hysterectomy, surgical menopause and tamoxifen

[kaeyreed41]

I am being scheduled for vaginal hysterectomy/bso.  My question is, I realize that once the ovaries are removed women go into surgical menopause so to speak, but I have been on tamoxifen since November and having some symptoms of menopause.  Tamoxifen works on estrogen so I am wondering if you think symptoms of menopause will change or stay pretty close to what I am having now.  Thank you for any info.

[KarieAnn]

I had a Historectomy and all the cancer treatments I needed for breast cancer.Its been three years. Why do I have to keep taking Tomoifen?

[kaeyreed41]

Hi, thank you for the great information.  I am taking tamoxifen for breast cancer.  I had mastectomy last August and started taking the tamoxifen in October of 2009.  I now have a complex cyst on my right ovary, fibroid tumors in uterus and a nabothian cyst on cervix.  I am having some pretty bad uterine and pelvic pain.  I've never had any of these before.  I am wondering if this could be uterine cancer.  Also wondering did it take you the whole six to eight weeks to recover or did you feel better before that.  Just wondering because I have my four year old and two year old grandsons living with us and I am responsible for them part of the time when their mother is working.  Just wondering if it will be six weeks before I can help her out again or sooner.  Again, thank you for all the great information.  I really do appreciate all responses that are shared on this site.

[Cherie762]

Tamoxifen is primarily used for breast cancer,,,have you been diagnosed with such? its also as you say a anti estrogen.....when we have a hyster we are thrown into a full blown menopause not gently glided into as nature would like...

I am not trying to scare you. infact I can tell you my story in brief....I had a full hyster  for about a month after I had awfull night sweats, I would awake soaked,,,and hot flashes,,,these plus zero sex drive where my symptoms...I started on vivelle a estrogen patch...which it sounds like you will not be able to use...however I only used it short term stopped and since then till now 6 years later my only symptom is a rare mild hot flash...

I think your menopausal symptoms will change, please get a note pad write all your questions and take with to pre surgical appointment...your Dr should take the time to fully explain all questions and what options are best for you.

Do a search on the DaVinci Robotic hysterectomy,,if at all possible its a much easier recovery and allows dr more precise incisions/cauterisations etc,,,,,,its the best method....trans vag is 2nd best

be ready to become a couch potatoe healing is increased by inactivity...no lifting, twisting at waist, excessive bending...no house work , try to have help for first few days at home....arrange for pet and or child care....this is one time you will be doing yourself a big favor to pamper self totally....buy a ice pack great for pain...also ask dr for stool softners you will definatley not want constipation after this procedure,,,,and the narcotics they will send you home with cause constipation...drink plenty of fluids too.

pm or write back here if I can help anymore

C