Forum Discussion
aucote64
9 years agoMember
Tomoxifen & Uterine Cancer
just wondering if anyone has had diagnoses of Uterine Cancer after being on Tomoxifen? I have had the small op & have stopped taking it. Just waiting for results. I have been post menopause for nearly 7 years, so no period. I started Tomoxifen, 3 weeks later heavy bleeding. I finished Radiotherapy on 10th Jan. I have read as much as I can about it, would like to know if anyone has had any issues like thi please, thank you
11 Replies
- primekMemberA lot to take in. I can't offer information except that I am on letrozole with few side effects except some joint stiffness when I first get up. I guess you could try this plan, if it does cause too many issues then surgery is the next option I guess. Now through menopause you may find the side effects not as bad as when you were first on it. I guess you won't know unless you try. Kath x
- Cate64Member@aucote64 If you want a hysterectomy tell them, insist on it if you feel that is a better option for you. Its your body, your choice!!.
I insisted they take my ovaries & had to argue the point with the Oncology Gynae after I finished Chemo - I won. I had a hysterectomy when I was 31 but they left my ovaries. - aucote64MemberThis whole thing is getting to much, I just need to vent as i we dont have a support group here.
I saw my Oncologist last week and he has changed me to Letrozole and added Zoladex Implant monthly to stop my bleeding, I had not had a period for close to seven years until i took Tomifoxen, The spotting is every few days and im on my 3rd heavy period, I had forgotten how bad i get them,
While i was with my Oncologist i did not realise fully what this injection was, I have severe Endometriosis and have done 17 cycles of IVF with no result, In the late 90's when they were trying to contol my Endo i had severel ops and clean outs. I was given a drug similar to Zolodex but a Nasal drug to be taken morning and night, I chose the nasal dose instead of the Injection as I felt more in control of what was happening, I had 6 months of this drug and endured a false menopause at the age of 30, Now i have to take the drug I avoided over 20 years ago to help stop Cancer,
I have made an app with my GP to discuss all this, but i cant see her till next Friday, It was mentioned that i may need a Hysterectomy but because of my infertility they would only do this as a last resort for pyhcological reasons,
I have started the medication but am trying to find others that may have been in the same situation as me and ask for your thoughts?
I have read through many posts on here, Most posts of taking both these drugs are in much worse postion than me, I am just very scared as i know what it was like last time i used this drug and feel that a Hysterectomy would be a much better option, I am post Menopause.
I have wanted to post before this but i feel like all i do is complain, If you have time to give me your views i would really appreciate it, - primekMemberYes. Well if confirmed post menopause you can switch to an aramatose inhibitor. A week for an appt won't impact too much.
- aucote64MemberHi, thank you all. My results are back, I do not have Uterine Cancer. I was told this by staff at the Drs surgery not my actual Dr. It's fantastic news. I still don't know why this has happened though, why after having tests done that say I am post menopause I suddenly after 7 years start periods again. I stopped the Tomoxifen with my Drs knowledge. I don't know if to start it again? I'm seeing my Radiation Oncologist next week so maybe I wait till then. The problem is my GP says that I am post menopause & my Medical Oncologist says I'm pre???? I understand that Drs are very busy but when every thing started going wrong she had me in theatre so quickly, now I can't speak to her or get into see her till next week. I'm sure it will all be fine.
I think the worst thing about Breast Cancer is the waiting some times. - AnonymousNot applicableHi, I was on Tamoxifen less than a year and have endometrial hyperplasia. My doctor said that some people are more prone to this. I think the doctors should make women more aware of the risks of taking this drug. The doctors really encouraged me to take it and when I got this condition one of my doctors just said "Oh that would be the Tamoxifen". There needs to be more focus on the side effects of cancer treatment in general.
- MiraMemberHi aucote, My periods were really light before Tamoxifen, then they stopped and I had one heavy one, then they stopped completely. I think in a lot of cases its just the tablets playing with your hormones and your body adjusting.
- RobynwMemberHello,I have a similar experience.I am post menopausal.62 years old.I have been on Tamoxifen for almost 4 years.I had some bleeding right in the beginning,and Had a hysteroscopy.The gynaecological oncologist told me that all was fine,and things would settle down.They did,but then just 3 weeks ago I had some bleeding.I went to my GP and he ordered a vaginal ultrasound and a Pap smear.They have both come back ok,there is a polyp and a small cyst,but no cancer.Th uterine wall has definitely thickened,and this is a common side effect of Tamoxifen.My GP has referred me back to RPA which is where I had my hysteroscopy done ,but he has done this,on
y because of my clinical history.My ultrasound ,pap smear and blood tests,are all cancer free.He also reminded me that uterine cancer attributed to tamoxifen is rare,and happens after a long time,not straight away.Try not to worry,but definitely check with your doctor.Cheers Robyn xox - primekMemberI wouldn't think it possible to be tamoxifen related so soon after comnencing but possibly coincidence. Hope you get your pathology soon and know what is happening. X
- Michelle_WMemberHi aucote64,
I certainly know what you are going through, all very worrying. I have been taking Tamoxifen for almost four years.
I had a hysteroscopy and resection of a polyp. showed simple and complex hyperplasia ( at that stage didn't know if it was typical or atypical) of the uterus, polyp was not cancerous.
I was then advised by gyno to have a bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy and hysterectomy. I have had this done and now recovering. I have my appointment with my oncologist tomorrow and hoping he may be able to give my the pathology results as I don't see my gyno for another two and a half weeks.
There was about an eight week wait between surgeries due to booking and public holidays. During this time I have not stopped taking Tamoxifen. The chance of uterine cancer from Tamoxifen is low I am told.
Still a major worry when it is you though. Try and keep positive and know that anything that may be found is very early.
Best wishes
Michelle