Fibroids

Fibroids

Fibroids It seems as though just as you think you are moving on something else comes along to bite you in the bum!
I had just passed the anniversary of finishing radiotherapy when I realised that I had something the size of a grapefruit in my stomach - thinking the worst, as you do, I went to my GP who confirmed a large lump. Have seen a gynaecologist who says I have several large fibroids possibly as a result of taking Tamoxifen although it could just be my age (50). They are benign but quite large and could get bigger. At the moment, apart from looking as though I am in the early stages of pregnancy, I have no pain and have had only one period in the last 8 months. He advises me to have a hysterectomy which would include removing the ovaries. In his view this is sensible for someone with a history of BC. I am in two minds about this - I’d quite like to be shot of it all but on the other hand I’m a bit reluctant to go through more surgery if I don’t really need to. I am also worried about the after affects of a hysterectomy particularly as I assume I could not take HRT to counteract them. I would love to hear from anyone who has had experience of this.
Am off for my annual mammogram today so who knows what that may throw up…

Hi Lulu
I had a hysterectomy 2 years before DX but they left my ovaries in because they looked healthy and i didnt want the meno! i wish i had had them out now!
The fibroids will shrink with the meno so would have thought tamoxifen wouldnt have made them grow in the first place - but i am not a doctor so just my opinion. There is a risk of cancer of the uterus because of tamox so might be good to have it taken out anyway.
Good luck.

I had a hysterectomy 2 years before diagnosis too, and like you wonder whether it might have changed things if they’d taken my ovaries too.
I think there are now alternatives to hysterectomies for fibroids, a less traumatic operation called oblation i think . But the fibroids will have to be treated I think.
Kelley

Tamoxifen and Fibroids I suffered with fibroids prior to being diagnosed with bc. The main symptom for me was very heavy and prolonged periods. I was also going through the menopause at the time and both my GPand Gynaecologist told me that they would shrink once I was post-menopausal as their growth depends on oestrogen.

Therefore, I’m slightly puzzled as to how Tamoxifen can make fibroids grow when I thought it was supposed to suppress the production of oestrogen!! All very confusing, I know! Maybe someone can explain?

Jo

Fibroids Thanks for your reply, Helen. It is nice to have such an upbeat view of things and I am encouraged that the after effects for you were not too bad.
I’m going back to see my GP on Wednesday to talk it through but I am pretty sure that I will go ahead - probably after the summer holidays when I can opt out for a few weeks.

Josie - I’m not sure about the Tamoxifen question but I think the gynaecologist said that Tamoxifen can stimulate the cells lining the womb - I may have got that wrong but he certainly implied that there could be a link.

Oh, me too, me too!

Was put on tamoxifen, then one year later, aged 38, had to have a hysterectomy due to fibroids. My doctor was sure they were as a result of tamoxifen, as it seems tamoxifen stimulates the lining of the womb. I think it is sometimes uses as a fertility treatment.

I had my ovaries removed at the same time, as the docs decided I might as well, it helps improve your chances of an ER positive cancer returning.

I have had hot flushes and night sweats, but nothing terrible and no other symptoms.

I don’t regret having it done in the slightest.

I am still taking tamoxifen and will be for another two years. I asked about switching to arimidex but my consultant decided against it.