Hi everyone, I’m new to the forum, been browsing for a while and found some comfort in reading about others’ shared experiences, so first of all “big up” to all the other women out there putting up with this crap! :smileyhappy:
To cut a long story short, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in July, I’ve had the lump removed, I’m 5 sessions away from finishing Radiotherapy (yaay!) I’m pre menopausal and I’ve been taking Tamoxifen for about a month and a half and had two normalish periods.
So far I think I’ve been relatively lucky regarding the side effects compared to what I’ve read from others, but for the last few weeks, every day at some point I have a nagging ache in my lower stomach that sometimes develops into a sharp cramp. Stomach aches aren’t something I suffer from usually, and before I start to really worry, does anyone else have the same sort of discomfort?
Whilst you are waiting for the other users to reply with their experiences you might find it helpul to talk things through with a member of staff on the BCC helpline. Here you can share your thoughts and concerns with someone who will offer you a listening ear as well as emotional support and practical information. The number to call is 0808 800 6000 and lines are open Monday to Friday 9 to 5pm and Saturday 10 to 2pm.
Hi there,ive been on it for over 3 months and so far no problems. I was told to report if i had any stomach pains or bleeds that were unusual for me. Maybe let your onclogist know next time you see them as Tamoxifen can cause changes to the womb lining .Yay to end of rads soon :-)
I began taking Tamoxifen in March and was having terrible stomach pain. I came here and it was suggested that I try taking it at a different time. I was taking it first thing in the morning. I was willing to try anything so I played around with the times and figured out that when I took it at dinner, NO stomach pain. I am not sure if it is because I’m not a if morning eater so I didnthave enough food to prevent it or of my stomach pain happens when I sleep now but for whatever reason, this has been my solution. Good luck to you, stay strong!!
I had a lumpectomy 3weeks ago. All clear and no lymph nodes affected. It’s grade 2, oestrogen +. I’m doing well and started on Tamoxifen 8 days ago. I have radiotherapy in a few weeks time. I am post menopausal. 3 days after starting Tamozifen I had bad stomach cramps early in the morning when I awoke. That has continued with lots of trips to the loo. Last night they started at night when I went to bed. It’s really bothering me and is making me tired. I am a carer for my husband with Parkinsons and so need to be as fit as possible. Any ideas or help would be much appreciated. I haven’t yet spoken to my breast care nurse or GP.
Yes, I’m having the same thing. I had a lumpectomy 3 weeks ago. It’s all clear and I’ll have radiotherapy in a few weeks. I started taking Tamoxifen 8 days ago. The cramps started on day 4 and I wake up with them around 5am and yesterday had them when I went to bed. Usually accompanied by loose bowels.
I worry it’s something else but having googled it, realise others have the same thing. I shall phone the breast care nurse on Monday.
does this sound like your experience? I hope yours improves. Mine too.
hi Sue,
As well as what the ladies have said below, some find changing brands can help, with the Teva brand cited as helpful in this respect. Also, others have reported having a lactose intolerence where symptoms have been exacerbated due to the ingredients in the tablet.
If you haven’t already, it may be worth having a chat with your team.
ann x
Hi. I’m new to this, but after reading through the conversations, I am feeling a bit better knowing it is not just me.
I had a double mastectomy in January, no further treatment needed. I started taking Tamoxifen at the beginning of March. The hot flashes are beyond what I imagined, especially at night, but that’s manageable.
The stomach pains are beyond what I can handle. The pains have woken me up and doubled me over in pain throughout the day. I’ve been to my gynecologist, regular doctor and breast surgeon. No one has any answers. I’ve gone through pelvic ultrasounds, trans-vaginal ultrasounds, colonoscopy, endoscopy, and no one can tell me what these severe pains are from. I then read this forum and see that so many of you have stomach pains. I am seeing my oncologist on Friday and hoping he has answers.
I also have a fibroid tumor and large, fast growing cysts on my ovaries, along with fluid around my cervic from unknown region, that I’ve never had before.
Does anyone else have these issues? If so, what are you doing that helps?
