Newly Diagnosed

kmakm

Hi @Shann. If you are still menstruating Tamoxifen is the only one for you. If you are not, you can take either that or an aromatase inhibitor.

Did your periods stop because of your cancer treatment? If they did and they haven't come back, your GP or oncologist can order a blood test to see if your ovaries are trying to pump out oestrogen again. FSH, LH and OST are the acronyms used I believe.

If your oestrogen levels are on the rise your doctor will want to either put you on Tamoxifen, or suppress your oestrogen production with a monthly injection of zoladex and give you an AI (Letrozole, Anastrozole, Exemestane).

All this depends on your age as well. At 51 when I was diagnosed I was still getting periods, but it's the average age for menopause and Letrozole is, by a small percentage, the best hormone treatment. As i am on the cusp, for the first two to three years I have to have this blood test every three months to make sure my ovaries aren't trying to rev up again. My oncologist said she's had 55yo patients suddenly getting a period again!

Hope that's clear! K xox

shann

Hi @kmakm
I was 46 when diagnosed now 47.  I had a hystorectomy when I was 39 but the ovaries left, but have not had a period since then. don't even know if I have gone through the change.
My problem is I don't know if even want to go on anything at as I don't think 5% is enough reason to go on this tablet.  That is so strange as I have not had a blood test for my hormones at all from either my oncologist or GP.
Thank you. xx

kmakm

It really doesn't sound like you've had good care @Shann. Could ask your GP to do it? That way at least you'd know for yourself. Take care, K xox

shann

@kmakm
No I havent and I am off to the GP on monday but after the oncologist, had to change GP's cause I wanted to see a female and this one specialise in female things.  When she sees it she will probably just want to send me back to the hospital as the have opened up double the size a week since they took off the pump.  I spoke to the breast care nurses and they just said we can't help me anymore.  So if the new GP can't help then I will have to wright a referral to the Brisbane hospital as this one won't help.  But as I do I just pod along as usual. xx

arpie

@shann  -  FARK!!  You've had SUCH a hard time of it .... I can fully understand you NOT wanting to go back onto medication that may open up the wounds again!   

I hope you get some answers from your new GP

It sounds like you 'may possibly' be post menopausal even tho your ovaries are still there - but blood tests will confirm this.  You may have had some done in the past - but not realised it.  If your new GP is in the same 'clinic' - they should be able to check ALL your bloods from way back.  If you HAVEN'T got them - request a new set of bloods, including them!  I used to have them done yearly & that was BEFORE my BC diagnosis!

You are under 50 - so hopefully an MRI would not cost a fortune - or is fully covered ..... ask your Onc specialist that you REALLY REALLY want one, given your difficult history!  ..... I am not sure if your GP can order one.

My 'increased protection' from recurrence etc (given my age, surgery, radiation, pathology) is only 1% & I am giving it a go.    If I absolutely HATE the side effects - I can go off it with my BS's blessing .....   I started off on Letrozole & had big side effects but after 6 weeks, changed to Exemestane - and have noticed a BIG drop in side effects with the 'same protection'.

Don't be afraid to 'give it a go' - and if it doesn't suit you - ask if there are alternatives for you to try   xx

Blossom1961

@shann this sounds awful. I had extreme thrush four years ago (before my BC days) and nothing got rid of it for months and within two weeks of getting rid of it, back it came. I ended up taking mother apple cider vinegar and yakult. I then treated it again with some anti fungal cream, continued with the yakult and vinegar, and haven't had it since. Not sure if this is the reason for non recurrence but I continue to take it.
 Frankinsence is a great natural cell rejuvenator which has also been tested by the "official" medical research and proven to help heal. If you try it make sure you buy one that has been extracted using the steam or press method. Some companies use alcohol to extract which is not going to help at all ( unless you plan on drinking it?). Best wishes

shann

@Blossom1961
Thank you for replying.  With the Frankinsence do you take it orally or rum it on  the wound.

Shannon xx

shann

@arpie
Unfortunately I only moved back home Aug 17 and 2 weeks of being here I found the lump, so had to find a new GP and others.  The new female GP is in a different clinic but she was my eldest and now youngest daughters Gp so giving her a go.  But with some GP's it is hard to get a word in sometimes only time will tell.  Thank you for all you advice, this forum is great I get so much info on here.
xx Shannon (Shann)

Blossom1961

Hi Shannon, I use Frankincense both ways. It has a florally flavour but it is okay. I always play it safe when putting any oils on open wounds and dilute them with a safe carrier oil, eg coconut, apricot kernel and then test by putting just on the edge of the wound to start with. I know they say it is safe but I don't like to risk it. I use Doterra but I know there are other food safe essential oils available. If you go with Doterra whoever you buy from will be able to advise. Hope this helps. Melody

kmakm

Hi @Shann. I just heard this doctor interviewed on ABC Radio Melbourne and instantly thought of you.

https://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/scientists-trial-an-unexpected-source-to-help-heal-hardtotreat-skin-injuries/

arpie

OMG .... as gross as that sounds, @kmakm  - I can understand the theory behind it!  

kmakm

@arpie Fascinating.

shann

Hi kmakm
Thank you for that. I am assuming that you use your own and if that is the case well I am out of luck and not sure I would ike to use someone elses. I had a hystorectomy when I was 39 and they only left my ovaries. But very interesting read.
I have have often thought about the second skin but the docs here told me it wouldn't help me as it was for burns and yet 2 sentences ago they were just telling me that this looks like a burn.  So I throw my arms up in the air.  Trying to get hold of the Dr that invented the second skin at present.  Not sure if it is available over here.  I am seeing a new GP and seems nice but the dressing she put on cost $22 so will be taking my own on friday.  Not sure what she can do really.
Did you give me the name of the Dr in Perth about the second skin, thank if you did.
Shann xx

Annie C

@sharon lee

The doctor who invented a second skin is Fiona Woods. She used it extensively after the Bali bombing.

She was at the Royal Perth Hospital Burns Unit. 

Annie

arpie

She is an AMAZING woman!  I think she was Australian of the Year after that!  AND she has about 6 kids!!

Good luck with the search - I hope you can get some of the second skin @shann   Maybe suggest to her that you can be her 'project' in a new area of wound management?