I’ve been on tamoxifen and Zoladex since April and am still dealing with side effects. Over the last couple of months, I’ve had what was described as ‘vaginal dryness’ and have been using Yes products to help.
But in the past month, I’ve noticed a few paper-like cuts underneath, and they’re really sore. One ‘big one’ that hasn’t healed in over a month. Antibiotics I was prescribed last week haven’t helped, and the Yes products don’t seem to be making a difference. It feels like it’s getting worse, and I’m not sure what to do next.
Has anyone experienced anything similar? Any advice would be really appreciated – it’s starting to get me down
Have you tried Sudocrem? It’s a bit thick to spread but very soothing and healing. Doesn’t help the cause I know but might ease the discomfort a little.
I can sympathise and I see my thread has already been posted.
Please ask for a menopause specialist appointment, they will liaise with your oncology/breast team to see what is possible.
A great resource is Menopause and Cancer charity started by Dani Binnington who has many expert guests on her podcast/youtube with lots of ideas and suggestions to help.
Jo Divine was started by husband and wife team and Sam is an ex nurse. She was on Davina MaCall menopause programme. Lots of advice regarding vaginal moisturiser and lubricants what to use and what to avoid.
This is very painful and doesn’t get better without treatment. The treatment can be vaginal estrogen which doesn’t affect the rest of the body. Ive tried Blissel gel, vagifem, Ospemifene and estriol cream. The estriol cream is the winner. It is very soothing inside and out.
Also when you can tolerate invest in a set of dilators and maybe a joylux red light therapy rejuvenator. Game changers for painful sex.
Xxxx
I feel your pain…literally! I have been on tamoxifen for nearly 2 years. I am 45 and was feeling quite lucky that my side effects have been minimal. However, for about 6 weeks now I have had an overactive bladder and itching/soreness externally. I don’t seem to have dryness internally but having initally thought it was a UTI, then thinking it was related to kidney stones (which I am prone too), I am now wondering if this is the bloody tamoxifen! I have just started using YES lubricant as a moisturiser (I might try the actual moisturiser too but had this in just in case) so will see but if it doesn’t improve I might consider the vaginal oestrogen as breast care nurses felt was safe as localised. I think Dr Liz O’Riordan has mentioned the same in her podcasts/vlogs too. Good luck and hope things improve soon xxx
lol. Menopause specialist appointment? Never seen one of those. Never even spoke to an oncologist despite asking. I’d love to, but apparently my Gp says there’s no such thing in Devon!!
