Breast cancer survivor, bleeding after menopause

Hi Lilyinzh -personally I would not be happy to ‘watch and wait.’ I would be asking for further investigations and I think this doctor has been somewhat dismissive of your symptoms. To suggest that as this bleed has happened only once and therefore can be ignored, is bordering on negligence in my mind! Only a hysteroscopy and biopsy will confirm whether or not any cancer cells are present. I would ask for a hysteroscopy (there are some women who find these painful, but mine was fine!)  It will hopefully put your mind at rest.

Hi Lilyinzh:  I had two instances of post menopausal bleeding 2 years apart.  I had a biopsy for the first one with no cancer found.  When the second instance happened, I had another biopsy plus a hysterscopy which found a polyp.  The second biopsy came back negative as well. I was asked if I wanted the polyp removed and said yes.  The polyp had cancer so I was scheduled for a hysterectomy.  I strongly suggest that you get the hysteroscopy done so that if a polyp exists it will be seen.  Mine did not show up on an ultrasound.  The earlier that cancer is found, the easier it is to treat.  I read about an increased risk of endometrial cancer in people on tamoxifen so that’s another reason to pursue this.

Hi. I too am a breast cancer survivor- diagnosed 2019. Like you I was on tamoxifen and remember the oncologist saying if I had a bleed (I was premenopausal and was also on Zoladex) to get in touch asap. Last July I had a 3 episodes of very mild pink bleeds on wiping only and informed oncology. I was seen in gynaecology straight away as I was post menopause then and was given a TVS. I was told my endometrial lining was 22mm and was given a hysteroscopy. They found a polyp and did a biopsy. Unfortunately it was endometrial cancer but early stage. All ok now. From my experience I would push for more tests. Your health is too important for anything to be dismissed. I hope everything goes well for you.

Hi Lilyinzh

My feeling would be to request a hysteroscopy.

Although tamoxifen can cause bleeding- you were on it for a long time. 

A pap smear only looks at the cervix and does not investigate the womb. 

The ultrasound sounds reassuring but personally I would push for one to be on the safe side. Something has caused the bleed and it needs checking.

I only ever had one episode of bleeding before my diagnosis. 

Jane

Thank you ladies for all your extremely valuable replies. I will definitely demand hysteroscopy. I have an appointment next week.

I actually didn’t think about anything even tho I got no answers from my doc as to why I bled. But then my girlfriend who was a doctor got really upset and persisted that I get a further check up. That prompted me to make an appointment again and write in this forum.  

I am so grateful for these forums and grateful for all the women who takes time to share their experiences. You all might be saving lives. Thank you and I will post after my discussion with my Obgyn. 

Just to share, my bleeding after 6 years of menopause was bright red, very heavy, much heavier than I have ever experienced in my entire life. It was very scary…

So glad you will be asking for the hysteroscopy, good luck

Glad you will be going for it. Sounds a scary bleed. Good luck

Like all the other ladies here, I would say it's best to have the hysteroscopy but try to get some pain relief for the procedure. Some women find it painful, so there is GA or local anaesthetic with gas & air, which can help. I always have pain relief, as I couldn't manage any other way - but everyone is different. Best to be prepared up-front.

Thank you. I am considering to ask for general  anaesthetic. I have to discuss with my doctor but i would prefer it. I went through too many surgeries and I feel like I am getting needle phobia… I rather do everything I can to spare myself of pain…

You do whatever you need to feel safe and happy. Best wishes and I hope everything goes well for you.