bad assumption?

I am 47, and I had breast cancer last winter, and am taking Raloxifene/Evista.  For two months I have had hot flashes and night sweats, and have missed two cycles, very soon three.  I have been asssuming the Evista might have plunged me in to an earlier menopause.

However, also experienced recent unexplainable weight loss.  I am down to 110 lbs from 121.  I  also have a tedious intermittent cough.  I have discovered discerning lumps in my pelvic area which literature has lead me to believe are lymph nodes.

My question is... having had lymph nodes removed and analyzed for my mastectomy last November, would not have something been discovered at that point if there were any issues in any part of my lymph system?  Last November they were clean.  Thanks!

[Machelle Seibel, MD]

Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Raloxifene is known to help women with breast cancer, but about 3% have bad hot flashes taking it. It is an estrogen, but is called a "smart" estrogen because it only affects some tissues that are usually affected by estrogen. So it is safe for breast and and uterus and also helpful for bone and preventing osteoporosis.

It is possible your weight loss could be due to depression or a loss of appetite. You have been through a lot. The swellings in your pelvic area could be lymph nodes, but even if they are, they could be due to an infection in a toe or other places.

However, all or many of your symptoms could also be due to the Raloxifene. The drug can cause blood clots (rarely), cough, changes in weight, and sweating. It can also cause swelling and muscle and joint pain.

I would suggest you talk with your doctor about your symptoms. You can also contact Eli Lilly drug company that makes Evista (Raloxifene). It is an excellent medication, but like all medications, is not for everyone.
Machelle M. Seibel, MD