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DonnaK's avatar
DonnaK
Member
7 years ago

Tamoxifen Tender Breasts

Hi everyone hoping you can tell me if the following withdrawal symptom is normal and if it subsides...

I was diagnosed with BC in my left breast in 2008 and following treatment was put on 20mg of tamoxifen daily for ten years without any side affects whatsoever.

My oncologist stopped my dosage two months ago and for the last three weeks my “good breast” the right one has become enlarged and heavy and extremely tender. I have had full bloods taken and my hormone levels are very high - not premenopausal yet despite now being 52. I have found on some old forums that people have experienced similar pain (almost like when your milk comes in when pregnant) after completing tamoxifen but the feeds are so old the replies are no longer there. 

My concern is that I am no longer suppressing my oestrogen and therefore putting my “good breast” at risk AND whether I should go back on the tamoxifen which has worked so beautifully for me AND finally if this tenderness will subside, and indeed what is the cause of it? 

2 Replies

  • My bloods were only recent and periods regular and hormones still high, so not premenopausal. It is only one breast that is affected too. My good one. Thank you for your ultrasound recommendation. 
  • Hi, wish I could help, but I'm still on exemestane, and definitely post menopausal since chemo. Any chance you could be premenstrual? My breast used to get horribly tender for about 2 weeks. 3 weeks is s bit long, though, I'd have thought. When were you bloods done? Since this started? 
    If you're concerned, see your GP and ask for an ultrasound
    Take care