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Has anyone taking tamoxifen had intermittent, bruise-like back pain? I'm still on Herceptin and have been NED for several months now. Just switched tamoxifen brands (went from Teva to Mylan, because that's what my pharmacy had available), and within a week of the switch, I have this odd pain in my back, right in the middle above my tailbone. I'd put it at a 1 on the pain scale, but it freaks me out. Thoughts?
I see my radiation oncologist next week, and I plan to ask him, but I thought I'd… read more
All of this is completely tolerable (hot flashes included). I just need to remind myself that "new normal" means "weird aches and pains." As long as it's the tamoxifen and not something more sinister, I'll deal with it.
It's interesting to me that one brand of tamoxifen is not like another. For example, on Teva I had much worse hot flashes and foot cramps. Now, on Mylan, I've got this back thing (which really isn't a big deal, once I get past the fear) and am developing a Buddha belly. Sigh.
For what it's worth, my oncologist wants to add ovarian suppression to this in a few months. We'll see what I decide to do.
Thanks to all for your feedback.
Yes I had the same back pain. Doc told me to try vitamin d supplements and it helped. I still get it if I strain but it's not a constant ach
@KarenZarabi- I agree a test offered is a test to take. Get the good news and or catch something early enough to destroy it.
I would also add at anytime you feel you may need a scan because something has bothered you make your case and ask. In this case it's good to advocate for yourself.
@A MyBCTeam Member, the tamaxofin study is ongoing; it had been accepted that 5 years was effective at minimizing recurrence rates. The study continued and reached ten years fairly recently, like a year it two ago, maybe? It was judged prudent to continue to ten years based on the results. And the study continues...
My RO, who has no vested interest in promoting meds, felt that the science behind it is proving consista y successful and that Tam will ultimately be prescribed indefinety.
Like any drug, Tam is not without side effects. I suspect your Onco evaluated your stage, grade and risk then determined that five years will be sufficient to get you through the time of higher risk of recurrence, those earliest years. Some BC's are extremely aggressive and may be better kept at bay by heeding the latest findings.
Take it up with your Onco at your next visit in the name of clarification, but I bet it's a good sign that he/she thinks five years is sufficient.
((Hug))
@A MyBCTeam Member, that's the plan. It has a few more days before I make some calls. The good news is that it's getting better. I'm pretty sure it's a soft tissue injury unrelated to cancer.
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