I was diagnosed with Metastatic Breast Cancer in May 2025, ER & PR+, HER-2 Low. I already had 10 chronic illnesses, mainly pain/fatigue e.g. M.E, Fibromyalgia, CRPS, Arthritis & Chronic Migraine
I am on my 3rd line treatment - Oral Chemo, Capecitabine (3rd cycle about to start)
With Fibromyalgia, it is difficult to regulate body temperature. I am also going through surgical menopause.
I’ve tried Oxybutynin for the hot sweats but it didn’t help. They are present day & night. I’m getting truly distressed at having soaking wet hair & face every day, particularly when I’m out in public. I have a battery fan in my handbag & all around the house
Does anyone have any tips/solutions please? Many thanks
I’m using acupuncture and finding it useful. Started with a free local NHS NADA course now having one to one as I can’t deal with the small incense filled claustrophobic space the group one was help in.
I’m also taking magnesium to counteract side effects from taking Letrozole for a few months and it’s helped the hot flushes too.,
I use magnesium already. I’ve had acupuncture for headaches and thought it was quite good. My local cancer centre has complimentary therapies - I have massage there - but I don’t know about acupuncture. I’ll be sure to ask them!
What a difficukt time your experincing. I was advised primrose oil. I have not started it yet but thought i would share the advise. I hope you find the thing that works for you to manage more comfortably x
Thanks so much for replying. I’m going to check with my oncology team, but I know that natural supplements are strictly vetted with my treatment e.g. I can no longer use multi vitamin supplements. We’ll see
I totally understand about the sweats, I’ve been on Tamoxifen since November 25 and have found my night sweats in particular have gotten worse especially in the last month or so. I wake up about 5 times a night and so even more tired in addition to the tiredness from the Tamoxifen. I still have my summer quilt on the bed and 4 fans around me going all night. I have cut caffeine down so no longer have any for atleast 2 hours before bed which is my only vice LOL for the day sweats I have bought one of those neck fans, they are great as it just looks like you have head phones around your neck.
I too can’t take supplements.
I think I might have to reduce my coffee a bit, too. Again, my only vice. I already drink 2-3 litres of water daily and I’m trying to have more tea/infusions. Thanks for replying x
Soaking wet hair and face every day, especially when you’re out in public, would wear anyone down, so it makes complete sense that you’re feeling distressed by it on top of everything else you’re managing. Since the Oxybutynin didn’t help, it might be worth going back to your oncology team or specialist nurse to ask what else could be tried, there may be other options. I’m sure others here will have some tried and tested tips too. In the meantime, light breathable layers you can easily take on and off might take a bit of the edge off. So glad you found the forum Nat
