SUFFERING STOPPING HORMONE TREATMENT FOR MENOPAUSE

@JodieMaree
I am very lucky in that my oncotype came back with a very low score (10) and so no chemo for me.
I was elated for 2 days, then crashed on Sunday. I think it was the combination of everything starting to catch up with me.
I go for my radiotherapy 'measure up' on Thursday at Chris O'Brien lifehouse (part of RPA here in Sydney) and then rads will start about 2 weeks later. My rad onc is from the 'newer' school - she has recommended 15 days (as opposed to my first rad onc who suggested 25) with slightly higher - I want to say dose but I'm not sure if that's the correct terminology.
@nicmaree I have a lot of numbness still. From under my arm all the way to my nipple. It is slowly getting smaller but still quite a swathe of skin has no sensation. I'm sure it will take time.
Other than that, my mobility is really good. Have been back in the pool twice (so far) - not my fastest 1km swim but that's OK.
I taking notes from a bunch of threads and keeping a list to ask questions when next I see the doctors. 
10 weeks today that I found a weird dimple on my right breast - so weird that it's really not that long ago, but in 10 weeks so much has happened. 
I'm riding the 'I'm so lucky I don't need to do chemo' wave for as long as it lasts. There's already been moments of 'what if'.
I'm also seeing the Menopause clinic next Monday at RNS. I'm really hoping that they will be able offer some alternate options to HRT, or at least some strategies / options to tackle the most full on side effects - which for me are insomnia, joint pain, feel constantly like a cranky pants, and of course, the 'power surges' (aka hot flushes). Also went to the dentist today to ensure that there are no potential cavities so once radio is done, I can take bisphosphenates for perhaps 1 year (along with the other endocrine therapy drugs). 
And..... exhale. 

@arpie I’ve just read your comments about - 5 years later with underarm numbness and nipple pain.
My nipple was removed and re attached during surgery. I have underarm numbness . Some days more than others. 

@cactusk How did you go? I’ve started radiation, hope you didn’t need to get chemo. 

@JodieMaree hello,
just read this thread. I too stopped my HRT upon hearing my diagnosis - and boy, the peri menopausal symptoms have returned!

@arpie and @Blossom1961 Thank you for your kind words. I’ve already started moisturing, hoping for my skin to be in the best condition before starting radiation. Having a rest day today as I just can’t concentrate and would only be thinking on Tuesday when I’m back in the office “where is xyz? “Why did I do that?”l I’ve spent the morning in the garden pottering around. Feel a bit better now and about to have a cup of tea and watch some Christmas movies. 

ipad - put two fingers on it and stretch them away from each other whilst touching screen. I do this all the time by accident and end up with a huge font.

Shooting pains - I had these in my arm from damaged nerves. Massage helps a bit and heat pads.

Start singing carols and dancing around. It will bring that Christmas joy back and help you put the awfulness aside.

Sending big hugs

Bummer @JodieMaree - so sorry to hear it was in one node ....  hopefully, your radiation will mop up any of the randoms xx.  Keep an eye on the colour of your skin after rads .... let your Rads team know if there is anything concerning you, specially if the skin blisters or 'breaks down'.  Keep the moisturisers up to it after each treatment.  

5 years later & my underarm is still a tad numb ..... the shooting pains around your nipple are quiet normal - I had that too.  But my nipple was actually 'removed' and the surgery done 'thru the hole' before sewing it back on again ..... it is probably just nerve endings trying to 'reconnect' again ... and may take a while to do so xx

Is your iPad an Apple or an Android?  If it is an Apple - just hold down the 'Control' Key and then hit the '+' key and it should increase the size of the font.  

Alternating between tears & anger is totally normal reactions to what you are going thru xx   Give our Helpline a bell tomorrow on 1800500258 and chat with someone - I really believe it will help you understand what is going on - both physically and mentally xx

I hope you can get some of that Xmas Spirit back - difficult tho it may seem just now 

take care xx

UPDATE

Hello. Surgery was a month ago now. Everything went well, surgeon removed tumour and one lymph node which showed no trace of cancer. Unfortunately at the one week checkup I was advised that pathology found cancer cells in the node and on the outside of the node. Radiology commences next week which will be targeting the whole side of my chest and underarm. 

Back working part time instead of full time this past week. Physically I feel fine, numbness under my arm and alongside my ribcage from nerve damage which just feels weird (unless I do some weeding like I did today and then it hurts) and shooting pains in my nipple started this week. What’s the go with that? Mentally I’m just burnt out and exhausted. I was alternating between tears and anger today and I just don’t even want to think about Christmas, which is my favourite time of the year. 

Hi,
Just wondering if restless leg syndrome is a part of menopause symptoms? anyone had this along with the horrible hot flushes?
Thanks

JodieMaree said:

Hi. Diagnosed two weeks ago yesterday, can’t believe it’s only been two weeks seems so much longer. Daughter is currently in the middle of HSC, so I haven’t told family yet, which sort of makes it seem like it’s not real. 

I’ve been reading a lot of posts and like a lot of women, I was blind sided getting a call back from Breast Screen Australia, even then thought, nah, not me. One out of twenty, my odds are good. I’ve been to the surgeon and McGrath nurse and now need to make a decision.

It would be so much easier if I could get a good nights sleep. As the tumour is hormone positive, I’ve had to go off my happy gel (Estrogel). For the past week the night sweets are back. Anyone with the same dilemma? Any suggestions? TIA

Hi Jodie.  I was diagnosed age 39, 8 years ago.  Needed full hysterectomy because I was BRCA2 positive (to reduce risk of ovarian).  Weren't allowed any HRT and went insane with night sweats and hot flushes to a point I cried out for help.

My oncologist prescribed 'Gabapentin' (Neuropentin) which can be safely taken at night.  1 tablet, 2 hours before bed, 300mg capsule.  Gabapentin is an anticonvulsive medication (not HRT).  It has an effect on the brain waves that normally would stimulate your body to create a flush.  So it reduces the flushes and night sweats almost completely.  

I have been on Gabapentin for the last 8 years and it has given me back my sanity.  Ask your Oncologist or GP about it.  

All the best.
Rene