Hi my name is Sharon I am 42 years old and I have breast cancer, or I should say I have been treated for BC. I was diagnosed in Nov 07 and had a right mastectomy and lymph node removal in Dec 07. I have survived Chemo and Radiotheraphy and am now taking Tamoxifen. I thought I was doing really well but the last few months have been horrible. I have constant aches and pains particularly in my lower back. Some days it is so bad that I can barely move. I hate sounding like a whinger but I am sick and tired of being in so much pain, Chemo was easier at least you got some respite. I don’t want to be like this I want to feel well and have loads of energy, but at the moment feel like I am turning into a disabled person (no offence).
Hi Shazzie
Sorry you are feeling grotty at the moment. I don’t take Tomoxifen as I am ER-, however I have heard of folks feeling pretty wacked on it. I think is is quite normal to feel you have gone through the mill, I experienced that feeling. You can only take this one day at a time, I heard it can take a year to recover.
However if you are concerned at any stage its never wasting time to go back to hospital for more advice and support.
Take care
Hi Sharon
Im new to all this but it was suggested to me by a BC survivor that she didn’t do well on the Tamoxifen tablets but got some relieve on the liquid form as she was alergic to something in the tablets that made her feel grotty!!
I have just read your comments and was glad to find someone who actually feels the way i do at the mo! I was recently dx in late Jan and had a WLE + SNB(2cm,grade 3+sml dcis, ER+ Her2-) early Feb. I am going for 2nd surgery in 2wks for, hopefully, clearer margins and LN clearance as 1 of the 2 nodes were positive(can’t really understand why i need them all out)?
Chemo is planned 3-4wks after surgery followed by rads & tamoxifen(why can’t i just get my ovaries taken away as my c is oestogen receptive)?
My scars after 4wks have healed well but i am left with a very sensitive nipple in which i cannot bear clothes/anything touching me. It is stopping me from the getting out and about & every step or bump is agony and i walk around most of the time like the ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame’ and it doesn’t seem to be easing!
If this does not go, i would consider having a mastectomy at my next surgery rather than being left like this! Sorry for not being more positive but i find this all rather new and scary! Please help?
Sharon,
Off to the doctors with you.
Anything new should be checked and you say this lower back pain has only been around the last few months. I am on Tamoxifen and it has given me ovarian cysts which gives me back pain that radiates down my legs, like reallly bad cramps. Don’t suffer, you don’t need to feel like cr*p.
Good luck, Kat x
Hi Sharon
Welcome to the discussion forums. As well as the support you are receiving from your fellow users you may find the BCC fact sheet on tamoxifen helpful. You can find this by following the link below:-
breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.718/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/124
Also if you would like to talk to someone about how you are feeling please give the helpline a call. Here you can share your concerns with one of trained members of staff who will offer you a listening ear. The number to call 0808 800 6000 and the lines are open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 2pm Saturday.
Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)
Hi Sharon,
I was dx same time as you and had surgery dec 07, my treatment is all over but i could’nt help thinking i was feeling the same as you as my lower back is in such pain that i’m having trouble coping with it properly.
the onc are putting it down to a back problem i have, i have a lot of problems with my back and a couple of slipped discs, i had an mri a year past february, but i think the pain is getting much worse and i,m going to ask for another one when i see him in april.
My bc is triple neg so i don,t have experience of tamoxifen, but if i were you i would ask for a mri also if only to put your mind at rest. Hope you get on ok
reneexx