Hiya, i wonder if anyone has some words of wisdom for me, or had a similar experience.
In oct 06 i had a left mastectomy and ax node clearance, chemo, radio, as i had an incasive lobular carcinoma grade 2 15mm, er/pr positive, i had 10/25 lymph nodes infected, was put on tamoxifen and zoladex. I was 44 and pre-menopausal. after radio i was put on tamoxifen (5years) and zoladex (2years) altho i stopped taking zoladex after just over a year, as i really couldnt cope with the side effects. Ive been very depressed too, im a widowed mother of 2 young boys, so i was on prozac for the last 2 years. ive now read that this is a bad idea as it stops the tamoxifen working. I stopped taking prozac about 2months ago, and i should have gradually reduced the dose, but i didnt, and am still getting withdrawal symptons. I also stopped taking tamoxifen for a few weeks - altho i am back taking it again now and have been for a few weeks. But half an hour ago, i found that my period had started - the first one since chemo. Im worried as i know i shouldnt have these hormones. I was told i couldnt have an oophrectomy, i havnt even been able to have reconstruction as i have put on too much weight. Is this a big worry for me? Is it urgent to contact the breastcare nurses tomorrow? or do you think it will be ok? I would really like someone to put my mind at rest. My mum died of this disease before she was 50 and altho they say they didnt find any genetic link, they say it might just be because they dont know about the particular one i have. Waiting anxiously for some answers
I’m not in same position as you but, as it’s obviously causing you concern I’d ring the bcn and get some advice. I think it’s pretty normal to have a period quite some time after them stopping but it’s always worth checking. That’s what the bcn’s and drs are there for. Take care. Pat x
Hi - re the tamoxifen and the prozac - it depends on how each person metabolises the drugs, thats what the difficult part is so rather than have to check everyone they know that there may be a problem so don’t advise it or advise with caution - the States are more up on it than us in the UK. I was on prozac but when I read about it and passed it on to my GP who I used to work with he was wary too and wanted to swap me to Efexor which goes better with the tamoxifen. I weaned off it using liquid prozac and was hoping to not need anything but found I was really anxious etc and needed something, I started to feel better within 10 days or so. They say the prozac doesn’t have probs coming off it but all I can say it that they’ve obviously never taken it themselves!! The efexor is also prescribed/recommended to combat the hot flushes with the tamoxifen but peeps aren’t too keen on taking an antidepressent unless they need it for depression. I’d have a chat with your GP and ask about efexor or something like that - mine has XL after it as its a longer release version and meant to be better with less side effects. I also know of a good few friends diagnosed at the same time as me ie this year who’s periods have come back so I’ll ask them what they did - talking to the bc nurse might help or to the helpline - I spoke to a lovely lady on there when I was first diagnosed. You have a lot on your plate at the moment so it would be worth seeing your GP just for the depression side of things…take care, mary x
Hi quirk
As kittenkat has already mentioned, you may find it helpful to give the BCC helpline a call and talk things through with one of our trained members of staff, who will be able to offer you support and information. All the staff here are either breast care nurses or have personal experience of breast care issues. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 the lines open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm and Saturdays 9am - 2pm.
I hope this is of some help to you.
Kind regards
Sam (BCC Facilitator)
Thanks very much for the answers, i did see my doctor and am now on effexor. Was also admitted to hospital with severe bleeding and had a procedure which sent a camera into my womb. Aparently i have a large cyst on one ovary and several polyps. Am waiitng to discuss the results properly with the specialist.