Hello everyone. I used to be an avid user of this forum since my diagnosis in 2004 but have not been on for a while. However, having been really fit and well for the last 4 years, things are starting to go a bit down hill.
I am on Tamoxifen and have had increasing problems with vaginal irritation and thrush. I tried Replens as recommended on this forum but it didn’t really help. I spoke to my consultant and he said it was ok to have oestrogen cream. I got it from my GP yesterday but when I opened the pack it said it was an HRT treatment and should not be used by anyone who has had breast caner. I feel I should trust my consultant who said that the Tamoxifen would block any oestrogen but I do feel a little uneasy. Has anyone else had this experience?
Also, my left arm started to swell about 2 months ago. I have had a nightmare trying to get an appointment. My consultant referred me to someone at The Marsden but he has gone off sick so my appointment has been cancelled. I am now waiting for another referral. It’s getting me down as I don’t know if it’s lymphodema and am worried that if it is, the delay in treatment may make it worse.
Anyway, sorry to moan but sometimes you just need to get it all off you chest. Please cheer me up by advising me or just sayin hi, we know how you feel!!
Hattie
Sorry to hear that things are going down hill for you. I was interested in your comments about the virginal itch - I started a thread yesterday about exactly the same thing. I’ve only been on tam for just under 2 months and have had this problem twice - both occassions have co-incided with my monthly cycle (which despite tam and a mirena coil still appears although very light). The reponse so far has been along the lines of it sounds like thrush and try the over the counter rememdies. Sorry I can’t offer any advice on the oestrogen cream - my only advice would be to phone the consultant and double check with them.
Sorry to hear about your arm too … things never come one at a time doe they! Good luck in getting a new appointment
You are welcome to email our team of specialist nurses via our ‘Ask the nurse’ service for advice, you can find this service under the ‘Support for you’ tab at the top of this page, alternatively, you can call our helpline on 0808 800 6000 which open again in the morning from 9am - 2pm and Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.
I finished treatment in 2004 and am now on arimidex. My consultant prescribed oestrogen cream for me after discussions.
I personally decided the small risk was worth it to have a comfortable life, it all comes down to personal choice.
Oestrogen cream is not a full blown HRT as only a minimal amount is absorbed into the body or that was how it was explained to me.
I also have lymphodema and have found that as long as I wear my compression sleeve it doesn’t impact on my life. I wouldn’t have thought that a couple of weeks delay wouldn’t really make much difference but it is better to actually have a definite diagnosis.
Good luck getting your appointment.
Thanks for your comments. It’s good to know Jakey that you have had similar problems but you are not letting them impact your life. Lilacblushes, I hope you manage to find a solution to the dreaded itch!