Bleeding after chemo

[nuttynell]

Hi, I was diagnosed with Grade 3 advanced breast cancer at age 31 four years ago now. I had 8 cycles of chemo, the last 4 being Taxotere. 3 months after starting chemo my periods stopped altogether and never returned. I was put on Tamoxifen for 3 years, and as my bloods showed I was post menapausal, I was then put on Aromasin 10 months ago. 3 months ago I experienced a bleed like a period and consulted my breast oncologist who put me in touch with a gynaecologist. I had various tests done, all but 1 which has come back, but they have all been clear, which is good. I experienced a bleed again only a few weeks ago, so again consulted my oncologist. They have ruled out my periods returning as they say that my bloods show I am still post menapausal and that it isn't anything to do with my tablets that I am on. However, they do not really seem to know what is causing the bleeding, as I had nothing for 4 years and now this has happened twice in the space of 3 months. The have also ruled out polyps and fibroids, but at the moment I am still none the wiser as to why this is happening and I feel that the doctors have no real answers as to why this is happening either. Any suggestions as to why after all this time this is happening when it really shouldn't be.  

[PaulMD]

Hi.

Uterine bleeding can come as a side effect of the hormonal treatment, or through primary problems in the uterus such as endometriosis, myoma uteri, or rarely, endometrial malignancy (this last problem may also be a side effect of hormonal treatment).

To settle this issue once and for all, I suggest that you discuss with your gynecologist regarding doing dilation and currettage (d&c) to examine the endometrial lining.  If this is still non conclusive and you continue to bleed, some doctors would recommend to surgically remove the uterus (hysterectomy) to prevent future bleeding.

Regards.

[nuttynell]

Thank you for your post :o)