Gail and Mike Cunningham wrote:
>
> Dear Friends,
>
> I guess it is my turn to ask questions now. I am almost five years cancer free, and have been taking
> tamoxifen as well as dilantin, phenobarbitol and levoxyl. I am 48 years old and know that the normal
> "change of life" cycle for me should be around this time frame. Because of the tamoxifen, I cannot
> be tested to determine if I am pre or post menopausal, as the test would not be accurate. This past
> spring I suffered three seizures after being seizure free for 13 years. My dilantin levels dropped.
> Recently, my thyroid levels, as one doctors office told me, where not in sync, and my dilantin levels
> have gone over the top of therapeutic. (10-20) The last tests have beenn ( from today backward)
> 24.1, 26.4 and 25.5. I know that alot of different things can cause these levels to go up or down.
> What I am looking for is whether or not a normal change of life cycle for a cancer survivor on
> tamoxifen can also effect thyroid and dilantin levels, even though there does not seem to be a test
> to tell. Has anyone out there suffered with a similar situation? Any information would be
> appreciated.
>
> God Bless,
> Gail Cunningham
> pkmikec@netusa1.net
Dear Gayle,
I am not familiar and can't advise you about the tests you are
discussing here, but my Barb has been on Tamoxifen for about 6 months or
so and has been working fine. I know women that have been on Tamoxifen
longer than the 5 years. That is somewhat a range of years that was
determined many years ago so it may or may not be the case in your case.
However, one thing we have learned about Tamoxifen and you should be
aware is there is a blood test called LFT (liver function test) and this
test should be taken periodically say every three months because the
levels may go up as a result of prolonged Tamoxifen as the enzymes in
the livers arise or causes the liver to be fatty. That would be a
concern. Again that is not to say that it may be the case in yours but
something to think about when you are taking blood tests. TAke the LFT
as well and ask your Doctor about that.
Its just another precaution when taking Tamoxifen as it is somewhat a
form of chemotherapy.
Take care Gayle and God Bless
Marty Auslander
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