Relationship between Tamoxfen and tendonitis/joint pains

triplet003

I have been on tamoxifen now for 1 year and my joint pains are out of this world. I will confess that my travels down this road with breast cancer could be worse. The loss of ones breast is a physical as well as mental challenge. But with the help of all my family and friends it has been treatable. Some days are worse than others. But for the most part I am coping nicely (I think). I seem to be over the why me stage and trying to just put on my big girl panties and deal with it.... My reason for commenting here is trying to verify the relationship between my tamoxifen and all my joint pains. And they all are bilaterally happening. (both thumbs/wrist/hips/knees/feet ect) I cannot tolerate pain meds and need some suggestions for relief. And will the joint pains go away after I complete my 5 years of medication or is the damage done?

Secondly....I have been having allergic reactions to celebrex since going on tamoxifen. I have taken this medication since its induction on the market without any problem. But since chemo and now tamoxifen I can't take it without a severe reaction. I am talking anaphylactic type reaction with swollen tongue, tightness in chest, hives and itching from head to toe, flushing bright red of hands and feet ect....I am wondering if anyone else has this sensitivity and is it due to tamoxifen or has the chemo and tamoxifen together desensitized my body's ability to take these kinds of meds. I now carry a epi pen.

My oncologist said that I only have less than 10% chance that my cancer will return. So are the numbers worth the pains? I know this is a personal decision but one that I am pondering.

Jeanne55

Before I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I had developed bilateral shoulder pain -- probably due to lifting 10-pound weights.  After a lumpectomy and brachytherapy, I started tamoxifen.  I experienced searing pain in my right shoulder that woke me up.  (I believe that, due to the prior injury, my shoulders were vulnerable to the joint pain that, in my opinion, tamoxifen can cause.)  I also developed trigger finger -- which I believe qualifies as joint pain! -- in my right middle finger and in both thumbs.  Wow -- can a trigger thumb ever hurt!  Due to these and other side effects, the doctor took me off of tamoxifen for a while.  After 4 months, I am now back on it and guess what?  The bilateral shoulder pain (which was essentially gone) is back.  In addition, I woke up with pain in my right middle trigger finger, which (unlike my thumbs) had previously been painless.  Also, I now have had pain in my left middle finger, which had heretofore not had any problems.  Coincidence?  I think not.

peggy_j

triplet003, wrote

My oncologist said that I only have less than 10% chance that my cancer will return. So are the numbers worth the pains?

Did the MO say what your expected benefit is for taking tamoxifen? I believe it's "about 40%" but it varies depending on how ER+ you are.  Your question is definitely valid: whether the "costs" outweigh the expected "benefits." (I always add in the big risks too, like the increased risk of blood clots and endometrial cancer)

As an FYI, in the Hormone Therapy forum there have been several threads on joint pain. Perhaps you'll find more info (or feedback) there. Good luck.

coraleliz

Triplet-I started Tamox about 4months ago. Prior to BC I was beginning to get arthritis in my nondominant hand, my foot & my neck. I had arthroscopic knee surgery 25yrs ago & have had spells of plantar facitis in the foot without the arthritis. All of these spots have flared since starting Tamox. I'm sure there is a relationship. I'm a very "antsy" active type & it is a challenge. Prior to BC, a rhuematologist told me that my arthritis would get worse on it's own schedule & that the pain would wax & wane. Like you, I have some fear that the Tamox might be accelerating this process. For me, I still think i need this drug.

Jeanne55

triplet003,

I noticed from your profile that you were HER2-pos.  Are you also taking Herceptin?