Journal to a Muse

Tapering off the Tramdol.


I am delighted to be able to report that I haven't needed as much painkiller this week as last. I still get leg pain if I stand for very long, but it's no longer excruciating, nor long lasting, and I've stopped wishing I could amputate most of my left side.

And what else has decreased since the Tamoxifen hiatus? Hot flashes. Itching so bad I wanted to peel my skin off. The pain in my hip. The burning in my calf. Grouchiness.

And NOW, I discover my medication provider's list of possible side-effects:

First, the General Warnings

Taking tamoxifen may increase your risk of uterine cancer, stroke, or a blood clot in the lung, which can be fatal. Talk with your doctor about your specific risks in taking this medication.To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your doctor may want you to have mammograms and to perform routine breast self exams on a regular basis. Your liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.

What are the possible side effects of tamoxifen?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.Stop using tamoxifen and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects.

• And then there are the more specific side effects:
  sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body;
  sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance;
  chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood;
  pain or swelling in one or both legs;
  unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge;
  irregular menstrual periods;
  pain or pressure in your pelvic area;
  fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
  pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
  new breast lumps; or
  nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
  
• "Less serious side effects may include:"
  hot flashes, warmth or tingly feeling under your skin;
  bone, joint, or tumor pain;
  redness or skin changes;
  swelling in your hands or feet;
  vaginal itching or dryness;
  depressed mood, weakness;
  weight loss;
  nausea;
  cough, sore throat;
  decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;
  headache, dizziness; or
  thinning hair.

And then it says this isn't a complete list ! EEEEK
Good grief. And wouldn't you know that the only side effect I DIDN'T notice was weight loss.It looks cool though:
"Tamoxifen is an estrogen blocking agent that has recently been found to reduce the risk of breast cancer in women by as much as 40-50 percent. This remarkable finding may have implications for prostate cancer in men due to the effects of testosterone on the prostrate gland. The exact mechanism of action is unknown, but the drug serves to block estrogen receptors that allow cancer cell formation when bound by estrogen. Side effects include an increase in the incidence of uterine cancer, and tamoxifen has been reported to enhance the formation of cataracts."