1. < Cancer: Managing Symptoms

Tamoxifen and Fibromyalgia

Posted by jpfefferdittes @jpfefferdittes, Jan 7 2:41pm

I had stage 1 estrogen driven breast cancer - surgery in summer 2022, radiation in fall 2022. Cancer free now. I've had severe fibromyalgia for the past 25 years (currently 54). I am now on Tamoxifen to block estrogen and reoccurrence of the cancer, and my fibro is worse than ever. I have tried absolutely everything over the years (chiropractor, pain meds, acupuncture, medicinal marijuana, massage - you name it, I've tried it), but since the cancer event, nothing is improving. I can hardly work, be active, etc. There must be a connection between lack of estrogen in body and fibro symptoms or cancer events triggering severe fibro symptoms. Who else has been down this road? What have you tried and what worked/didn't? I'm desperate. Thanks for your time!

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sue417 | @sue417 | May 18 12:08pm
In reply to @brightside21 "Hi, I'm in the same position. I'm worried at the idea of 10yrs on Tamoxifen. I've..." + (show)
@brightside21

Hi, I'm in the same position. I'm worried at the idea of 10yrs on Tamoxifen.
I've had Fibro ,CFS & and migraines for over 25yrs which was helped by HRT. All pre my cancer & treatments.
All HRT was stopped immediately I was diagonosed with Invasive Ductal Cancer (IDC) & was given Tamoxifen as you say keep growth & recurrence at bay. But the downside of Tamoxefen is horrid my quality of life is worsening with increased muscke & joint pain, fatigue & Migraines.
Pre my cancer at menopause I had HRT and as you say the Estrogen was a total GAME CHANGET improving my Fibro joint pain, fatigue. It was noted also my bone density improved & my dexa scans became normal again.
I'm now very worried about long term Tamoxifen.
Are there any reports, trails etc on the affects on Fibro, fatigue, joint pain & Migraines.. etc
Likewise I'd like to hear from others with Fibromyalgia, Me & CFS to see how they are on Tamoxifen.
I'm finding every day a challenge not because of cancer etc...but because of the awful pain & fatigue I'm positive it's worsening with daliy Tamoxifen. But I've no options med wise as the other medications badly affect my bone density so are a no no...!!

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Hi
I tried the 5 mg of tamoxifen 6 days was all I could tolerate I met with my oncologist this past week and because my side effects were so severe he agreed that I was not the medication I should take. We discussed the AIS but because I have osteopenia already and a fracture in my spine along with other health issues I decided not to take anything. Although my cancer was dcis Erpr positive her to negative stage zero he is fine with me doing nothing and he said if you wanted to try it down the road you can it's totally up to you but I do not want you to suffer daily. To me it's only logical if you take away all the estrogen your body is going to suffer horrendously I cannot understand why after all these years they have come up with something else for breast cancer that is hormone positive

REPLY
sue417 | @sue417 | Jun 5 7:35pm

Hi
I tried 5mg Tamoxifan lasted 6 days it was horrid. I can say my fibromyalgia and fatigue have been horrid. I am 8 weeks out since finishing radiation. I have a day I am good if I do my appts and errands the next day I am leveled. Do depressed and frustrated. Since going off my hrt moods menopause is horrid wicked hot flashes sure the fatigue is part of that

REPLY
sue417 | @sue417 | Jun 5 7:45pm
In reply to @brightside21 "Hi, I'm in the same position. I'm worried at the idea of 10yrs on Tamoxifen. I've..." + (show)
@brightside21

Hi, I'm in the same position. I'm worried at the idea of 10yrs on Tamoxifen.
I've had Fibro ,CFS & and migraines for over 25yrs which was helped by HRT. All pre my cancer & treatments.
All HRT was stopped immediately I was diagonosed with Invasive Ductal Cancer (IDC) & was given Tamoxifen as you say keep growth & recurrence at bay. But the downside of Tamoxefen is horrid my quality of life is worsening with increased muscke & joint pain, fatigue & Migraines.
Pre my cancer at menopause I had HRT and as you say the Estrogen was a total GAME CHANGET improving my Fibro joint pain, fatigue. It was noted also my bone density improved & my dexa scans became normal again.
I'm now very worried about long term Tamoxifen.
Are there any reports, trails etc on the affects on Fibro, fatigue, joint pain & Migraines.. etc
Likewise I'd like to hear from others with Fibromyalgia, Me & CFS to see how they are on Tamoxifen.
I'm finding every day a challenge not because of cancer etc...but because of the awful pain & fatigue I'm positive it's worsening with daliy Tamoxifen. But I've no options med wise as the other medications badly affect my bone density so are a no no...!!

Jump to this post

Hi
I tried tamoxifen for 6 days no thanks. Horrid side effects. I have fibro. Osteopenia, compression fracture, heart issues amongst other things. I had stage 0 dcis so my oncologist agreed not worth the risk. If it's diminishing your life why stay on it.stopping estrogen causes serious issues. I don't feel it's a guarantee for me

REPLY
sue417 | @sue417 | 3 days ago
In reply to @mir123 "I have chronic pain with fibro-like symptoms (but it is not an exact diagnosis for me)...." + (show)
@mir123

I have chronic pain with fibro-like symptoms (but it is not an exact diagnosis for me). The pain was indeed worse after surgery and radiation. My PCP doubled my pain meds (I do well on these) and I continue with rolphing/PT/micro current twice a week (yes, out of pocket). About 8 months out from treatment, I'm back to "normal." But I have thoughts for you. Will your oncologist allow a tamoxifen "vacation"? That will give you more information about source of fibro increase. In addition, can you switch to a different estrogen suppressing drug? I'm doing well on letrozole (although yes, many women have bad symptoms). You might also discuss dosage--can yours be lowered without ill effect etc. Also, try and get some actual statistics. If tamoxifen lowers recurrence rate just a little you might see if you really think it is worthwhile. Sorry that this advice is work for you, when you least need it, but it is what came to mind. I do think chronic pain made my recovery harder, but at least I expected I wouldn't be "fine" 3 days after lumpectomy! Wishing you some positive change.

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Hi
I only took tamoxifen for 6 days. I have never felt so disgusting in my life I almost blacked out driving. It is two months Since I stopped the tomoxyfin and I still feel Off. 10 wks Since radiation stopped and my fatigue It seems to be Worse ever Day. Very frustrated

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