Female issues - Questions for the gals on the board

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  • lemonade
    lemonade Member Posts: 63
    #22
    pjjenkins said:

    Estrace
    Hi Barbara,
    What is the Estrace supposed to do to help? I am not at all familiar with it.

    Thanks- I feel very very fortunate to have NED... And, as there are so many different stories out there, I know I will worry again as testing time approaches again next year.
    Priscilla

    Estrace
    It is a hormone cream that is inserted with an applicator similar to the applicators used for yeast infection creams. The dosage I use is 2 grams. It is a little smaller than a tampon. I had shrinkage in my vagina and the gynecologist said that the hormone cream would help to "soften up" the tissue to make it more pliable and enable it to stretch more easily. I'm not using the technical terms he used, but that is the idea.

    The info sheet that came with cream said it could cause cancer and I asked my oncologist about it. He said not to worry about it. That seems rather contradictory to me, so I'll just worry about something else instead. Every little ache and pain makes me wonder. The latest thing I'm concerned about is the swelling in my left ankle. They found cancer in my left lymph node in July 2009 before treatment. My oncologist said my lymph channels were probably damaged due to the chemo.

    Hope that works for you.

    Barbara
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #23
    lemonade said:

    Estrace
    It is a hormone cream that is inserted with an applicator similar to the applicators used for yeast infection creams. The dosage I use is 2 grams. It is a little smaller than a tampon. I had shrinkage in my vagina and the gynecologist said that the hormone cream would help to "soften up" the tissue to make it more pliable and enable it to stretch more easily. I'm not using the technical terms he used, but that is the idea.

    The info sheet that came with cream said it could cause cancer and I asked my oncologist about it. He said not to worry about it. That seems rather contradictory to me, so I'll just worry about something else instead. Every little ache and pain makes me wonder. The latest thing I'm concerned about is the swelling in my left ankle. They found cancer in my left lymph node in July 2009 before treatment. My oncologist said my lymph channels were probably damaged due to the chemo.

    Hope that works for you.

    Barbara

    Barbara
    Hi Barbara,

    I was also prescribed estrace, it has helped immensly. I was prescribed 1 gram 7x a week, for 2 weeks and now 3x a week periodically, when I feel I need it. My PA said to use the cream on the outside of my anal area, as this will help with healing also. I have noticed great improvement. But it saying it may cause cancer is unsettling. I have read by other posters that the pill form of estrogen with a history of breast cancer, is not good. I will talk to my PA again at my follow up to see what the incidence for cancer is with the cream. I wonder if its a blanket warning for all hormone treatments? I will see. I wish you well. Lori
  • cbs6931
    cbs6931 Member Posts: 63
    #24
    z said:

    Barbara
    Hi Barbara,

    I was also prescribed estrace, it has helped immensly. I was prescribed 1 gram 7x a week, for 2 weeks and now 3x a week periodically, when I feel I need it. My PA said to use the cream on the outside of my anal area, as this will help with healing also. I have noticed great improvement. But it saying it may cause cancer is unsettling. I have read by other posters that the pill form of estrogen with a history of breast cancer, is not good. I will talk to my PA again at my follow up to see what the incidence for cancer is with the cream. I wonder if its a blanket warning for all hormone treatments? I will see. I wish you well. Lori

    Lori, Question...
    I received a prescription for Estrace also, same dosage, but she wants me to use it every day for 2 months. In addition, she prescribed progesteron (spelling?) in pill form every other day. (Had a valid reason,I just can't remember it now, too much swimming around in the head) Did you get progesteron as well or just the estrace cream?

    Thanks!,

    Cathy
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #25
    cbs6931 said:

    Lori, Question...
    I received a prescription for Estrace also, same dosage, but she wants me to use it every day for 2 months. In addition, she prescribed progesteron (spelling?) in pill form every other day. (Had a valid reason,I just can't remember it now, too much swimming around in the head) Did you get progesteron as well or just the estrace cream?

    Thanks!,

    Cathy

    Cathy
    Hi Cathy,

    I was just rx the cream. I completed tx on 6-30-09, and didn't go to the gyno until 4-10. So since your just out of tx, that might be why the difference in the dosage and additional hormone pill. I will find out more on my re check. Lori
  • gladteacher
    gladteacher Member Posts: 9
    #26
    JDuke said:

    Lori,
    Would you share some more information with me about the "anal cancer survivor" with the 2 nodules?
    Thanks,
    Joanne

    women's issues
    Hi Joanne and Lori,
    I just wanted you both to know that I saw my oncologist last Thursday with the results of the biopsy the week before and blood workup. I have lupus (SLE) and Sjogren's Syndrome which are autoimmune disorders. My blood was really messed up. My sed rates have gone way up, and white cell count down from the last blood draw, which means my immune system is kind of whacky right now. My oncologist had told me he wanted to wait on going to see a thoractic surgeon in Mesa, AZ, but because of the latest PET scan he feels it is very necessary to have a lung biopsy as soon as possible. The lymph glands are lit up on the PET scan, but the middle of the lungs and fine. My oxygenation levels are around 98 to 100 which is good. I think I get out of breath due to lack of exercise. I see my colorectal surgeon tomorrow to get a pass to go back to the gym. I have dropped 35 pounds and want to lose around 50 more. My hair Joanne, was your beautiful red color and shoulder length before losing it. Now it is salt and pepper (very short) and weird. The top is straight, the sides kind of look like brillo pads and the back is very think and dark grey. My pubic hair has grown in too in reddish brown. Go figure. I have to laugh at all the changes in my appearance these days. I still feel that there is always something in my anal tract that has to be dispelled. I take Miralax every morning and stool softeners. There is still pain by the anal opening, and weirdly I get sharp pains radiation out from the anus. I guess my nerve endings are coming back to life. I am very emotional and my oncologist thinks at times I need to see a psychiatrist, but I think the main problems in the oxycodone is affecting my emotions. I cry very easily. Normally I am very strong and in control. I guess this is normal. I am so glad I found this website because it does help to vent. I see my colorectal surgeon and am going to ask her if I can swim. I live in Casa Grande, AZ and it is getting rather warm these days. You both have been so kind to answer me when I post. I don't mean to be whiny. Lord knows, I was a teacher for 36 years and I had a price list for whiners! Haha/Do you both every have a lack of motivation? Sometimes, I still just want to go to bed and sleep. It hurts to sit for long periods of time. I ended treatments the 19th of January and the healing seems so slow at times. Well, ladies, may buy that vaginal dilator that my oncologist suggested. I currently am not seeing anyone romantically, but a girl has to be prepared. The radiation has kind of done a number on my vagina. I will have to ask about the vaginal cream too. Thanks for being there for me, and listen to me go on and on. One of these days, you will see my sense of humor. Gladie (Gladteacher)
  • z
    z Member Posts: 1,414 Member
    #27
    gladteacher said:

    women's issues
    Hi Joanne and Lori,
    I just wanted you both to know that I saw my oncologist last Thursday with the results of the biopsy the week before and blood workup. I have lupus (SLE) and Sjogren's Syndrome which are autoimmune disorders. My blood was really messed up. My sed rates have gone way up, and white cell count down from the last blood draw, which means my immune system is kind of whacky right now. My oncologist had told me he wanted to wait on going to see a thoractic surgeon in Mesa, AZ, but because of the latest PET scan he feels it is very necessary to have a lung biopsy as soon as possible. The lymph glands are lit up on the PET scan, but the middle of the lungs and fine. My oxygenation levels are around 98 to 100 which is good. I think I get out of breath due to lack of exercise. I see my colorectal surgeon tomorrow to get a pass to go back to the gym. I have dropped 35 pounds and want to lose around 50 more. My hair Joanne, was your beautiful red color and shoulder length before losing it. Now it is salt and pepper (very short) and weird. The top is straight, the sides kind of look like brillo pads and the back is very think and dark grey. My pubic hair has grown in too in reddish brown. Go figure. I have to laugh at all the changes in my appearance these days. I still feel that there is always something in my anal tract that has to be dispelled. I take Miralax every morning and stool softeners. There is still pain by the anal opening, and weirdly I get sharp pains radiation out from the anus. I guess my nerve endings are coming back to life. I am very emotional and my oncologist thinks at times I need to see a psychiatrist, but I think the main problems in the oxycodone is affecting my emotions. I cry very easily. Normally I am very strong and in control. I guess this is normal. I am so glad I found this website because it does help to vent. I see my colorectal surgeon and am going to ask her if I can swim. I live in Casa Grande, AZ and it is getting rather warm these days. You both have been so kind to answer me when I post. I don't mean to be whiny. Lord knows, I was a teacher for 36 years and I had a price list for whiners! Haha/Do you both every have a lack of motivation? Sometimes, I still just want to go to bed and sleep. It hurts to sit for long periods of time. I ended treatments the 19th of January and the healing seems so slow at times. Well, ladies, may buy that vaginal dilator that my oncologist suggested. I currently am not seeing anyone romantically, but a girl has to be prepared. The radiation has kind of done a number on my vagina. I will have to ask about the vaginal cream too. Thanks for being there for me, and listen to me go on and on. One of these days, you will see my sense of humor. Gladie (Gladteacher)

    Gladie
    Hi Gladie,

    Thank you for letting us know whats going on. It took me a long time to get my energy back, so be patient. I hope you get your lung biopsy soon and it just shows inflamation. Because you have the autoimmune disorders could there be more inflamation than a person without autoimmune disorders showing up in your pet scan? The lack of motivation I think coinsides with the healing of our bodies and all our energy is put forth that part of our bodies and not our emotional side. Also the pain meds are despressants that can really play a number on your well being, you have to wean off of those. Just give your body time to heal from the tx you have been through. I had sharp pains via my anus at times also, another healing process, that our canal has to go through. I pray for only the best outcome for you. Just remember it takes time and that I too have experienced the same type of side effects that you are experiencing. I wish you well. Lori
  • gladteacher
    gladteacher Member Posts: 9
    #28
    z said:

    Gladie
    Hi Gladie,

    Thank you for letting us know whats going on. It took me a long time to get my energy back, so be patient. I hope you get your lung biopsy soon and it just shows inflamation. Because you have the autoimmune disorders could there be more inflamation than a person without autoimmune disorders showing up in your pet scan? The lack of motivation I think coinsides with the healing of our bodies and all our energy is put forth that part of our bodies and not our emotional side. Also the pain meds are despressants that can really play a number on your well being, you have to wean off of those. Just give your body time to heal from the tx you have been through. I had sharp pains via my anus at times also, another healing process, that our canal has to go through. I pray for only the best outcome for you. Just remember it takes time and that I too have experienced the same type of side effects that you are experiencing. I wish you well. Lori

    woman issues
    Thank you Lori for your support. I see my surgeon tomorrow instead of THursday, so I will ask for a different kind of pain reliever than Percoset. I could cope better if the pain would go away, but I think the autoimmune diseases I have is a double whammy. I am a tough ole' lady of 58 and I will be here as long as I fulfill what God wants me to do. I will keep you updated on what is going on. I get a kick out of the physicians and the medical community. They say "It will take time"/ Well, when you are recovering from a disease, time seems to stop still. I have never been so inactive in my lifetime as now, and when you have nothing but time, it can do a number on your physical and mental state. I am asking permission to exercise and go from there. As for teaching, I should be ready to sub next fall. Again, thank you for your support. I appreciate it so much. Glad : )
  • lizdeli
    lizdeli Member Posts: 569 Member
    #29
    z said:

    Cathy
    Hi Cathy,

    I was just rx the cream. I completed tx on 6-30-09, and didn't go to the gyno until 4-10. So since your just out of tx, that might be why the difference in the dosage and additional hormone pill. I will find out more on my re check. Lori

    Me too
    I was prescribed Estrace as well. 2 times a week 1/2 gram. Radiologist said it would be okay because it's not the same as putting estrogen into the bloodstream and the dosage is low. I went to gyno 6 months post treatment.
    Liz
  • nvrimgnd
    nvrimgnd Member Posts: 1
    #30
    lizdeli said:

    Cathy
    Hi Cathy,
    I didn't have symptoms that you describe. I have been to my gyno twice for follow up and so far so good. I'm not a doctor....but it sounds like it could be scarring from radiation. Our bodies took an incredible amount of radiation and we saw what it did to the skin on outside so we can just imagine what it did to the skin on the inside. My radiologist used a 'protector" of sorts during radiation so I've been greatly spared a lot of issues related to that area. I think you are on the right track to have it follow up on. Please keep us posted.

    Liz

    Radiation ????


    Hi Liz ~ I am very new to this site..not sure how to navigated it yet..but while reading thru the posts, I caught your mention of your radiologist using a "protector" of sorts. May I ask what was used??? Thank you.. K~
  • lisa09
    lisa09 Member Posts: 32
    #31
    gladteacher said:

    woman issues
    Hi Cathy,
    I know how scared you are. This post recovery period for me has been very hard. I just went in for my PET scan 2 weeks ago and there were no spots on the anal area, but in my lungs. They don't think it is cancer but took lots of blood workup that I will get the results of tomorrow. Anyway, when I saw my radiology oncologist, I told him I had pain in my vagina. They gave me information to buy vaginal dilators. I am not dating or seeing anyone at the present time, but want to be ready if I want to have sex sometime in the future! Haha. The new normal. Nothing has been normal since therapy started on Dec. 7, 2009. It has been four months now since therapy has ended. I had skin tags from the radiation removed from the anal area last week with the biopsy. I guess I find out about that also. Why isn't this healing going faster? I am tired of being on pain pills. The hardest thing is not knowing if there will be diarrhea or constipation. It still hurts to sit for a long time. I go to the wound center also, and they say it is slowly healing, but it still does not feel normal. I stay in the house much of the time. I don't feel energetic enough to go out. Are there others out there with these problems? Please let me know. Gladie (Gladteacher)

    symptoms
    Hi Gladie,

    Hang in there, it gets better with time. I finished treatment in July of last year. The diarrhea gets better and you will become a little more regular, although it's still not the same. Please use the dilators - my oncologist didn't seem too concerned at the time, but my gynecologist was. He had a patient that is no longer able to have intercourse because of the stenosis. I used them faithfully after treatment and have had no problems.

    Lisa09
  • alis7910
    alis7910 Member Posts: 80
    #32
    complications
    Hi Cathy:
    Although I have not had the complication you have had,what showed up for me was inflamation of the bowel and acute vaginal burning, months after radiation. My radiation oncologist asked me what I would have done, if I had known about these while i was still undergoing radiation, and i realized i would not have been able to handle it. it is difficult when one thinks the healing process is advancing. I do hope you are better now.
  • alis7910
    alis7910 Member Posts: 80
    #33
    gladteacher said:

    woman issues
    Hi Cathy,
    I know how scared you are. This post recovery period for me has been very hard. I just went in for my PET scan 2 weeks ago and there were no spots on the anal area, but in my lungs. They don't think it is cancer but took lots of blood workup that I will get the results of tomorrow. Anyway, when I saw my radiology oncologist, I told him I had pain in my vagina. They gave me information to buy vaginal dilators. I am not dating or seeing anyone at the present time, but want to be ready if I want to have sex sometime in the future! Haha. The new normal. Nothing has been normal since therapy started on Dec. 7, 2009. It has been four months now since therapy has ended. I had skin tags from the radiation removed from the anal area last week with the biopsy. I guess I find out about that also. Why isn't this healing going faster? I am tired of being on pain pills. The hardest thing is not knowing if there will be diarrhea or constipation. It still hurts to sit for a long time. I go to the wound center also, and they say it is slowly healing, but it still does not feel normal. I stay in the house much of the time. I don't feel energetic enough to go out. Are there others out there with these problems? Please let me know. Gladie (Gladteacher)

    pain in vagina
    Cathy:
    I found out I had vaginal adhesions- the doctor removed them in the office, but told me they would come back. Also he told me that the vagina narrows permenently. he also advised using dilators.
    I hope this ahs improved for you. The fact that it takes so long to heal is challenging, but you have to know things will get better.
  • sherinc
    sherinc Member Posts: 6
    #34
    dear cathy,
    I am 1 treatment
    dear cathy,
    I am 1 treatment away from the end. I too have the type of bumps you have described and what I believe is a cyst beside the area where the external portion of my tumor was the tweener as I call it. It is painful as is all of this. I do not have a discharge. what if anything have you learned about these bumps?
    Thanks

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