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Vaginal/uterus problems after breast cancer treatment

Sj54
  • 2 replies
  • 35 subscribers
  • 209 views

I had a lumpectomy in 2022 and started on letrozole as my lump was oestrogen positive. Since then I struggled with weak muscles and my vaginal prolapse got worse so I had a cystocele and rectocele about a year ago. Then I had to have a uterine polyp removed and a endometrial biopsy. A few months later at a check up it was suggested I had lichen sclerosis. That meant another biopsy.

I was changed from letrozole to tamoxifen and that had alleviated the muscle weakness in my legs and arms but the uterus/ vaginal problems persist. I have vaginal moisturiser and also some cream for the lichen sclerosis and have now started with bladder problems. I am about to go back to the GP as I'm not sure which of the conditions is causing me to feel so uncomfortable.  It just feels like my prolapse is back. Was this all caused by the after effects of the breast cancer. Have you any advice you can give

  • Dear  

    Thanks for getting in touch with the Macmillan support line. I’m Linda, one of the nurses from our support line.

    It sounds as if you have been going through quite a time in the last few years. So, it’s only understandable to try and understand if there is relationship between the symptoms you mention and the treatment for breast cancer.

    As nurses on this type of platform it’s not possible to offer a clinical view about the cause of symptoms. This is because we don’t have access to NHS held patient records. And because people can have these symptoms without having had cancer we can’t say that the treatment has definitely been the catalyst in your situation.

    However vaginal dryness can be a common side effect when taking hormonal therapies and, though rare, some women to develop vaginal polyps with Tamoxifen.

    Joint and muscle pain can be linked to hormonal treatments, but weakness is not listed as side effect. Though weakness can sometimes be experienced as a symptom of fatigue, which can be a common side effect of treatment.

    There have been reports of women developing Lichen Sclerosis whilst taking aromatase inhibitors, but this is limited to case studies, like this one , suggesting that there is limited evidence to question if it could be related.

    The other issues you have experienced have not been documented as potential consequences of treatment.

    It is good to read that you are seeing your GP, and I hope this helps. If you still have access to the breast team it might be worth asking them for their view of your symptoms and if there is any further support or care that they can offer you.

    As well as our information I have linked you to a more details information leaflet that clinical staff access regarding medicinal products, including side effects.

    Macmillan Tamoxifen

    EMC Tamoxifen

    Macmillan Letrozole

    EMC Letrozole

    It might also help to join our Breast cancer forum and post your query there. You might find that there are community members with similar experience and the hints and tips from other with similar experience can be invaluable.

    Take care and best wishes,

    Linda (Cancer Information Nurse Specialist)

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email or use webchat.

    Ref:LM/SM

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