I'm still taking Tamoxifen every day. I've haven't talked about it for quite a while, but that doesn't mean taking it every day and living with the side effects has gotten any easier. They just started having the HAZARDOUS label attached to the pill bottle. And, what the heck is that red four circle Biohazard symbol on there for? Every morning I open the bottle and take a pill that is labeled Biohazard and ingest it. If that doesn't wake you up in the morning, I don't know what else could.
As far as the side effects go... They are not abating. I still have a HUGE hot flash every morning between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. Right after I finish showering, blow-drying and flat-ironing my hair, getting dressed and hurrying out the door, WOOSH, the hot flash hits. Fortunately it's winter, so I can crank down the window of my car and get a bit of relief. Another regular hot flash hits about 12 hours later or right after dinner. I find myself soaked to the skin and I'm not sure I could feel more uncomfortable. The other super fun side effect is the night sweats. I still wake in the middle of the night freezing cold because the sheets, my jammies and my hair are soaking wet with sweat. I haven't had a good night's sleep in two years. I'm very, very tired.
Next week I go to the Breast Clinic and have my yearly exam and mammography. I'm hoping for good news. My fingers are crossed. I have been faithfully taking the meds and stoically abiding the side effects. I hope, the least thing Tamoxifen can do for me is prevent me from getting breast cancer. I guess I'll know, for sure, in about a month.
Now, on the positive side, I haven't had any of the dangerous side effects. I don't seem to be depressed and I have no bleeding (a sign of uterine cancer that can be a side effect of Tamoxifen). I thank God for this.
76. Medications that keep me healthy
77. Doctors who know their stuff
78. Cold air when the going gets tough
79. My flat iron (my son gave it to me for Christmas. I think it was my favorite gift)
