Are there any tricks to surviving hot flashes

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Different Ballgame
Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
I'm taking Arimidex - started March 18, 2010. Are there any tricks to surviving hot flashes?

Janelle
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  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #2
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    I try to stay away from
    I try to stay away from extra hot places like in front of a heated oven. I use fans alot. Wear loose clothes and some fabrics breath better than others. At night I can't sleep unless a fan is blowing on me. So I have a small one sitting on a desk close by and position it so it just hits me, not my husband. We live in Texas and it gets pretty hot so I don't work in the yard when it's hot. Mainly in the cooler parts of the day or limited time out there.
  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    #3
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    Marcia527 said:

    I try to stay away from
    I try to stay away from extra hot places like in front of a heated oven. I use fans alot. Wear loose clothes and some fabrics breath better than others. At night I can't sleep unless a fan is blowing on me. So I have a small one sitting on a desk close by and position it so it just hits me, not my husband. We live in Texas and it gets pretty hot so I don't work in the yard when it's hot. Mainly in the cooler parts of the day or limited time out there.

    Thanks Marcia
    Dear Marcia,

    Thank you. It's only April in Chicago. The summer months are going to a blast!!! Fan sounds like a good idea when I sleep, but that will have to be when it gets warmer. Presently I have a blanket - hot flash arrives...remove blanket - get cold...put blanket back on. It's a yo-yo throughout the night (and during the day). How do you deal with the yo-yo affect?

    Experiencing the hot flash and then being cold is what is driving me crazy.

    Hugs,
    Janelle
  • BlownAway60
    BlownAway60 Member Posts: 851
    #4
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    Different Ballgame said:

    Thanks Marcia
    Dear Marcia,

    Thank you. It's only April in Chicago. The summer months are going to a blast!!! Fan sounds like a good idea when I sleep, but that will have to be when it gets warmer. Presently I have a blanket - hot flash arrives...remove blanket - get cold...put blanket back on. It's a yo-yo throughout the night (and during the day). How do you deal with the yo-yo affect?

    Experiencing the hot flash and then being cold is what is driving me crazy.

    Hugs,
    Janelle

    Same for Me
    I do basically the same thing you are doing. Covers off, covers on. Not much fun for sure.

    Hugs

    Donna
  • aisling8
    aisling8 Member Posts: 1,627 Member
    #5
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    BlownAway60 said:

    Same for Me
    I do basically the same thing you are doing. Covers off, covers on. Not much fun for sure.

    Hugs

    Donna

    Yikes
    I'm a couple of months behind you -- waiting till rads are done, end of May, then I start popping that dreaded pill. So I follow all these Arimidex threads. I had the easiest menopause on earth, I'm really not looking forward to any of this. Oh well, it's good for me; right? That's what I'm telling myself.......

    Victoria
  • Marcia527
    Marcia527 Member Posts: 2,729
    #6
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    Different Ballgame said:

    Thanks Marcia
    Dear Marcia,

    Thank you. It's only April in Chicago. The summer months are going to a blast!!! Fan sounds like a good idea when I sleep, but that will have to be when it gets warmer. Presently I have a blanket - hot flash arrives...remove blanket - get cold...put blanket back on. It's a yo-yo throughout the night (and during the day). How do you deal with the yo-yo affect?

    Experiencing the hot flash and then being cold is what is driving me crazy.

    Hugs,
    Janelle

    I dealt with the yo-yo the
    I dealt with the yo-yo the same. I did read about moisture wicking sleepwear. Don't know if it works or not. I didn't sweat that much, just would burn up. There's no moisture in fire.
  • lasimpson
    lasimpson Member Posts: 15
    #7
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    aisling8 said:

    Yikes
    I'm a couple of months behind you -- waiting till rads are done, end of May, then I start popping that dreaded pill. So I follow all these Arimidex threads. I had the easiest menopause on earth, I'm really not looking forward to any of this. Oh well, it's good for me; right? That's what I'm telling myself.......

    Victoria

    Me too...
    My oncologist's PA suggested Vitamin E. She suggested I discuss this with my breast care specialist prior to beginning Vitamin E.

    Here is an interesting article to read too with some good suggestions.

    http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/facing/hot_flashes.jsp

    I have decided it's time to go for a summer hairdo and cut it off. I'm not sure if I will need Chemo or not, but I figure it's time for comfort. And if I have to have Chemo, first start for me is short hair.

    Good luck,
    Laurel
  • cindycflynn
    cindycflynn Member Posts: 1,132 Member
    #8
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    I can relate
    I've been doing the same yo-yo act all night for a while now. I also found a small portable fan that I carry around with me (it actually comes with a lanyard to carry it, but I don't wear it, I just keep it with me in my purse or on my desk at work. It really helps when the flash strikes during the day.

    Before I started rads, my onco recommended 800 IU per day of vitamin E, and it really seemed to help with the severity and frequency of the hot flashes. I can't take it during rads, but will start up again as soon as the doc clears me to do that. Check with your doctor to see if that might be OK for you to take. I'd never heard of it before, but it did help me.

    Take care,
    Cindy
  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    #9
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    lasimpson said:

    Me too...
    My oncologist's PA suggested Vitamin E. She suggested I discuss this with my breast care specialist prior to beginning Vitamin E.

    Here is an interesting article to read too with some good suggestions.

    http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/facing/hot_flashes.jsp

    I have decided it's time to go for a summer hairdo and cut it off. I'm not sure if I will need Chemo or not, but I figure it's time for comfort. And if I have to have Chemo, first start for me is short hair.

    Good luck,
    Laurel

    I'll check out the website
    Laurel,

    Thanks for the tips. Right now I am taking Vitamin E. Started when I was in my early 40's (now 69).

    I will definitely check the article on hot flashes. Can't wait to read it.

    Hugs,
    Janelle
  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    #10
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    lasimpson said:

    Me too...
    My oncologist's PA suggested Vitamin E. She suggested I discuss this with my breast care specialist prior to beginning Vitamin E.

    Here is an interesting article to read too with some good suggestions.

    http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/menopausal/facing/hot_flashes.jsp

    I have decided it's time to go for a summer hairdo and cut it off. I'm not sure if I will need Chemo or not, but I figure it's time for comfort. And if I have to have Chemo, first start for me is short hair.

    Good luck,
    Laurel

    I'll check out the website
    Laurel,

    Thanks for the tips. Right now I am taking Vitamin E. Started when I was in my early 40's (now 69).

    I will definitely check the article on hot flashes. Can't wait to read it.

    Hugs,
    Janelle
  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    #11
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    cindycflynn said:

    I can relate
    I've been doing the same yo-yo act all night for a while now. I also found a small portable fan that I carry around with me (it actually comes with a lanyard to carry it, but I don't wear it, I just keep it with me in my purse or on my desk at work. It really helps when the flash strikes during the day.

    Before I started rads, my onco recommended 800 IU per day of vitamin E, and it really seemed to help with the severity and frequency of the hot flashes. I can't take it during rads, but will start up again as soon as the doc clears me to do that. Check with your doctor to see if that might be OK for you to take. I'd never heard of it before, but it did help me.

    Take care,
    Cindy

    Don't Faint
    Cindy,

    Since my 40's I have been taking 1600 IU per day of Vitamin E. Also the daily vitamin that I started taking in my 60's has an additional 400 IU per day.

    Total IU per day of Vitamin E that I consume is 2000 IU.

    I'm beginning to think that my hot flashes are mild compared to what other people experience. I do not sweat (at least not yet) when they appear. They don't last long. They are not frequent. They are, however, a royal pain in the butt when I sleep.

    I like the fan idea for the summer. I have seen some people carry a small battery operated fan during the hot months.

    I am going to do a little more research on Vitamin E and hot flashes. I will share whatever knowledge I find.

    Janelle
  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    #12
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    Marcia527 said:

    I dealt with the yo-yo the
    I dealt with the yo-yo the same. I did read about moisture wicking sleepwear. Don't know if it works or not. I didn't sweat that much, just would burn up. There's no moisture in fire.

    I'll check it out
    Marcia,

    Moisture wicking sleepwear - sounds interesting. Thanks. I'll check it out. If I buy one, I'll let you know how it works.

    Janelle
  • TawnyS
    TawnyS Member Posts: 144 Member
    #13
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    I'm dealing with it too!
    I started Arimidex 3 weeks ago and whew.....the hot flashes! I've had them the whole time since I had a hysterectomy, too. The flashes I am now experiencing must be from the Arimidex because they are different than the menopause hot flashes. My skin gets red all over and my new baby hair feels so itchy. Someone just today told me to take it right before bed instead of in the morning. I'll see. Anyone know if this works?
  • Kat11
    Kat11 Member Posts: 1,931 Member
    #14
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    TawnyS said:

    I'm dealing with it too!
    I started Arimidex 3 weeks ago and whew.....the hot flashes! I've had them the whole time since I had a hysterectomy, too. The flashes I am now experiencing must be from the Arimidex because they are different than the menopause hot flashes. My skin gets red all over and my new baby hair feels so itchy. Someone just today told me to take it right before bed instead of in the morning. I'll see. Anyone know if this works?

    I also carry the fan around
    I also carry the fan around my neck. It's also sprays water mist. Fan next to bed at night. I drive my husband crazy. I am hot then cold then hot ect and this goes on all day and night. Covers on off on again. Hmmm forgot what it was like to sleep through the night.
  • crselby
    crselby Member Posts: 441 Member
    #15
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    Different Ballgame said:

    Don't Faint
    Cindy,

    Since my 40's I have been taking 1600 IU per day of Vitamin E. Also the daily vitamin that I started taking in my 60's has an additional 400 IU per day.

    Total IU per day of Vitamin E that I consume is 2000 IU.

    I'm beginning to think that my hot flashes are mild compared to what other people experience. I do not sweat (at least not yet) when they appear. They don't last long. They are not frequent. They are, however, a royal pain in the butt when I sleep.

    I like the fan idea for the summer. I have seen some people carry a small battery operated fan during the hot months.

    I am going to do a little more research on Vitamin E and hot flashes. I will share whatever knowledge I find.

    Janelle

    Janelle, I can't even
    Janelle, I can't even imagine a hot flash without sweat. Occasionally it drips down my temple or neck or back. I live in AZ where it's always hot. I sleep naked on cotton sheets and I still sweat. My husband won't touch me because that sets one off. Covering up with a blanket does too, so I only use the sheet. Essential: a fan, so that when I throw off the cover, the sweat evaporates. Otherwise, it's like a steam bath under the covers. I don't 'drench' the sheets like some women do. During waking hours, I have been known to stand in front of the open freezer.

    This has been going on for 11 years, since menopause. Tamoxifen, started Nov. 1st, made it worse. Over the years I have tried Progesterone cream, Vit E, Vit C, soy and hormone replacement therapy (before BC), etc. Nothing even relieved them except the hormone replacement, a little. In Dec. I asked my gyn for help. She started me on the lowest dose of Effexor. I am up to taking 75mg daily and it HELPS! OMG!!! They are not gone. In fact, yesterday, I was 'flashing' almost every hour of the daytime. What was that all about? Taking Effexor is my punishment for shaking my head at all my friends and relatives who have been on mood elevaters for years. I'm a happy person and never needed them. But for this, .... thank heaven there is something that helps. Eleven years is long enough.
    ~~Connie~~
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #16
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    Kat11 said:

    I also carry the fan around
    I also carry the fan around my neck. It's also sprays water mist. Fan next to bed at night. I drive my husband crazy. I am hot then cold then hot ect and this goes on all day and night. Covers on off on again. Hmmm forgot what it was like to sleep through the night.

    I definately have the on
    I definately have the on /off thing at night. not too bad during the day. I have to be careful what I wear at night. no more flannel nighties .
    but I am still in radiation , will see what the tamoxifen does aint it grand!!!
  • Mama G
    Mama G Member Posts: 762
    #17
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    carkris said:

    I definately have the on
    I definately have the on /off thing at night. not too bad during the day. I have to be careful what I wear at night. no more flannel nighties .
    but I am still in radiation , will see what the tamoxifen does aint it grand!!!

    When I had them during menopause...
    I drank Soy milk and it helped a lot! However my first oncologist told me that
    the Soy milk in the USA is not good for breast cancer patients. Not sure why, but
    it would be worth checking out. It was amazing how much it helped me.
  • diney9
    diney9 Member Posts: 6
    #18
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    hot flashes
    I have been having hot flashes and night sweats since i started chemo back in Oct. 2009,and haven'y had a period since either.But my onc.doesn't seem to want to give me anything for this,she said the Tamoxifen I'm on must be working if i'm having these symptoms,sometimes i get the feeling she doesn't much care how annoying and uncomfortable this is to live with.She also told me that vitamin E is not good for your heart so i can't take that either.I live in the north where it is still cold at night and sometimes during the day,and i still sweat and get all red whenever the mood strikes!I still have to have a hysterectomy sometime down the road,wonder how bad the hot flashes will be then,and if i will have them for the rest of my life or what.There has to be something i can take that will help.
  • pitt
    pitt Member Posts: 387
    #19
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    Cure for hotflashes
    This is going to sound crazy but I swear it is helping me... I drink tons of cold water. When I feel a flash coming on, then I reach for the water and the flash goes away...every time. They are less frequent when I am well hydrated. I hope this helps you as well. Pitt
  • Different Ballgame
    Different Ballgame Member Posts: 868
    #20
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    pitt said:

    Cure for hotflashes
    This is going to sound crazy but I swear it is helping me... I drink tons of cold water. When I feel a flash coming on, then I reach for the water and the flash goes away...every time. They are less frequent when I am well hydrated. I hope this helps you as well. Pitt

    That sounds logical.
    Pitt,

    That's a good thought. I'm going to try it. I have not been drinking as much water as I normally do. Lately, I have been drinking a lot of tea.

    Hugs,
    Janelle
  • mollymousemom
    mollymousemom Member Posts: 18
    #21
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    Are there any tricks to surviving hot flashes
    Hi Janelle.....I started arimidex 12/26/09 & have suffered through some(to me)extreme hot flashes...I have found that if I'm home, I can eat half of a double popsicle & that will stop the hot flash. I also keep a bottle of ice water on my desk @ work & that helps...along with the fan blowing on my face.....mine seem mostly neck & head...you can actually feel heat coming off the back of my head...I'm surprised my hair hasn't cought on fire..lol......think it all boils down to something we will have to endure the best we can......I keep a icy cold wash cloth in a bowl on nightstand @ night & when I have one during night, I will put the cloth on the nape of my neck & that seems to help a lot..along with the ceiling fan......good luck & know you have a lot of sisters rowing this boat right along with you....hoping you find a solution that works for you.....Margaret

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