What’s On Your Mind?

I am a 3 1/2 year breast cancer survivor and have been on Tamoxifen during that time.  Like many of you, I’m not thrilled about being on a toxic medication with side effects. You can read all about the listed side effects on most any website.

Some common side effects are:

• blood clots (thrombosis)
• endometrial cancer (cancer of the uterine lining)
• abnormal growth of uterine tissue (endometriosis)
• stroke
• fertility issues
• hair and nail thinning

I went to my ob/gyn today after discovering some growths in the vaginal area. Of course, I freaked out thinking some horrible outcome was coming.  Turns out there are several of them lining the vaginal area and they are called hymenal caruncles  which are small elevations of the mucous membrane around the vaginal opening, being relics of the torn hymen.  They are lumpy, cyst looking things and are a result of taking Tamoxifen. 

In a nutshell, the Tamoxifen depletes estrogen in the breast tissue and vaginal tissue, while it actually feeds estrogen to the uterus.  Go figure.  The estrogen depletion in the vaginal area causes these caruncles.  It also causes the tissue to be a paler pink and can cause the tissue to “relax” or sag.  Like I don’t have enough sagging parts at my age.  While these caruncles are nothing to worry about, it sure would have been nice to know that this is another possible side effect of being on Tamoxifen!  My doctor said he gets 3-4 women a week who are on Tamoxifen in his office asking “What the heck is this?” and having the same diagnosis.  A side effect of Tamoxifen.

I just felt the need to get this information out there so other women on Tamixofen don’t freak out like I did when they discover something that shouldn’t be there.

Be aware of any changes in your body…and don’t be afraid to look at all your body parts. They are just body parts.  And don’t hesitate to see your doctor with any questions or concerns. That’s what they’re there for.

Be well and God Bless,
Debbie

Blessings In The Storm Website