Feeling low, should I bother GP?

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Hi to everyone

I was diagnosed in Sept 06, had mastectomy with immediate recon, and then chemo which finished in February 07. I went back to work on a phased return starting in March 07 and am now doing 24 hrs per week, I used to do 28.

I am not undergoing any more treatment because I couldn’t stand the side effects from the hormone therapy.

My problem is, I am still suffering from the side effects. I did have a period in April this year, and felt great again, but since then, nothing, and the hot flushes are back with a vengeance, and I am not sleeping again.

I was at work today, and was thinking back to before BC, and just want to feel like I used to. Someone asked me how I was, and before I knew it I was in floods of tears, and just couldn’t stop.

I have been fine up to now, coping with all the c**p that this disease brings, but now I am totally fed up, and all I can think of is that I will feel this rubbish from now on.

On top of this, my sex life feels ruined, we used to have a great time, but now when we make love, it is really painfull, no matter how much lubrication we use, it stings, and I always bleed a bit. I know this is from the lack of hormones, and I just want them back.

I feel like an old woman and I’m only 45.

I just wondered if it is worth seeing my GP, as I’m sick of being tired through not being able to sleep with the night sweats, and is there anything they can give you.

Sorry for moaning on, I thought I was getting on with things, but feel really down about all this.

Love Deborahxx

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Hi Deborah,

I have put below for you the link to BCC’s publication of sexuality and intimacy, it may be of some help to you. You are always welcome to phone the helpline and have a chat with one of the nurses here who may be able to give you some more advice. The number for the helpline, which is free to call, is 0808 800 6000

breastcancercare.org.uk/content.php?page_id=668

Hope this helps.

Jo, Facilitator

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Hi, I’m 47, diagnosed Oct 2007 and have recently finished Herceptin. My last period was before I had my first chemo, Nov 2006.

My oncs referred me to a colleague of theirs who runs a menopause clinic (she’s a Consultant Gynaecologist). She recommended going on topical oestrogen as I was suffering disturbed sleep due to overheating, dry itchy vagina and really bad mood swings (I was so short tempered I could have killed!). I’ve been on this for about 5 weeks now and cannot believe the difference. The topical oestrogen is a tiny tablet you insert twice a week, I also use Replens. We had sex for the first time in 18 months a fortnight ago and it was lovely - we used some of that lubricant called Sylk, which is available on the internet.

I’m also seeing a Clinical Psychologist for counselling via my oncs. My GP wouldn’t sanction me going for this and gave me Tamazepam after telling me I “just had to be positive again”. After a couple of months of my confidence going downhill my onc overruled my GP. The psychologist said she doesn’t have to inform my surgery I am seeing her. I really feel it is doing me good as I’m looking at things in a different light now and managing to get on with some things.

Hope this might help you.

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Thanks Cherub for your helpful reply and for taking the time to help me. I was beginning to think I was going mad.

I think I will go to the GP and ask about the oestrogen tablet.

Has this helped with the disturbed sleep as well?

I will call in the morning and make an appointment, as I can’t go on feeling as I do.

Thanks again, I will let you know how I get on.

Love Deborahxxx

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Hi, made a mistake, was diagnosed in Oct 2006, not 2007!

Firstly, you are not going mad lol!

The topical oestrogen is helping with the disturbed sleep - I was waking up during the night with a feeling of prickly heat underneath the skin, so I would get out from under the duvet, then 15 mins later I would be freezing and have to get back in. This would go on all night and I would be frazzled next day. I was really aggressive towards people and losing my temper, think it was the combination of post meno stuff and lack of proper sleep.

I was a bit apprehensive about using anything hormonal (and my GP said “I’m surprised you have been given this on account of the BC”, but I’m convinced he knows nothing about BC anyway, his wife is also in the practice and she is the same). I decided to check with my oncologist first and she said as I had absolutely no hormonal activity with my cancer, she had no problems with me using the topical oestrogen - in fact she said if my symptoms had been unbearable she would have had no qualms about HRT. Apparently topical oestrogen is about a tenth of the dose you get with HRT and as you are not taking it orally every day it’s not going round your body. I had to use it every day for 2 weeks and now twice a week. It’s a little applicator with a tablet in the end and you insert it an push the plunger until it clicks. Really just like using a tampon.

Another tip for the sleep - when I go to bed at night I burn an incense stick - I found a box of 6 different smells in a shop near me and use either lavender, violet, rose or white musk. I don’t like the Jasmine as it is overpowering and the Sandalwood keeps me awake, so better if you are reading a book. I have also taken the TV out of the room and have moved the bedroom furniture as I think I was associating it with being ill (had 4 months almost entirely in bed on Taxotere). I’ve slept a lot better since and the psychologist thought this was a great idea. I do get a recurrent dream about forgetting to take medication every few weeks though, the psychologist has asked me to keep a diary of how I feel the day after this wakes me up as she wants to work on getting that stopped. She has also made me see there are things in my past I need to let go of - a lot of crappy stuff has bothered me lately, like my house getting flooded 7 years ago, followed by my dad getting dementia and dying in care. My sister lives abroad and went into denial over my BC and that has upset me as well - I get very stressed when she comes over as she behaves as thought there has been nothing wrong.

Last but not least, quietly playing relaxation music before bed helps too (rainforest music and stuff like that). I also find healthy eating is good, but that’s just common sense!

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Menopausal symptoms. I occasionally have hot and (if it’s not contractory) cold flushes. My body’s temperature regulation has become more sensitive and I more easily feel hot or cold.

My advice is:

Experiment with a thin duvet, blankets and opening and shutting windows to get the temperature just right.

Cut out caffeine and avoid alcohol in the evening.

Don’t have a hot bath or shower just before bedtime.

Buy a sexy nightie so that if you are kept awake at least you’ll feel gorgeous.

If awake and bored then seduce husband/partner for amusement factor.

Good luck,

Sue

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Thanks again Cherub and Supersue

I called to the GP on my way home from work today, but just my luck it was a training day and they were closed, but I am going in the morning, as it is just 2 mins from where I live and work.

I am feeling a bit more positive now, and determined to do something about how things are, instead of just putting up with it.

Bye for now, Deborahxx