Cancer Survivors Network

Hi Cindy,
I am cher, still undergoing chemo, see my web page for early details.
I use vitamin E and occasional supplements of Black cohosh to treat my menopause symptoms.
Even though I am 55 i was still pretty regular in my schedule before the chemo started, and got hot flashes about 3 days after chemo started, and got a period to go with them. started the vitamin E and Black cohosh (E that first week and the cohosh 2 weeks later because the vitamin E just wasn't helping. After a month of the two of them I may have a single hot flash shortly after going to sleep, but only very occasionally have more than that.

I don't start my hormone suppression therapy until the chemo is finished in early June. But there are lots of great ladies here ho can help you with that.
cher

Hi Cindy, welcome to the group. I am AngieHoe and am still undergoing treatment. I have had my period after the 1st chemo but starts to menopause after the 2nd. Experience some hot flashes b/4 bedtime and sometimes night sweat in the middle of the night. Have Vitamin E, soy and orange juice recommended by the nurse. Will not start hormone therapy until I am done with the chemo. Hang on in there and there many ladies out there who can lend a 'helping hand'. Take care and keep posting. Hugs from Angie.

Hi Cindy, Tiger here, I cannot help with the menopause thing, but as for the lymphedema, it can be really painful, I know, I do exercises alot, even just sitting watching tv, move your arm around and up and down, i am doing light weights now and it has helped alot in aleviating the lymphedema, I find if I sit too long in one position I start to swell, so I just raise my arm, and do circles, stuff like that. Good luck and Fight The Good Fight!!
Hugs from Tiger

Hi Cindy. I have gone through menapause due to Tamoxifin. I feel fine other than Intermittent hot flashes ,mostly during the night. I did have them more frequently for about 2 mos. but now they seem much less frequent. I don't have lymphedema so I can't help you there. Just be patient. You should feel better everyday! Cathy

Have you tried manual massage? My physical therapist taught me how to do it at home and it really helps the lymphedemia. As for the menopause, St John's Wort helps me.

Hi Cindy, I had been on hormone therapy for about 12 years prior to be diagnosed with breast cancer in Nov. & having to go off of them. I had surgery in Dec. & started on tamoxifen in Jan. The hot flashes started almost right away after starting on the tamoxifen. The worst time was at night. They have gotten better the last couple of weeks & I am finally sleeping better. Something I haven't done since all of this started. I had taken one 400 Vit.E a day but started taking two a day so that may have helped. I also drink lots & lots of water. I have not had any problems with lymphedema, thank goodness. Good luck to you. Judy

Hi Cindy, It seems like you and I have more than Lymphedema in common. I was barely 44 years old when I was diagnosed and the Tamoxifen put me into early menopause. Talk to your doctor about things you can do to ease the symptoms of menopause, there aren't a whole lot but they can help some. My oncologist, who is a woman, let me start using something called Estring. It is a round rubber ring that you insert vaginally for three months at a time and it helps some. It only has a small amount of estrogen. The one I use is 2mg. You do have to have a perscription for it. The hot flashes will subside, eventually. You just cope the best you can and have a very understanding family!!!!! My best to you, Shirley

Hi Cindy
I too am new to this group. I am also having alot of problems with menopause brought on by chemo. I am 47 and have been on tamoxifin for almost a year. When I get one of these flashes all I do is sweat. My hair gets soaked and I can feel the heat coming out of me. I hate this and am just about to quit the tamoxifin for this reason. I would think a year would be long enough to get thru menopause???

Hi, I am 10 years out, went through menopause at 42. Yup, it can be a bear. Yup, most male doctors aren't necessarily up to it so get second opinions especially from your gynocologist. I take vitamin E which helps, exercise and eat well. Be very careful of over the counter items that could have estrogen without listing it. I am currently not using anything even though my oncologist says I could use a vaginal cream. I just don't like taking risks. The major consequence has been vaginal dryness which you can find a few products to help (talk with your doctor). Facial hair, dry skin,wrinkles, are just a consequence that I have accepted. I did a lot of thinking about women before us who had no choice. I also talked with my husband about my concerns and he is supportive of my choices. Think exercise and diet. Even 10 years out I think seeing my children grow into adulthood is more important than a few minor discomforts. Enjoy a long walk in the sun today!! Good luck

Hi, I am 10 years out, went through menopause at 42. Yup, it can be a bear. Yup, most male doctors aren't necessarily up to it so get second opinions especially from your gynocologist. I take vitamin E which helps, exercise and eat well. Be very careful of over the counter items that could have estrogen without listing it. I am currently not using anything even though my oncologist says I could use a vaginal cream. I just don't like taking risks. The major consequence has been vaginal dryness which you can find a few products to help (talk with your doctor). Facial hair, dry skin,wrinkles, are just a consequence that I have accepted. I did a lot of thinking about women before us who had no choice. I also talked with my husband about my concerns and he is supportive of my choices. Think exercise and diet. Even 10 years out I think seeing my children grow into adulthood is more important than a few minor discomforts. Enjoy a long walk in the sun today!! Good luck

Ask your doctor about black cohosh. Mine wants me to avoid it because it has plant estrogen and my cancer is estrogen related.

Hi Cindy, I was also dxex in 1999. Had lumpectomy, did chemo and radiation. i also have lymphedema in right arm and hand. Would love to chat with you to compare notes. I also went thru chemically induced menopause. its the pits but hey we are still here!!!! My email is ramarch16@aol.com write and we can wine together sometimes thats the best medicine. Ruthanne