BRCA1 + Tamoxifen

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I'm hoping to find some reassurance from the community. I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2019. Lumpectomy in May 2019. Chemotherapy from July to September 2019. Early July 2019 was my last period. I also found out I had a BRCA1 mutation in July 2019. I started Tamoxifen in October 2019. No radiation. Double mastectomy in January 2019.

In discussion with my gynecologist in April 2020, he said I was likely in menopause as my period never came back. This was fine as my next surgery was a bilateral salpingo-oopherectomy and hysterectomy. Then Covid-19 messed up everything.

Fast forward to this past Tuesday and my period starts up. No biggie, I think until I wake up Wednesday morning soaked. By lunchtime I was soaking through an heavy flow pad every hour, so I went to emergency.

My blood work came back normal, so I was prescribed a drug to help with clotting and was advised that I would be called back for a pelvic ultrasound within the week.

On Friday I called my oncologist and spoke to the nurse to give an update on my situation. That's when she said it could be the Tamoxifen causing the abnormal bleeding and that it's good they've gotten me in for an ultrasound quickly (I go on Tuesday). I also left a message with my gynecologist, but haven't heard back.

Now I am freaking out, wondering if I have endometrial cancer. I have most of the risk factors (PCOS, obesity, diabetes, long term birth control use, Tamoxifen, etc.) and I read a couple articles which seem to indicate that a BRCA1 mutation may also be a risk factor.

Has anyone else had a gushing, raging period come on suddenly while on Tamoxifen and in peri-menopause or full menopause? What was your outcome?

Comments

  • flashlight
    flashlight Member Posts: 698
    edited October 2020

    Hi, this has not happen to me and I am postmenopausal. Tamoxifen in less than 6 months caused my almost dead fibroids to grow and this caused my uterus to grow. It is possible the fibroids are causing you to bleed. I had the total hysterectomy last Feb. vaginally and it wasn't bad at all. When you have your transvaginal ultrasound they will be able to check for fibroids and a thickened lining. They might say they would like to do a D&C, but I would just go on with your plans to have the total hysterectomy. Try not to think the worst. It's probably those darn fibroids!!

  • Fairydragonfly
    Fairydragonfly Member Posts: 194
    edited October 2020

    I hope you are right. Hard not to go down the worst case scenario rabbit hole... 🤗

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