Hormone treatments, tamoxifen and tendonitis

Wadi

Hi there, I'm very new to this, but wondering if anyone has experience of tamoxifen and tendonitis? I've  had two different types of breast cancer, but one side was HER2Positive so since January this year I have been on anastrozole. In late July I got extremely painful tendon damage  - a torn and swollen hamstring tendon near my seatbone, so it really hurts to sit, and two other gluteal tendons with tendinopathy as well - no idea what set these problems off, but discovered that anastrozole, in reducing oestrogen, weakens tendons. My Oncologist said suspend it, so I haven't been taking it since early August. She later offered me a script for Tamoxifen instead. As Tamoxifen also is designed to reduce oestrogen I am wondering whether I should switch to it or not? I don't want a breast cancer recurrence, but my life quality at the moment is much affected by the tendon problem which is not healing very quickly at all. It's going to take many many months I think. If I take tamoxifen now will I slow down the healing? What should I do? Anyone out there had any experience with tamoxifen and tendons? Thanks for any experience you can share with me!!!

arpie

SO sorry to hear of your tendonitis @Wadi.  Maybe Double check your physical activities & see if they may be contributing - as it is definitely good to stay on AIs if you can to reduce recurrence   I believe that our natural hormones actually 'grease' our joints - as the most common side effect from AIs is aches & pains    I've not heard of actual tendonitis tho!
  
Please Fill us in on your diagnosis & treatment/surgery so far .... and how you've recovered & what stage are you at?  Will you be having Radiation or chemo?

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https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/23477/a-big-welcome-to-all-new-online-network-members#latest

take care  and all the best as you move forward xx

Aska

My understanding is Tamoxifen blocks estrogen receptors only on breast/ breast cancer cells. 

Cath62

Hi @Aska, Tamoxifen seems to have less impacts on joints and tendons etc as per the list of side effects in the pharmaceutical information. Most women tolerate it well. 

 I do not believe it impacts healing but check with your dr. Perhaps try it as suggested by your oncologist and see how you go. You don't want reoccurance or mets so staying on treatment is the way to go. Talk to Dr about your concerns. 

I didn't take tamoxifen for a couple of years and no issues like the AIs which can cause pain in joints etc. I chose tamoxifen for that reason because of exercise. 

Wadi

Thanks so much for your comments. In response to your question, arpie,  I had surgery, chemo and radiotherapy last year from June up to Xmas and have been on Herceptin immunotherapy through this year till  late August. I'm feeling pretty good now, apart from the tendon problem.  I live in Canberra and am probably hooked in to support - Cancer Wellness Centre at Canberra Uni is helping me with Exercise Physio. My GP isn't too helpful unfortunately - very empathetic but not so useful I've found on this issue.  Anyway, I've decided to make a start on Tamoxifen and see how I go, given recurrence is more serious than even a very painful tendon! I'll just have to put up with the tendon till it eventually heals! 

Thanks for your responses and any more info that comes in is welcome!