Hello all, I do visit regularly but haven’t posted for quite some time. I am rather confused at the moment so back on here for advice/info.
It’s 7 yrs ago since I was diag. with DCIS, grade II, 1 lymph node involved, given mastectomy and full axilla clearance, and chemo, short time on tamox but couldn’t live on it. Was only slightly hormone receptive so was allowed to stop.
I met with my onc to try and get my lymphadema under better control and mentioned how bad my menopause was effecting me and also my poor husband. She mentioned that she could refer me to gynea as it may be possible to go on some sort of HRT type treatment as I am now 7 years on and only 39 and symptoms are really resticting my day to day life, lots to consider but as I am only 39 we have to see if benefits outway any negatives. Has anyone else had this offered or tried it? I must admit I was over the moon to think that I may be able to have some relief from it and maybe have a chance at some sort of normal life again!!
In addition to the support and shared experiences you will soon have here please remember you are welcome to call our helpline to talk your queries over, our ‘ask the Nurse’ email service may also be of interest to you, you can find out more here:
After I finished treatment my oncologist referred me to a specialist menopause clinic as I was left post menopausal, had no libido and was suffering panic attacks. In my own case I was given low dose vaginal pessaries which stopped all the dryness and just took the edge off everything (I didn’t really have hot flushes). However, the gynaecologist I saw told me they have to weigh things up and if a woman is having symptoms post BC that are really unbearable they will prescribe HRT on account of the woman’s quality of life being affected.
I was only on the pessaries for about 10 months then I had to give them up as I was experiencing post menopausal bleeding. I was a bit upset at the time, but then last year I had a D and C which has sorted a few things out for me. I’m now 51 and I do actually have a libido now, it’s not a huge one but it’s all mines
Try googling a few of the respected menopause websites to see what your options are and make sure you discuss things thoroughly with the gynaecologist you are seeing. Most of the good UK ones are run by doctors.
I am off to see my gynae doctor today for the 4th time over the last few years. I had my cancer, double mastectomy and ovaries removed 9 years now. Mine was Oestrogen receptive and I have had 2 testosterone implants that are brilliant but my body keeps rejecting them through the skin.
Now they are all stumped as to what I am allowed to have. My hot flushes are few and far between but lack of libido and vaginal dryness is awful. I feel like I have no feelings or emotions what so ever for anything or anyone. The gynae doctor was stumped last time as to what I could have and I feel my appointment today is going to be pretty much the same as last time “no idea what we can give you now”
I have even spoken to a breast cancer advisor from here but still no one has any ideas as to what is available for oestrogen receptive cancer survivors.
