Tamoxifen

[deborahg]

I am writing about a friend of mine (we also work together) who was diagnosed with breast cancer after her first mamogram at 40. She had a lumpectomy, radiation, chemo, and has been on Tamoxifin for three years now. Recently I have noticed a suttle bit of shaking of her head periodically . . . not consistently. When I first noticed it I thought of Parkinson's but after some research of Tamoxifin and it's side effects I'm thinking there is possible neurolgical activity going on that is causing the shaking. Is this possible and do you have any history/research that advises on this condition? One other co-worker has noticed it too. I have been troubling over telling her and have decided that I will do it this week but hoping for some feedback from you.

The other side-effects she is struggling with is weight gain (40+ lbs since diagnosed), and very painful joints - especially her feet.  Any suggestions?


Regards!
Deborah Gordon

[rkmsim]

Me again.  To answer your question about what type of exercise.  I found water aerobics is very good to control lymphedema if that is an issue.  I have it in my left arm.  For the muscle and joint pain, I use the treadmill and particularly the leg press machine to get a strenuous workout on the leg muscles.  For arms, I use the upper body weight machines.  I see someone else mentioned Arimidex.  The Femara that I take is in the same drug class and can have the same bone issues that Arimidex has --- osteoporosis.  Another good reason to do the weight bearing exercises.

[xrayu2]

I posted to your question on the Ovarian site, but I will post you here also.  Your friend could ask her onc about side effects and if she is a candidate for Arimidex.  That is a popular drug being prescribed to breast ca patients at the cancer center that I work at.  I do not know all its side effects, but I know oneis bone loss.  The docs have us do bone density studies on patients that are going to take Arimidex.  Women coming in for their f/u mammos that had issues with Tamoxifin are taking Arimidex without as many problems. I hope I have helped.

[deborahg]

Thanks rkmsim for your comments.
I have been all over the internet trying to find feedback regarding several of the side effects . . . hoping for a bit of response from those who have experienced them who would share any suggestions.  My friend says it hurts too bad to exercise.  She use to be a daily walker . . . now very little.  I suggested the YMCA and water walking but her weight stops her.  She is a very pretty woman but is very self conscience about her weight. I will share your comments.  Is there any particular machine(s)?

I did tell her about the shaking and she will talk with her Doc.  She is going through a scarey period because they just did an ultra sound test to check her ovaries and uterus (she had a period with heavy bleeding) and she is still waiting for results.  So, it was hard for me to add to her burden but we have been friends for 24 years & are close.

[rkmsim]

I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years.  Weight gain and painful joints and muscles are side effects.  I lost the weight after I quit taking the Tamoxifen.  I'm on Femara now and haven't gained any weight in the 2 years I've been on it.  In fact, I have lost more weight.  As the the muscle and joint pain, I found that strenous exercise, particularly weight bearing, help immensely.  As long as I exercised regularly the pain was not bad at all.  A week without exercise and I couldn't sleep at night from the pain.

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Deborah,  The symptoms that you describe could be related to many conditions.  If you are concerned about your friend you might suggest that she talk with her doctor.   The doctor could then do an examination and determine what further evaluation and treatment may be necessary.