Chemo, Menapause, Taximofen - Cancer: Breast Message Board

michele33 · 03-21-2009, 02:19 PM

Hi!
I had three months of chemo for breast cancer,now on Taximofen and Im 48 years old. I finished chemo in Oct and have not gotten my period since July. My question I have to lose 20 pounds and I have been dieting and exercising 5 days a week for 5 hours a week of aerobics and weight training. I cant seem to lose the weight. My doctor did tests on my thyroid which came out normal. Is it from the taximofen, chemo, or the fact that I am in early menapause now. I eat healthy, lean protein, high fiber diet but the weight is coming off about a half of a pound a month. Do you have any suggestions and please let me know why this is happening and will it change. I am very frustrated. Thank you.

leea1206 · 03-21-2009, 07:37 PM

Hi Michelle-

I really think it is probably peri or menopause, because I am going through the same thing re weight gain and a "spare tire" that I never had before.

Have they tested your hormones? Are you having any other symptoms like hot flashes? I have read that low hormones, such as in menopause, caused by chemo, tamox, or ovarian shut down like lupron/zolodex can make it much harder to lose wt or cause wt gain.

I was 48, like you, when dxed 2.5yrs ago. Premenopausal. I did not have chemo but did have zolodex shot/tamox. Then I had ovary removal Feb. 08, which I regret. I have always been lean and fit/always exercised and eat pretty healthy. Since the ovary removal, especiallly, I have put on around 8ibs, it seems like, "out of nowhere." (alot on a small frame). Also the flabby middle.

My thyroid is fine. I exercise and wt train 6 days/wk, but realize without any hormones to help metabolism etc., I will need to really watch my diet to keep the wt gain at bay or hopefully loose wt.

Anyway, I think it is totally normal that it would be harder to lose with changes to hormones. Sound's like you are making steady progress. - It just might take a little longer.

Good luck.
Leea

remark46 · 01-01-2010, 07:41 AM

It is the Tamoxifen,it has given me weight gain and Hot flashes and when I complained to the cancer doctor he said its the Tamoxifen and any drug he gives me will do the same. The menopause also adds to your problem.