I am a breast cancer survivor.

[baku]

I am taking Tamoxifen after 3 1/2 of completion of breast cancer surgery n its treatment . I find that my teeth n bones r weaker than before. Also I have put on a lot of weight. Is it side effects of this drug? I am 55 years young n lead an active lifestyle otherwise.

[HelpingHand]

I honestly liked it when you said "I am 55 years young ". I mean not many people have positive attitude like you. Even i tend to say "I am 21 years old " and not " young "....

About your question, Dr. Sumeet Shah would surely reply to you. But i couldn't resist myself in complementing your spirit when i saw your question

[sumeet_shah Administrator]

I second HelpingHand on her comment!

As for your question, Tamoxifen does not have any direct effect on teeth or bones as such. I do not think, it may be related to Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen, does cause increase in weight in some women. But more gain of weight, may actually occur during chemotherapy.

I have two suggestions for you:

1. If feasible, you can start some form of exercise. It can be walking for 30 to 45 minutes, or even aerobics, or Yoga; whatever you are comfortable. You can even join a gym if you desire. Lifting light weights is also fine. It is very essential to keep your BMI (Body Mass Index) in control.

2. I assume, you have completed 3 1/2 Years of Tamoxifen. (or is it 'months', could you please specify). Nowadays, we follow an option of a 'Switch' treatment. ER positive patients on Tamoxifen, can be considered to switch to either Letrozole or Anastrozole after completing 3 years of Tamoxifen. Or you can continue 5 years of Tamoxifen. You can request your oncologist (at your next visit, no hurry), about what would be his / her plan in this regard.

You might want to read this:

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/220...

It's too much clutter of medical terminology, I know!! Just scroll down to the 'Interpretation' You will surely understand that. You can even ask your Oncologist about this 'BIG 1 - 98' trial, for the switch therapy

[baku]

Thank you for the quick response Helping hand n Sumeet Shah.

I have completed 3 and a half years of Tamoxifen. Regular Iyengar Yoga is what I have been doing. I have also joined the gym since 2 weeks for cardio n weight training. Having been a regular exerciser ( tennis, badminton , karate, aerobics) I am coping with the gym. Guess my hypothyroid, cholestrol n hypertension also have a role to play with my other issues.

Thank you for the insight. I did read the article n understood some of it but am at peace with myself now.

[sumeet_shah Administrator]

Hypothyroidism can definitely be one of the factors. I am sure you must be checking it regularly.

It's good to see, you are very active and do regular exercises.

The important thing is not that you might have gained a little weight. More important is, you should not gain more, and what you are doing for the same (exercise, yoga etc.), is perfect. Keep it up and you shall be fine!

[baku]

Thank you - I have set my goal n am working towards it - fortunately my lean mass is good so is my diet program -