldn't handle the SEs my joints were so sore I could barely move , also insomnia , restless leg, tiredness, massive mood swings and developed osteoporosis, I only lasted 2 years on them and begged my Onc to take me off them , went back on tamoxifen for the remainder of 10 years and had very few SEs , funny enough with either I never got 1 hot flash which was unusual, I'm so glad to be done now and remain cancer free 12 years , best of luck to anyone on this journey it's not fun.

[@summergirl9257]

@@vikings4577 I was told I should go on fosamax but as I research everything I decided it against it as the side effects are awful and once you start using a bone strengthener it changes the composition of your bones and cannot be reversed, I'm just on high dose calcium and have adjusted my diet to include bone building foods

[@conniejohnsoncj8724]

@@summergirl9257 what foods did you find were best for bones? Would love to know this! Thanks!

[@summergirl9257]

@@conniejohnsoncj8724 I was told oily fish such as mackerel, sardines, lots of green veg such as brocili and sprouts , cabbage , kale , and also super milk has a lot of calcium in it , I also take high strength 1000 units of calcium with vitiman D

[@conniejohnsoncj8724]

@@summergirl9257 what are bone building foods if you don’t mind me asking?

[@conniejohnsoncj8724]

@@summergirl9257 sorry I asked the question again because your response was not viewable at first! Thank you so much! I’ve also read millet is really good and have been using it adding herbs and vegetable and nuts, treating it like pilaf.

[@do9138]

If fat is where the estrogen is why isn't liposuction a treatment? That would beat feeling so bad you can't get out of bed for a decade. I'm 66 and was recently diagnosed. I'm not doing this. I probably won't live 10 more years, and I'm not going to ruin what time I have left with this stuff. I might try chemo, but if the SEs are bad, I'll stop. I'm not going to make myself sick. Besides, I've had four heart attacks. Chemo is bad for the heart. More women who develop breast cancer after menopause died of heart attacks than cancer. Also, I live in Vegas where "healthcare" is 100% for-profit and sucks.

[@adrianasantana-delgado2901]

So, in other words... it can save my life by ruining my life. 😞

[@do9138]

We can live LONGER -- but in horrible pain. That's living?

[@carolineowen7846]

Enduring hell. Is how would I describe it.

[@trailerparkbarbie2882]

Yea basically...Been on it for 3 years post cancer treatment...The Hot Flashes are hell!!!!

[@lynnwalker3341]

Exactly!!

[@tonyawhitten5199]

It seems to me that losing sleep, and the anxiety and pain stress is NOT good for a human being.

[@motherofthreeb6337]

My oncologist told me it was 50/50 chance my cancer would com back in five years if I took tamoxafen. To me, it wasn't worth it. I ended up treating my breast cancer holistically. This month would mark five years, unofficially, and officially five years next month. I changed my diet; all protocol was with the direction of a holistic doctor and was tailored to my specific type of cancer and my bodies health needs. PS - he did address nearly the amount of side effect that these drugs cause. In my research, I felt the "risk" of not taking them outweighed quality of life.

[@mmebirdie7125]

My heart goes out to you women. Just starting my fourth journey with BC over 30 years. Metastatic bone cancer now. Struggled with Arimidex for a year, four years ago, gave up for quality of life. Unfortunately on Letrazole now and experiencing the hot flashes. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. Life sucks. Love and strength to you all. ❤️

[@SD-qt6ix]

😥

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

Life doesn't suck, but greed does, and the fact that big pharma and their ways of releasing trial results is so misleading, but it sucks when we don't change this for the future of anyone else. So, I've met so many women that stop taking their aromaties inhibitors over too afraid to tell their oncologist and I said that's not fair because they think it's working they actually don't know they don't really even care most oncologists don't care three out of three of mine never did. They don't even know anything about the truck let alone how it works and it's applied and where hormones come from in the meantime. If we're honest to say we're not taking it

[@justlivin404]

Hugs to you Birdie! Just starting my journey, starting on AI's in January. Over 30 years! Wow, you have seen it all.

[@deborahbizzell1989]

Hi,I too am a survivor of 30 yrs.of breast cancer.I was diagnosed again 4 yrs.ago with stage 3b.I am taking exestemene now for a few yrs.I pray for healing for all of us that are impacted by this awful disease!

[@100wattproductions5]

Thank you for this, Doctor. I am early in my cancer diagnosis and am probably going to be prescribed one of these ahead. A bit apprehensive to say the least!

[@aliciabodine618]

Not sure why you said you don't see joint pain in patients with Tamoxifen. I've been on it for a year and I'm suffering terribly with joint pain. Also, would have been helpful to actually say which herbs help. Just saying that there are herbs that can help isn't really telling people how they can combat the side effects.

[@47725384]

Yes. I am on Tamoxifen and feel like I have arthiritis. Some days are better

[@debbiefouche1006]

Well this just explained what the difference and similarities are with these drugs but you haven't given any indication what we can do to help our suffering . We are not all fortunate to have an oncologist that really cares.

[@marystark7915]

Agree! Quality of life issues for sure.

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

You raised a good one here. I have a question and a comment for all the oncologist out there, and to us on the receiving end of these wonder drugs. I never had one oncologist be able at a three, be able to explain how these chemicals are transported and connect to our receptors like most doctors now do in these podcasts. They certainly dont allow you to ask one question about it or they shut you down. But, tell you over and over again there aren't any side effects just some hot flashes and always very few, but the catacts are age related (not. At 37) but it's anastrole that leaves you with permanent eye loss from traction on the retina and if you have teds or dry eyes. They have nothing to contribute, there is no debate, it's take it or die!? Well how convincing is a sales rep who advocated this medicine or did he even have to do this while he smoozed a mass of doctors at their annual or monthly big dinner or conventions. So, do you always buy something you never even heard of that will be injected!? Only when we are truly convinced or truly fooled into being convinced. It sounds to me they don't do their research on the trails at all. The great Injustice that the medical industry and a big pharma industries have done with our drug trial results have proven that their was blatant incompetency, and unjustice to all woman in the HRT therapy that came out. So, a salesman always States I could sell it brick to somebody for x amount of dollars. So are these oncologist a bad salesperson, but a good physian or both. Or a sales person who doesn't care about commission cause he is on salary!?? Or is he the one that truly believed in this and explains why with real time data and research?

[@librarian75]

Mine does but it doesn't change the impact the drugs are having.

[@L-ash777]

@@TrudyContos-gq1bwwell said, I stopped these drugs, I know others who have as well. My oncologist is a cold blunt b***h, can never ask questions because she doesn’t want to answer. I’m going to report her. Of course she’s not happy I’ve stopped. Tamoxifen caused a pulmonary embolism, she was so sure the radiologist was wrong and it wasn’t, it was! The Al was too debilitating, my Surgeon said stop them. He’s moved and I so wish he hadn’t. He was so sensible and would say if he didn’t agree with her. My radiation oncologist said there is no guarantee with these drugs. She said I know you research. They cause arthritis and other problems that are irreversible

[@yvetterodricks9669]

Very informative. Underwent a bilateral mastectomy February 2022, finished with chemos and radiation and on Tamoxifen now, must admit that I’m experiencing most of side effects. Life is not the same but I’m getting used to the new normal and keeping active as much as possible. The joint aches are the worst I must say, climbing stairs especially is a challenge, some activities are difficult but not impossible.

[@DawnRK3204]

Vaginal estradiol saved me. Menopause and a difficult marriage left me with atrophy, but this has helped so much.

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

My onco made suck an uneducated smart ass remark that I just realized something go with your gut feeling and do research unlike most of these I'll informed doctors that won't even listen to you, just bully and than cyr by discharging you. Bcz their kickbacks Incentives ) will be tossed as their reputations as well in the big pharma) I was told I will die by three different oncologists if I do not take anastrozole, but both never even gave me an alternative or looked at my medical history. I said, so are you!!! He looked at me speechless

[@amusingmyslf]

I quit taking aromatase inhibitor. It exacerbated my joint pain, made me anxious, moody, angry. I already have osteopenia, the step before osteoporosis. I've gained weight and feel lethargic and sluggish. Let me pass, because that's better than this suffering.

[@deborahbizzell1989]

Hi,I also have osteopenia from taking exestemene for 3 yrs.I am concerned it will cause me to go into osteoporosis.The anxiety is real!

[@amusingmyslf]

​@@deborahbizzell1989 absolutely

[@susiepingleton3614]

Anastrozole helps about 26%. My oncologist ignores my side effects so I do not even mention anymore!

[@LB-zc1hj]

I am 68, I have lots of allergies, to drugs and carry an epi pen. I have had 3 fractures over the last 3 year from falls, and I am concerned about bone density reduction from using these drugs. I am fit, exercise and I am not not overweight and not on any tablets. t am wondering what percentage gain in years do you get from these drugs? How do they know what your oestrogen levels are? And what is a dangerous oestrogen level? As a patient can you opt for 3 monthly oestrogen tests and just take the tablets intermittently if needed? In the Uk we get an annual mammogram for five years after diagnosis.just can’t understand why there is a blanket attitude to giving these drugs.

[@Zagnutwaller61]

What about hair thinning? I have to take my inhibitor for 10 years oh and memory, That is another concern I have.

[@angiesanchez8864]

I was told that I cannot use tumeric with tamoxifen.

[@sylviarichardson2138]

Me too! The one thing he suggests is wrong!

[@normal7075]

Turmeric was the only thing that relieved my bone pain. GUTTED when told I couldn't take it.

[@tonyawhitten5199]

Why is it that the one thing we do not hear about is nutrition? Foods can heal, yet not one of my Doctors has even mentioned my diet or nutritional status. I know why. I just wonder if other women feel the same way. I hear pills and radiation, but nothing about natural alternatives that do not have the side effects.

[@timetraveler525]

Yes, agree. I also know why they don't mention the nutrition. Its sad but looks like if we want to live longer and still be healthy we need to do own research.

[@northmobileis]

I asked and my Oncologist said "a multivitamin is fine". Clueless!

[@100wattproductions5]

@@northmobileis wow, so sad!!

[@kosmosbjm]

I’m mostly concerned about weight gain, joint & muscle pain, weak bones and increased risk for osteoporosis 😮. I can understand why some women just cannot tolerate this kind of therapy. I have since elected NOT to undergo this therapy.

[@katyflame3668]

How do you feel ? I’m also considering not being on AIs.

[@jilleljadi5496]

It’s a dilemma 😢

[@mightyconker3903]

Don't just sit on it though. Alternate therapies exist. Turkey tail mushroom is effective but you need to take many approaches. Graviola is selectively anti cancer.

[@jeanmetcalfe786]

Agree why would someone with osteoporosis,high cholesterol and joint issues already want to be made worse..as well as women on these a.i drugs having strokes.is it better to try and beat cancer holistically least if it doesn't work life isn't horrendous before it ends rr .

[@motherof1132]

I take Zometa for my bones while I’m on anastrozole. My side effects, horrible leg aches. Take pain killers every day

[@bumble8588]

I had breast cancer and am on Letrazole for 5 years - currently in year 2. Bonafide by Relizen (natural supplement) takes away 99% of hot flashes - a god sent recommended by my personal oncologist. A must have!

[@summergirl9257]

Just an FYI insist on bone density tests while you are on AIs I was only on them 2 years and developed quiet bad osteoporosis in my bones they never did the bone density tests which is a requirement for taking this drug .

[@melaniesutcliffe7022]

I was on tamoxifen for the first 2 years and then ive been on letrozole for 4. I reported pains in my joint from day one but have never had a bone density test. now I have fusion and fixation in my shoulders. Is the damage done, can it be reversed. Is the density test, could there be different rules in france where I live.

[@L-ash777]

@@melaniesutcliffe7022you should have been given a density test 1st then another, Al caused in 16 months a 10% decrease in bone density. My friend did it all, she got pancreatic cancer and died. Another had stopped she’s had 4 carpel tunnel ops, now needs bilateral knee replacements. STOP these drugs

[@aliceyu4582]

No hot flashes but It’s Ruining my liver after taking arimidex for 3month. Have to stop it. 😢

[@roselucht4583]

I started on Letrozole 1-1/2 months ago. I can’t walk more than 1/4 mile for the pain in my hips, joints, and feet. I’m used to walking a lot. I’m taking minerals, vitamin D3 etc. I’m a very young 72, I have a Bilateral mastectomy scheduled for June 19th 2024 .

[@conniejohnsoncj8724]

I am on week 4 (Anastrozole) and have had very minor joint pain. I start my day stretching hips and legs before my feet hit the floor, then do a stretching yoga workout and then manual lymph node drainage. I am post menopause. Walk 3-4km every day and also do acupuncture once a week. I am hoping that my side effects stay minor. So far just sore wrists and fingers and ankles.

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

LYMPH draining is the way to go so I have been researching getting ready to apply these methods

[@47725384]

How do you fell now? After a year?

[@ayliea3974]

Thanks for making this video. I just started taking the aromatase inhibitor. I'm torn between worrying about the side effects and worrying about a reoccurence. I really want this part of the treatment to be successful. I appreciate your recommendation on how to deal with the side effects. My prescribing oncologist gave me no recommendations except to think positively. I still like him.

[@librarian75]

Don't let him do that to you. He doesn't want to tell you so when you show up on a cane, he'll have to believe you. Hot flashes are bad. Joint pain is the worst. I've had to come off two of them because. One I couldn't walk kandy the second one my hands are curled up. So much swelling. Anti depressant help with hot flashes but you have to get one

[@JL-kk9hl]

OK, I just have to say- my side effects from tamoxifen, even at 5 mg, were intolerable. It's not just that I couldn't function at work (I'm a physician) but that I couldn't function at all. Grocery shopping, using the ATM, cooking dinner were beyond my intellectual capabilities. Why are we pretending that all women can tolerate these? We can't.

[@susiepingleton3614]

I have taken anastrozole for 4 years. I am stage lll. 19 bad lymph nodes. I refused chemo. Did radiation. 27 burns. Had reconstruction same time as double mastectomy. My lymphedema in right arm is no problem! Anastrozole has truly had side effects of arthralgia, urine, fatigue, my doc says I am to take 10 years. Not sure I can do it! I am 72. Only pill I take. I am an RN. Had to figure out my own care plan. Exercise, weekly massages now to help, lots of fluids. Rest when needed. I have shortness of breath as I feel burns damaged my lungs?

[@donnadallariva8377]

🙏 for you . Sorry to hear about your radiation burns. I had 25 radiation after bilateral mastectomy. Prior to that had chemo. Hope it all works our for you ❤🙏

[@susiepingleton3614]

@@donnadallariva8377 I had bilateral as well! Did you have any bad lymph nodes?? I will pray for you as well Donna!

[@susiepingleton3614]

4.5 years and getting off anastrozole. Hope you are ok?

[@conniewilson2247]

My left knee blew out. It was already fragile and I had been in a clinical trial for osteoarthritis for 20 years (the MOST study). I had to have 32 ml of an anti-inflammatory injected and 6 ml of Durolane and was in a wheelchair for 6 months with symptoms like a meniscus tear. I also had teariness, mood swings, excruciating joint and back pain, brain fog, and vivid violent nightmares. Knee blew out after 7 months on it. Stayed off everything for 9 months and then did Tamoxifen from April 23 to Aug. 30, 2023. Constant UTIs, Horrendous fatigue (could only be up 3 hours a day) and now my liver enzymes are way high and doubling every 6 weeks. So, now I am contending with my bone density having gone from -1.4T to -2.2T on Anastrozole (osteoporosis is -2.5T); Type II diabetes; liver enzymes that are screwed up; fibromyalgia; and being a b.c. survivor.

[@katenickels617]

what could the reasons be for prescribing tamoxifen for an elderly woman

[@loribakergirl6438]

IMO…. Ignorance as they’re all trained that’s the option that works? or most likely $$$$ ??

[@carolineowen7846]

It is interesting that the "lifestyle, diet and nutritional advice" isn't the first thing that is advised to be adjusted, on diagnosis? Both sound like enduring pure and utter hell.

[@accaeffe8032]

I finished chemotherapy a year ago and was put on anastrozole. After 5-6 months I had enough of hardly being able to crawl out of bed and being in constant pain, knees, neck, shoulders, hips. I was put on exemestane. At first it seemed to work better, however since May I've had on and off knee and lower back pain. I can't sit for more than 20-30 minutes, if my knees are OK then my lower back hurts and visa versa. I can just put on my socks and it can cause pain in my lower back that lasts 4-5 days even when taking ibuprofen. Last month I was put on tamoxifen. On the 7th day I started having cervical pain like I had before I got your period (60 and due to cancer treatment my period stopped 15 years ago) and got vaginal discharge. I stopped taking them. Now 14 days later the discharge lessened. I was advised going back to exemastane again, which I started again 3 days ago. I'm in constant pain, can't sit, not even in the car as a passenger, which means I'm stuck at home. I can walk for about 30 minutes in the neighbourhood, that's all. I either walk about in my home or lie down. I've taken aromastase inhibitors for only a year. I was told I have to take it for 5-10 years. I'm devastated. Family wonders why I'm in a bad mood, they can't imagine I'm in pain.

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

Yes! and they told me there's nothing that reduces estrogen that you can eat!? He could have explain that it will reduce it, but the fat stores its estrogen so then I'll EXCERSIZE and get rid of it! I wasnt even told to eat right and excersizing would be so beneficial to your recovery!!!? I got absolutely nothing but their lies stating they told me to eat right and EXCERSIZE.. The only good oncologist was my radiation oncologist. But, they aren't there and can't tell you not to listen to your oncologist, but sometimes a certain gesture confirms that your going the wrong direction keep on self advocating and always be start with the pro active approach so we are ahead of the game . That proactive was the reasoning behind my not taking ANASTROZOLE ways the impact of leaving me totally blind ( for me) not all, but can be if you have myopia dry eyes and retinopathy diseases or metabic!!!

[@suem308]

He keeps the herbs that help to himself. Thanks for nothing. He just likes to talk

[@comradejensen418]

Another man liking the sound of his own voice preaching. If he said my mother or my wife found this helpful more inclined to believe him. Now not so much

[@DawnRK3204]

What are your thoughts on adding DMI? What about bromelain? I took that when I had a hideous post-Covid rash that itched for two weeks.

[@cbrisalchemist6887]

Month post mastectomy and seeing second oncologist next week. All I’ve heard about hormone suppression makes me nervous because I have autoimmune and get the chronic pain, deep bone and joint pain, and so many of the side effects sound like the symptoms of the autoimmune I’m dealing with. The idea that they will increase makes this choice unbearable. I had a very wide margin mastectomy, from sternum to my back, in order to “get it all”. If that’s the case and I’m down to nearly no chance of recurrences (this was second because first time they were conservative) shouldn’t that be enough. First oncologist talking ten years treatment...I’m blown away by that!

[@sheila7814]

There is always breast cells left even after mastectomy, no matter how “careful” they are. Also, cancer cells can travel even with only two cells made. There could still be a few present any where in your body. It is best to do the therapy if you can tolerate it. Best of luck to you. ;)❤

[@donnadallariva8377]

Have to be careful, recurrence.? No one really wants to take the AI . Unfortunately these are the drugs post chemo,surgery & radiation. God help us.🙏

[@ireneswan1050]

What about selenium to decrease extrogen.

[@Arnstrands]

I took Tamoxifen from Mylan and after a year they runned out, and you cannot buy them anywhere..So I had to change to Orifarm and now I had to start over again whith all the sideffects! I had ziro sideeffects after a year with Mylan!

[@marystark7915]

It’s stinks to have to give up everything you enjoy to avoid hot flashes!

[@judithbaum6391]

What lifestyle, dietary supplements, and foods help to keep your reoccurrence rate down

[@catherinebentley7700]

Thank you for this clear explanation, very helpful.

[@L-ash777]

Post menopause Tamoxifen caused a pulmonary embolism, Aromatose became too debilitating, Rubbish!! The skeletal affects are irreversible, could care less about the sweats. Joint pain!!! You can’t exercise if you can’t move. Tumeric is useless.

[@carolynadams5126]

Please address ESR1 mutations ( secondary cancers caused by drug resistance to these hormone blockers)liver damage, increased risk or worsening diabetes, osteoporosis, brain fog, hair loss, libido, cardiac issues, neuropathy, blindness, blood clots, counseling mental health;, financial losses, poly pharm , economic losses. Etc....

[@aprilm2664]

What about hair thinning ,bone thinning and blood clots

[@L-ash777]

I was on an Al, after 16 months too debilitating, my surgeon said stop. Had month break, on Tamoxifen, ok at 1st, lost weight, did 1/2 hr exercise each day, but aches/pains came in I had a whine, I had to take 2 Voltaren each day to do next day exercises, no symptoms, sent for scans they found a Pulmonary Embolism, off Tamoxifen on to anticoagulant Zarelto, that was a horrendous drug, blackouts/severe spinning (thank god I wasn’t driving) sent for brain scan, found a Meningioma, off to a Neurosurgeon , got 2 opinions, the 2nd NS was lovely didn’t even charge me, very calcified when I had scan to see if PE was gone (it had) I stopped all drugs, they’re poison and the after effects is terrible back pain, very debilitating, I’m trying to overcome this, no quality, it’s a domino effect, they put you on one drug, then on to another or another Specialist, it’s a scam, follow the money

[@amandaterrio4823]

I’m on Lupron and Exemestane. Hot flashes and night sweats are awful! I’m getting fatter and fatter. I’m tired all of the time. I really want to stop the medications. I’ve only been on them for 5 months and hearing I have to be on them for 5+ years seems like literal HELL

[@donnadallariva8377]

Lupron can do that too Weight gain . I was on that years ago peri menopause for endometriosis. Sends you into chemically induced menopause.

[@ireneswan1050]

What about skin rash and irritation on tamoxifen?

[@MervaSmith-s6i]

Thanks so much for this video. Can I use turmeric while taking Tamoxifen

[@DawnRK3204]

He indicated it was fine.

[@christinevaseer9122]

I’m not a doctor, but I’ve heard the complete opposite

[@sonyageyer8763]

The information I saw said Tumeric will cancel the blocking of Estrogen

[@susiepingleton3614]

Hands are so affected! Wrists. Hips. 4 years of anastrozole. No alcohol or smoking ever. Just do not think I can go 6 more years.

[@bobbipetty7411]

I'm about to start Letrozole, I'm terrified.

[@L-ash777]

A friend got pancreatic cancer on that and died, another carpel tunnel and trigger fingers, 2 ops, another on that, zoladex and anticoagulant, she’s having frequent mini strokes , she doesn’t know what to do, I said stop the drugs, her Drs have her so scared cancer “might” come back, she’ll die of a stroke. Her Drs need de registration

[@phyllisnoddin6532]

Tendon rupture, rotator cuff tears and joint pain...with lack of sleep. How many people have this?

[@anonnymous595]

Totally trashed my rotator cuffs, knees, and ankles.

[@mareetorrumbarry5155]

Yes! Tendon issues in heels, ankles and wrists..and been on Arimadex for only 6 months.

[@DawnRK3204]

My oncologist prescribed tamoxifen though I’m 5 years post menopause. I stopped it once after two weeks because the joint and muscle pain were debilitating - I also had a fever of 99.7. My feet up to my head hurt like crazy. I collapsed on the job site. I had the same reaction to sulfa antibiotics. I ended up in the ER with the doctors running all sorts of tests because the pain was so severe, and the oncologist insisted it wasn’t tamoxifen. The next day, I was fine. I restarted it a week ago. I have a lean, fit body, and I do landscaping for a living and also exercise daily. I already have severe osteopenia in my spine and mild in my one hip. Menopause itself was very easy for me - just some night sweats. I’ve dramatically reduced my wine intake because it increases estrogen and is a carcinogen. It also increases my heart rate and gives me terrible sleep and low heart rate variability.

[@TrudyContos-gq1bw]

So, what was the problem that landed you in the hospital!!!?? I'd be more concerned about that!? I mean that sounded like a sudden death threat!? I know I get anaphylaxis from sulfa, and NSAIDS . wishing you a lifetime of health

[@DawnRK3204]

I still think it was a reaction to the tamoxifen as they are all potential side effects. I haven’t had a problem since resuming it, thankfully, a month later. It does interfere with absorption of my thyroid meds, so my dose was increased, and it is mildly dehydrating.

[@deborahbizzell1989]

Hello,my Dr.prescribed tamoxifen for me too,in spite of me having gone through menopause many years ago.He obviously didn't care about his patients!

[@bestill-quickchristianmedi9967]

You just skipped over weight gain, please help us know what to use, my Oncologist just keeps saying lose weight…..🤦‍♀️

[@sheila7814]

Ask your oncologist if you can speak to the nutritionist. They can help set up meal plans that can help you lose weight.

[@L-ash777]

Rubbish, drugs that cause weight gain will do that even if you eat a carrot, it’s the drug, they attach to certain cells and that’s why the weight gain, nothing to do with your eating, my great GP told me this as I couldn’t understand it if you ate healthy

[@architecturalheritage]

Aromatese ihibitors affect bone density. How to reduce hot flashes?

[@BMGummy97]

What herbs for hot flashes? your not going to tell us?

[@osteroncology6776]

Hello Bernice. There is a short list of effective natural options for hot flashes and night sweats. Every woman's physiology is individually nuanced so one option from the following list may work for one case but not another. I would trial any of these for no longer than 2-3 weeks and if the option chosen is ineffective, move on to another. Here is a list of clinically effective options that can be considered under the direction of an integrative doc: Black cohosh (yes, it's safe in ER+ cases), Rhubarb extract ERr731, Relizen (a pollen-based extract by the company Bonafide), Evening primrose oil (best given with vitamin E as well), and Hesperidin. Dietary factors that can trigger and worsen hot flashes should be considered as well: alcohol intake, excessive sugar/sweets, spicy food, and caffeine intake. I trust this helps and clarifies!

[@jannethoftnielsen1918]

DIM also works really well, a natural extract from cruciferous vegetables

[@sheila7814]

Just be careful what herbs you use…. Some (not sure which) can diminish the ability of the drug to do its job. I have heard this but I am still researching to find out which will inhibit the drug.

[@janeellis4926]

What about fatigue???

[@karenclark-stapleton8107]

I'm on letrozole and after 1 years it's hell. Constipation, exceptional bone pain, hot flashes, tiredness, yet I choose to continue, knowing its better to. I do gym 5 times weekly weights and rowing it hurts but again feel I must.Find it difficult to lose weight. It's hell and it's more than a struggle!

[@jilleljadi5496]

🙌 I agree, just can’t live with giving up xxx

[@cindy-ry3kp]

Couldn't take Anastrozole, now switched to Letrozole, trying. Starting more active with walking, meeting with nutritionist to discuss better food choices. Hoping I manage this drug better, but I'll not continue if side effects again affect my quality of life. I'm 70 and want to be able to resume normal activities. I have osteoporosis already, elevated cholesterol, and mild heart issues. I want to live. Why are docs not more motivated to discuss coping strategies before you start treatment? I thought this last part of treatment would be a walk in the park cuz I was told nothing about SEs.

[@nicolinapagnotta233]

Letrozole was a nightmare I quit

[@donnadallariva8377]

It was for me too. On arimidex. It has its challenges too. But hopefully finished I July this year.

[@dianakaykenyon7760]

cannot tolerate anastrozole, now must start letrozle...please advise herbal supps to avoid since I take several, including turkey tail for immunity and anti-inflamatory also...we need advice when my oncologist has not discussed even diet...

[@sheiladaly2498]

Shoot me now.

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

You, too?

[@nicolinapagnotta233]

Is it worth it!?

[@sheila7814]

If the cancer is fed by estrogen, sugar and a few other amino acids, I would say yes. Cut out the food to the bad cells, cuts out their growth and spreading.

[@anonnymous595]

Not for me, it wasn't.

[@47725384]

Yes. It is

[@susiepingleton3614]

FATIGUE is huge but Docs ignore it because they have zero helps!!!

[@lisamurphy6203]

I've had a huge increase in BP despite been put on 2 BP meds . Never a problem before Anastrozle. I've cut it to every second day and my BP in now dropping. Am I wasting my time taking it every second day is it of any benefit ? . I won't go back on it every day as I'm in serious danger of having a stroke. Cardiologist said it's called uncomfortable BP,and most likely Anastrozle is the cause. Any advice on dosage appreciated.

[@susiepingleton3614]

@@lisamurphy6203 after 4 years I am off .

[@HelenIngram-r4j]

Yeah, and yet if one is already disabled... I use a wheelchair since bone cancer as a kid... it's simply not possible to be "active".

[@susiepingleton3614]

I have stayed active….fought weight gain for 4.5 years. No weight gain but hard to do. Angry? Oh you bet. Counseling? May go in for help. 4.5 years and no big concern from the team! Ha!!!!!!

[@suzannebazeghi5698]

i reLY APRECIAT YOUR VIDIO

[@LisaBeatsCancer]

Helpful video as ill be on tamoxifen after chemo, surgery and radiation.

[@dianeoh8795]

what are all these things that can be used to help hot flashes - he doesn't say what they are!

[@sheila7814]

Two I have heard. Stay away from alcohol and abundant caffeine. These trigger flashes. Playing calming music and praying/meditating can also help. Keeping your BP down (your flight or fight mechanisms) helps as well.

[@ThePriceisRight4094D]

75 and I have a neglected tumor I was told I had Fibrocystic breast.

[@anonnymous595]

The side effects were horrendous for me. Sure, I might live longer, but I honestly do not want to crippled and in horrific pain.

[@khaliddurrani6432]

You mean for the premenopausal women Tamoxifen works better whereas AI are suited to women over 50 years. Tamoxifen increase the risk of endometrial cancer, affects libido, mood changes, weight gain etc. AI is associated with joint pains , thrombo-embolism, bone density loss etc. However hot flushes, mood fluctuations are common to both.

[@maggieg5719]

@Khalid Durrani The doctor said that Tamoxifen is used on women who are premenopausal. Listen again to how he says it works. The AIs work for women postmenoposal. Listen again how AIs work. I find this very interesting.

[@do9138]

@@maggieg5719 I find the comments about unbearable pain interesting and informative.

[@quantum-master]

I am a postmenopausal woman diagnosed with BC 5 years ago. For the first 3 years of treatment, I was on AI, but I developed severe osteoporosis and joint pain that was sometimes unbearable. I told the oncologist that I was thinking of giving up therapy and she prescribed me tamoxifen. She explained to me that the end effect of both drugs is the same with a different set of side effects. Now all my SEs are very mild and I feel completely normal. All the results of my medical examinations are good and there are no signs of the disease returning. One should always talk to a doctor about all treatment options and find a therapy that suits the best.

[@sheila7814]

@@quantum-master Smart doctor. I bet it depends on hormone levels as well. I will be discussing levels with my doctor.

[@Tabbba12]

Herbs like??

[@sandralittle8607]

Letrozole...the pain is unbearable!!!

[@Ms17796]

Jeez how toxic are these meds! If it doesn’t fix one thing it will mess you up in other thing , pharmaceutical😮. I’m going to look for a natural source. Thank you for the heads up I appreciate.

[@VickieCVlog]

This video was a total waste of time, either change the title of your video or talk about how to toleratevthese drugs

[@kelliekubacki9302]

Just diagnosed. He is a good doctor but could we say women instead of ladies

[@luce3292]

Who cares. Can he give more names of herbs instead of selling himself?

[@aabbarin3506]

you just saying there are solutions and options but not saying what are they

[@deejaecox]

The continuous reference to women as “ladies,” was really annoying, but otherwise good information.

[@muma8207]

Basically an advertisement for you. There was no information here.

[@Armistead_MacSkye]

I disagree. This is important information regarding the role hormones play in "feeding" tumors.

[@muma8207]

@@Armistead_MacSkye that isn't the part that I was referring to. You are right about it being important information ... should be taught in health classes when the information can be helpful ... before you get cancer and have to take Tamoxifen. Understanding the role of obesity in estrogen production, the danger of HRT, etc. That's when we should be informing people about the roles hormones play in feeding tumors.

[@maggieg5719]

@@muma8207 Health classes??? As in high school or college? It can only be drummed into people so much the importance of eating healthy, exercise, eliminating stress, stopping smoking, stopping drinking alcohol, etc. People think “it’s” never going to happen to them. I eat healthy, no processed foods. I exercised a lot. I had defined arms, legs, abs. I felt like I was 20 years old, and am 60 years old! I made one huge mistake. A big mistake. After having a hysterectomy in 2013, I started taking an estrogen replacement because the headaches, hot flashes, night sweats, etc. took over my life! I felt great after taking the estrogen until I found a lump in my breast this spring. So all summer and now into fall, I have been on my cancer journey. I have had just about every test imaginable, so nothing else showed up except the cancer in my breast and two lymph nodes. I tested negative for every genetic cancer marker that is known at this time. I don’t think I would have learned as much as I’ve learned since my cancer diagnosis and what this doctor expressed in this video in any of my health classes in high school and college. Medicine is constantly evolving. Prescription drugs are constantly emerging. Just listen to this doctor. If these drugs, which I’m hoping and praying, do what he’s describing, it’s amazing! This video was very educational and helpful to me. Thank you doctor. I will pray for you, muma8207, that you will never get breast cancer and have to go through what so many of us (men and women) are going through or have gone through.

[@sheila7814]

⁠@@maggieg5719People still get cancer even if they do everything right. Cancer is in everyone of us. Our bodies fight it and sometimes our bodies do not win and a tumor starts or cancer cells spread. Am sorry for your diagnosis and I wish you the best.

[@tarynsanmartino8930]

In all this time, no research has been able to come up with better alternatives? These drug options are terrible.

[@erinbuxton6787]

Just got diagnosed. OH MY! Sounds like a terrible horrible way to LIVE on these AI drugs?!!!!!

[@nicolinapagnotta233]

So it’s going to ruin my life then

[@sheila7814]

Do more research. Don’t give up. It does not affect all women the same.

[@carolynadams5126]

Yup

[@nicolinapagnotta233]

You actually told us nothing

[@ahdavi]

Agreed! Ughh