Hello all.. 6 months ago I was diagnosed with dvts (clots) in both legs and multiple pulimery embolisms in lungs, caused by taking Tamoxifen following surgery and radiotherapy for breast cancer. I've been on apixiban (blood thinners) and zolodex and exematase since The leg pain Im experiencing from both the hormone blockers and clots is significant and basically making it difficult to function... anyone here had a similar experience? I'm currently on an 8 week break from the cancer drugs to see if pain eases...Any insights or advice would be appreciated
Hi
Sometimes Tamozifen is prescribed to post menopausal women, but not often. I was 51 on diagnosis so was prescribed Anastrozole (the other one post menopuase is Letrozole), I'm assuming you may be pre menopausal? I have read that one of the side effects of Tamoxifen can be blood clots. The side effects of all 3 drugs can be aching and pain in joints. The reason Tamoxifen is given for pre -menopausal is because the other 2 don't stop oestrogen being produced in the womb. Exematase are usually for women who can't tolerate the other 3 - hence why you're on those now, I expect.
I think a lot of women have tried the break from the drugs to see if it helps their symptoms and often it does. They then have to make a decision to see whether they want to continue with them or not and take the risk of recurrence. This tool from the NHS is a useful one for those trying to make that decision.
I've been very lucky on my tablets with little or no side effects in the last 3 years, so I can't help you in relation to any insights I'm sorry to say. Hopefully by replying there may be some other ladies around who've been through similar and can help with some more information.
Kindest wishes,
Lesley
