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Jane221's avatar
Jane221
Member
10 years ago

Back on Tamoxifen

Hi all, some months back I was switched from Tamoxifen to Arimidex as the last few blood tests my oncologist had ordered were showing I was now post-menopausal. All seemed to be going OK and despite my worries about making the change over, I wasn't having any major effects. But then a little while ago, I had what I can only describe as a "mini-period"; those familiar cramps and a brief show of blood. Then nothing since. What the heck was happening?

I had an appointment with my oncologist in early August and mentioned it to her. She looked worried and said, that's a bit unusual (love those words!), and it's possible that you aren't actually post-menopausal and you'll need to go back on Tamoxifen for the time being as the Arimidex offers no protection if you are still pre / peri menopausal - great!!! So there was something I learned that day, apparently our hormones can be in a state of flux for quite some time during / after treatment, and I could have had post-menopausal hormone levels on the days of the blood test, but actually still be pre/peri menopausal. She also got me to have a pelvic ultrasound to check nothing else was happening and thankfully that was all OK. Finally, she has advised me to see my gynaecologist to get a thorough check up, which will happen at the end of October. Has anyone else had this happen to them, and was it all OK?

Am hoping it is just a minor glitch along the way, but I get so tired of these little "surprises" that remind me that I can never truly shake off this particular ordeal. Jane xx

tamoxifen

3 Replies

  • Jane221's avatar
    Jane221
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Lyn, Thanks so much for your reply. I was 49yrs too when I was diagnosed but was experiencing a few menopause symptoms at the time and had my last period just before chemo. When I finished chemo, I was put on Tamoxifen because there was still a fairly high chance I was pre-menopausal. Two and a half years later after having all the full on menopause symptoms with Tamoxifen, no periods and blood tests showing my hormone levels at post-menopausal levels, it did seem safe to switch, but hey, I guess bc always has a few surprises it can throw at us!

    Not sure what your options will be for hormone therapy given your history of blood clotting so will be interested to hear what's suggested when it comes to that part of your treatment.

    In the meantime, wishing you all the very best with the rest of your treatments. I'm now three and a half years on from diagnosis and despite some of these annoying issues am doing well and I'm sure you will too :-) Jane xx

  • lrb_03's avatar
    lrb_03
    Member
    10 years ago

    It's actually a question  that I have been pondering, Jane. I'm currently having chemo, with surgery probably at the end of October, the radiotherapy, then hormonal therapy. I wasn't at all menopausal before diagnosis. I'm 49yo. I can't take tamoxifen because I have  a history of blood clots in superficial veins. At the moment, I'm wondering which hormone therapy I'll be put on. Will be interested in how you go.

    Take care, Lyn