Hysteroscopy post menopause on tamoxifen

Going through breast cancer treatment Hormone therapy
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Hi lovelies;
Had an abdominal scan yesterday ( all fine) however she did a vaginal scan too and after 10 months on tamoxifen ( post menopause grade 1 stage 1 multifocal mastectomy) she said my endometrium was bulky and cysty and 14mm!! I nearly wept!! Well actually I did…
Being referred for hysteroscopy and biopsy.
Not seen an oncologist referred back to surgeon.
I have stopped the tamoxifen just now.
Sonographer thinks things looked benign so I am holding onto that.
Questions:

  1. Tamoxifen suited me with minimal side effects ( apart from flipping thick endometrium) will I have to change to letrozole?
  2. Anyone else have this and what was the treatment plan?
  3. Letrozole is it as awful as I’ve read?
  4. Will my endometrium reduce in thickness when I stop tamoxifen?
    Sorry for so many questions nothing is ever simple is it!
    Lots of love
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Hi @joyousjen

I’m sorry to hear what you’re experiencing and I hope another forum member will be able to share their experience with you.

In the meantime, you may find this recent thread on the forum about letrozole experiences interesting, with regard to your third question: Letrozole - is problem-free possible? - Going through breast cancer treatment / Hormone therapy - Breast Cancer Now forum.

Please also know that our nurses are here on the forum to answer any clinical questions on this board: Latest Ask our Nurses your questions topics - Breast Cancer Now forum.

Sending our warmest,
Lucy

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have anaesthetic for hysteroscopy as it can be very painful

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Noted! Thanks seagulls x

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Hi joyousjen, How are you doing?
I’m going through similar at the moment.

I’m 49, been on tamoxifen for 4 years post lumpectomy and radiotherapy. I’d been getting abdominal pain/bloating and onc referred me for abdo and transvaginal ultrasound to be on the safe side which found thickening of uterus wall and a cyst.

I had the hysteroscopy last week - gynae consultant said nothing seen of concern but has sent the biopsy off - i’m trying to reassure myself that it will be fine but think i need the results. I have been very stressed and weepy with it all, had my annual mammogram recently which came back clear but always get stressed around this time…

I took paracetamol and ibuprofen before the hysteroscopy, they offered me opportunity to come back and have the procedure under general anaesthetic but I got through it, didn’t feel like i wanted to go back again (they did say i could stop if it was too much, wasn’t like it was off the table). It was taking the biopsy that really hurt, i was asking if there was much longer to go… :sweat_smile:

We are all different, so do take the offer of the anaesthetic if you want to! I didn’t feel there was any pressure or judgement from them.

I’ve not had a period for 3 years now, tolerated Tamoxifen (in oncology speak, still struggled with the side effects!). Oncology told me to stop it when saw the scan results. i called the BCN as was having a melt down and she said they may leave me off it for 3 months and not be concerned re recurrence risk, also that the thickening is a well known side effect, inference was that it will reverse once you stop. They have to follow up but all the cases she had seen did not end up being anything sinister.

I’ve got an appt with oncology in December and she said they’ll think about plan then, will depend what happens with my hormones, if my periods come back (gynae said its likely to be a couple of months if my ovaries are still on)

I don’t have any experience of Letrozole, when i asked my BCN about other treatments, if i couldn’t go back on Tamoxifen, she said not everyone has awful experiences of the other options (which made me think that some people do…)

You’re so right - nothing is ever simple!

Have you heard anything yet about seeing gynae for your hysteroscopy?

Let us know how you’re doing,

Cathy x

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Thanks Cathy. I’ve got the scan and biopsy booked for the 5th November xxx

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Hi Cathy that was a lovely text. I’ve got the scan and biopsy booked for the 5th November xxx
I am the same! Due 1 year mammogram end November then this hits along with my 90 year old mum with dementia being admitted to hospital and my 91 year old dad on his own in a different city! I am buckling Cathy!
No idea what they will say trying to take 1 thing at a time but am so terribly weepy and down.
I am dreading moving onto aromatise inhibitors my mother has osteoporosis and I have a low bmi which isnt stacking up well! I have never been so negative in my life! Xx

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Glad to hear you’ve got a date for the gynae stuff - not long to wait. But so horrible with everything else that’s happening- no wonder you’re feeling negative and weepy. How is your mum doing?

I ended up being signed off work for a few weeks with stress/anxiety. Spoke to a gp who knows me and she was helpful, normalised the emotions in face of the uncertainty. I have depression/anxiety pre the BC and she described this a ‘wobble’ and just needing some time off.

Sending big hugs xx

Cathy

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Hi Cathy - couldn’t see your post. Heading for biopsy on 5th x

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Hope you can see it now, originally got blocked (not sure why!) Cx

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Hi Cathy; had major meltdown today but did an exercise class which helped as did cake and coffee after….
Just spinning so many plates, biopsy/ 1 year mammogram and a mother with dementia in hospital in a different city trying to get my 91 year old dad transport to see her. Trying to compartmentalise it but it’s hard xxx