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Stork's avatar
Stork
Member
7 years ago

Tamoxifen Side Effects

Hello I was Diagnosed with Ducal Hormone Postive Breast Cancer in June 2017 my medical oncologist has put me on Tamoxifen I am post menopause 
For the past month I have bone/muscle pain in my legs, hands, arms and knees
As any else have the same problems or is it part of the ageing process 
my next vist is 4 months away but I see the Surgeon next month
I am hesitant in stopping taking Tamoxifen, according to research the cancer has a increased rate of reoccurring 
Any ideas would be appreciated 
Stork

16 Replies

  • Anonymous's avatar
    Anonymous
    @Stork I’m not sure that the side effects happen within 3 months. I was on Tamoxifen and had different side effects at different stages. It caused endometrial hyperplasia at 12 months. 
  • @stork 
    That comment makes sense.  
    My Onc had said that any side effects will appear in the first month or so and allow up to 6 months for the body to adjust.  In your case this is well and truly after the event!
    Best wishes for getting to the reason
    Take care
  • Hi @Brenda5 @Afraser @kezmusc thank you for your ideas
    I was speaking with my oncologist by a phone call who advised me it is not the tamoxifen if any side effects were to manifest they happen within the first 3 months  I have been on it for a year and a half 
    Her recommendation is to see a
    Rheumologist and keeping on talking the Tamoxifen 
    Stork
  • More than likely the Tamoxifen.  I have had chronic lower back and left hip pain since 4-6 weeks of starting that drug over 16 months ago.  It never goes away.  Not bad during the day while I am moving around but as soon as I stop and sit ouch!  I also have a lot of muscle burning like pain around that area if I have been still for too long.

      I took krill oil, magnesium and vit d for 10 months and it didn't make any difference but it may for you and it's worth a try.

    Nurofen will give the pain a nudge but doesn't last long and nobody wants to take too much of that.  

    I have regular breaks off Tamoxifen but only stay off for a couple of weeks which is enough to start easing the pain but not long enough for it to go altogether.

    Hope it gets better for you soon.
  • Quite sure ageing doesn't set in in one month! I have different problems with femara, but agree it's best to look at ways to ameliorate the problem first, particularly if the problems are relatively recent. Best wishes.
  • Fish oil capsules, high dose magnesium and vitamin D3 will help. Also gentle walking helps iron out the kinks. Ordinary Panadol if you are primed up to be active.