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Tamoxifen and knee problems

Suzz
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Has anyone else suffered from Tamoxifen related knee problems?

I started taking Tamoxifen approximately 8 weeks and have suddenly started having problems with my right knee for no apparent reason. I can bearly walk as I can't bend it because of the pain. I also started getting constant cramp in my right calf and swelling like water retention in my ankle with bruising around 2 weeks ago. I have seen my doctor who sent me for an xray and I am waiting on results. I have never had knee problems before and it seems a coincidence that the knee is playing up on the same side as the cramp etc.

I have also been suffering from very low mood and the usual night sweats, slight weight gain, lack of sleep and fatigue. from taking Tamoxifen. I could cope with these side affects but can't bear or afford to be imobile at 53 with children and horses!!

I was on Anastrozol for a while but the hot flushes, night sweats, joint pain and extreme fatigue were unbearable.

Any advice as to where I go next?

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    Hi suzz

    Im also taking Tamoxifen.I have been taking it for around 8 months now.

    I Did have all the problems you describe in the first few months of taking it.

    I do still have slightly sore knees some lower back pain and wrist pain.However i dont get it all the time only occasionally.

    To begin with bending really hurt my knees and i also had swollen calfs and upper legs from fluid.

    My oncology nurses said it was after effects from the chemotherapy and would dissipate which I'm glad to say it did.

    My advice to you would be to stick with it for a couple more months.My oncologist said that things tend to settle the longer your on them.Saying that not every drug suits everyone.so its ultimately up to you if you wish to stick with it or not.

    I hope ive helped a little bit 

    take care 

    ness x 

  • Offline
    Hi i have recently been diagnosed with breast cancer, i have been told after my op and radiotherapy i will be on tamoxifen i already have wife's spread skeletal problems, i could not have any more pain is thier an alternative to tamoxifen?
  • Offline in reply to LyndaB

     

    Hi, it sounds as if you haven't had the op yet so they won't know whether the cancer is oestrogen positive. They will only give you Tamoxifen if the cancer is oestrogen positive as it blocks the oestrogen receptors on the cancer cells and stops them multiplying. I shouldn’t worry about the Tamoxifen until it comes to that part of your treatment as everyone responds differently to it.

    Good luck with the op and treatment and feel free to ask any questions you may have.

    Suzz x

  • Offline in reply to Nessemo3

    Thank you Ness for your advice. You have encouraged me to continue with the Tamoxifen for a couple of more months to see if things improve.

    Suzz x

  • Offline in reply to Suzz

    Glad ive helped even if juat a little bit.

    keep in touch

    ness x 

  • Offline

    I am a man and had Tamoxifen for six months. It was brutal but ultimately worked. My lumps luckily disappeared on it.

    Stick it through it is worth it.

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