Cramps/Chemopause

Fitbit

I have been in chemopause since I finished chemo 2.5 years ago, I am 45 (diagnosed at 42, Stage 1B). My estrogen has been extremely low since chemo, except last check at my onc last month revealed it much higher, (highest it has been since chemopause, in the 100's, had been 12, 15, etc) so my onc thinks my period may be coming back sometime. I haven't had any signs, except a week ago, I began having what seems like period cramps in my lower abdomen, but no period or bleeding/spotting, etc. Zero period symptoms, besides what seems like cramps. It's been so long since I had cramps with a period, etc! I have NOT missed them. I have also had pain in my stomach after eating, both of which are new and unusual for me. This has been going on for over a week now, about 10 days. I have scheduled my annual pelvic U/S and can't wait to have it done, as I'm feeling concerned as I've been on Tamoxifen for 2.5 years and ovarian cancer in my family. So I have stomach pain and lower abdominal cramps, both in the same area. I'm wondering when your period came back, did anyone have cramps but no bleeding before it came back regular? I'm wondering if my hormones are waking things up, but not enough yet to produce a period? I'm also concerned something else serious is going on. I have my pelvic U/S not for a week. Curious if anyone else has had these symptoms going from chempause to getting your period back?

stephincanada

hi Fitbit. I can't answer your question, but have one for you. Because there is ovarian cancer in your family, are you considering an oopherectomy? My grandmother died of ovarian cancer and I, too, am 45 with breast cancer. I know I will have my ovaries out at some point, just not sure when I should do it. Thanks.

Fitbit

Hi Steph - My paternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer at age 30 (this was around 1934, so much different time in the medical world!) ... anyway, my onc has mentioned at some point I may want to take my ovaries out, but I don't know how I feel about it. She hasn't, nor has my OB/GYN said I should, so I haven't worried too much about it at this point. I can't imagine going through another major surgery after all I went through with BC, so we will see. I need to do more research on it. I get annual pelvic ultrasounds because of my family history, so that is comforting to me at this point in time.

stephincanada

Thanks for your reply and good luck with your pelvic ultrasound next week. Fingers are crossed for you.