Hi Marianne
Even though your chemo and radiation finished months ago, there can be "after" effects from the orignal chemo. my "extra" symptoms lasted another 6 months after chemo, but were completely different to those while undergoing the treatments.
I had excess fluid, nearly 3kg worth, and my legs couldnt bend properly to walk, but one side of my body was bigger, very weird, joints ached, arm cording and my fingernails when funny again, it was not a fun time, and was advised that they do "eventually" stop. All I can say was 'eventually' was a really Long time 6 mths, grrrr.... when you think you should be feeling fitter and more active.
so it may not be the tamoxifan as the sole culprit
cheers Bardoe
I am nearly 12 months post diagnosis and just turned 50 this year. I am on Tamoxifen and zolodex injections and like you have joint soreness especially my hips/pelvis area when i try to get out of bed or off the lounge. It eases up after a few minutes or so and some days its not so bad at all . I don’t have swelling though and I would agree with Kym that you should see about it as it could be slight lymphodoema. I get soreness still where they took the lymph nodes out and on the side of the boob but that’s about the extent of it.
I have queried mine with my oncologist and Dr and had blood tests to rule out a few things. The only thing that came back was my Vit D mod low. According to them apparently Tamoxifen and menopause both can cause achy joints and weight gain in some people.
Apparently your Matabalism drops by 40% during the first year of natural menopause. So with forced menopause i can just imagine what happens with that. Good luck with the swelling and seriously you should check further into it.
Cheers Jo xx
Hi Marianne Jane - I was on Tamoxifen for 18 months (post surgery and chemo) and this did not cause me any swelling of my hands. I'm wondering if it's possible your swelling could be lymphodoema? (If you had surgery and any nodes removed?) I'd suggest a visit to your Oncologist or GP would be a good idea - then at least you can find out and put your mind at rest. I had a little joint stiffness while on Tamoxifen, but not a lot. Much more joint stiffness since changing to Femara. Good luck - hope the swelling abates for you. Kym :)
Hi Marianne Jane - I was on Tamoxifen for 18 months (post surgery and chemo) and this did not cause me any swelling of my hands. I'm wondering if it's possible your swelling could be lymphodoema? (If you had surgery and any nodes removed?) I'd suggest a visit to your Oncologist or GP would be a good idea - then at least you can find out and put your mind at rest. I had a little joint stiffness while on Tamoxifen, but not a lot. Much more joint stiffness since changing to Femara. Good luck - hope the swelling abates for you. Kym :)
