Tamoxifin and Parkinson like shaking of the head

[deborahg]

I am writing about a friend (Denise) 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 bit of shaking of her head sometimes when we are having a conversation.  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 should she contact her doctor?  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.

Your topic area above only had ovarian cancer topic items . . . this is actually breast cancer topic.

Regards!
Deborah Gordon

[xrayu2]

There is a new medication, Arimidex, that doctors at the cancer center where I work prescribe to patients that experience side effects with Tamoxifin. They are also presribing this  instead of Tamoxifin.  I do know that Arimidex can cause osteoporosis or speed up osteoporosis and our doctors have us do a bone density study on the patients getting ready to take it and then follow it up with another within a year to see the goings on.  They are prescribing Fosomax to help prevent bone loss.  She may talk to her onc and see what they think. Ihope this helps!!

[NikkiPoo]

I don't know about the medication but as a friend I would sit her down and tell her that you are worried that the medication could cause long term effects. A good friend would welcome your concerns and you are only telling her because you care about her.  Maybe print out some information about the medication to show her and than she will have something to take to her doctor. There are too many medications out there for her to take one that is causing her problems. Best wishes to your friend.