Tamoxifen and Ovarian Torison

etnasgrl

A little background info.....
Prior to breast cancer, I dealt with uterine fibroids. Once I started taking Tamoxifen, the uterine fibroids increased, causing several issues, (pain, heavy bleeding, etc.). Last October, I had a partial hysterectomy. My uterus, cervix, and tubes were removed. I kept both ovaries. Other than the increase in uterine fibroids, some mild hot flashes, and night sweats, I have tolerated Tamoxifen fairly well.
Okay...on Thursday, I woke up with very intense stabbing pain in my lower left pelvic area. Convinced it was gas, I took some Gas-X and went about my day. An hour or so later, the pain was not getting any better, so I took some more Gas-X. This time, I was also lightheaded, dizzy, nauseous, and clammy. I took my temperature and it was 100.4, so I decided to call my doctor. I was able to get an appointment 2 hours later.
By that point, the pain had greatly increased, to the point where I could not stand up, but rather had to walk hunched over. My doctor wanted a urine sample. After leaving the restroom, I became so dizzy that I literally saw stars and had to slide down the wall, (so I wouldn't fall), to sit on the floor. This was when she knew something was seriously wrong and ordered a CT scan stat. I called my husband to pick me up, (there was NO way I could drive!), and off we went.
Fast forward a few hours and we are sitting in the waiting room after I had the CT, waiting for the radiologist to let us know what the next step should be. He comes out to tell us to get to the ER right away. The CT showed massive amounts of blood pooling in my abdomen. 
Very long story short.....I had to have emergency surgery that night due to a ruptured ovarian cyst, which created a ovarian torsion. The cyst became so big, that it caused the ovary to twist, then tear, then burst. So, I had blood in my abdomen from the ruptured cyst, as well as blood from the ruptured ovary. My OB/GYN told me it was over half a gallon of blood and if I had waited just one more day, I would have died. 

My OB/GYN told me that Tamoxifen was the cause. I have since spoken with my oncologist, who has agreed with my OB/GYN. Tamoxifen can cause ovarian cysts and also cause them to grow quite large, as in my case.
I share this with y'all so you can be informed. I have never had issues with ovarian cysts before and my side effects from Tamoxifen have been pretty mild until this incident. Tamoxifen can help prevent a recurrence, but it can also cause some serious side effects. You know your body better than anyone else, if something doesn't feel right, please see your doctor right away! 

jojo9999

Thank you for posting your story. I too have cysts on my ovaries most likely from tamox and worry that things could get bad, but so far nothing horrendous. Sounds like you got there just in time. I am glad they caught it. I will probably be getting an oophorectomy very soon. I have stopped tamox due to other side effects. Good luck with your recovery.