I've been on it just over a year and yes I have hot flashes, my knees ache all the time, I can't sleep, the list goes on but if it can keep the big C from coming back I figure it's worth it. Like everything else we've been through, this too is a personal choice.

Raloxifene is an estrogen-blocking drug that can serve as an alternative to Tamoxifen. It belongs to a class of estrogen inhibitors called selective estrogen response modulators. Evista works by blocking the activation of estrogen receptors on breast cells to prevent estrogen signaling. Prescribing Evista to patients with a high risk of developing breast cancer may prevent cancer development by disrupting estrogen signaling in the breast.

Evista is only prescribed to post-menopausal women, according to Lilly, the drug's manufacturer. It is prescribed for the treatment of breast cancer or as a treatment for osteoporosis with the additional function of protecting against breast cancer development. Women taking Evista are at an increased risk of developing blood clots.

Anastrozole, trade name Arimidex, is another alternative to Tamoxifen therapy. Arimidex belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, which work to prevent estrogen production. The molecular structure of estrogen is based on existing cholesterol-like chemicals in cells and specific proteins are responsible for generating estrogen. Anastrozole works by inhibiting key proteins involved in estrogen synthesis, stopping the production of estrogen and lowering estrogen levels.

Arimidex is approved to treat initial cases of metastatic breast cancer in post-menopausal women, and can also be taken to prevent breast cancer recurrence. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals, Arimidex's manufacturer, reports that taking Arimidex may worsen existing cardiovascular conditions, as well as cause bone weakness, nausea or allergic reactions.

Honestly, none of these sound too encouraging.

I couldn't take Taxox. because it causes blood clots, so they put me on Exemestane. Stopped taking it after a month and a half because of terrible side effects- headaches, muscle/joint pain, tired feeling, upset stomach, sleep and vision problems. I probably could have tolerated those, but the worst was the sweating and anxiety which led to depression. I'm almost back to normal now- it's been 4 weeks since I've been off it.

I went back on tamoxifen,am going to see how it goes this time. I read somewhere that this kind of stuff happens all the time,its called "taking a vacation "and sometimes when ppl have gone back on there arent as bad side effects. But we will see. I am also on effexor nd neurontin for my fibromyalgia.

Thanks everyone for the input! I see my oncologist on Friday. I will post to let y'all know what she says. God bless!