Forum Discussion
SUFFERING STOPPING HORMONE TREATMENT FOR MENOPAUSE
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
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
43 Replies
- Thanks @JodieMaree 🙂
It is hard telling family and helping them deal with or accept the diagnosis. Only told family and a couple of close friends at this stage and obviously work. That is great advice about the antidepressant. I'm going to see surgeon this week for post mastectomy appointment and see what that brings and will ask about non hormone menopause treatment.
I did find the Charlotte episode I webinar that was suggested very helpful and I also have a daily journal to record how I'm feeling. It helps get it all out of my head. 😀
Got dressed today with drain bag, got partner to put up my hair , put some make up on and went for a coffee, felt a bit more normal 😀 - @JJM I have no idea what I am doing on here lol. Hope your boys do well on their exams as well. Daughter is quietly optimistic as there were no “oh no, I didn’t study this” moments. All the best for your surgery. Will be thinking of you.@marg16 It was heartbreaking watching the shock on the kids faces. They are being very positive which is good. The hormone replacement made a world of difference to me, happier all round, less irritable, no hot flushes, no night sweats, felt like my old self again. Went back to the doctor and have been put on a mild antidepressant (which was offered as well as well as hormone replacement) wasn’t keen to take an antidepressant if I wasn’t depressed, but it’s on par with the hormone treatment as far stopping all the menopause symptoms and it’s only been a week so far. First few days were a struggle, but good now.
@Locksley I really wish this club that no one want to join didn’t need to exist. I’ve been told the tumour would have been there before I started hrt five months ago, but I had the same thought “have I made it worse?” As you said, it’s in the past, we need to move forward.Thank you everyone for all the advice. Much appreciated 🥰 - @JodieMaree @JJM sorry to see you both here in the club no_one wants to join. I'm 3 years down the road from active treatment. I was also on hrt for menopause for a couple of years. My symptoms were really bad. I was dripping in perspiration. I showered 3 times a day. I couldn't stop crying and said to gp I can't function like this. I work.
Hrt solved these issues. Was taken off them after 2 years and then along the way diagnosed with bc. I said to the surgeon did I do this to myself. He said we can never know but thats in the past so we move forward. He said to me if you weren't on hrt what would your quality of life been like for the last 2 years. I replied shit so I moved forward in my brain and did all the treatment they suggested.
Wish you both well. Lots if ladies here have wonderful knowledge they share. - @JodieMaree it's hard telling those closest to you and watch them go through that shock "process". However it can be a relief too. I'm weaning myself off my HRT and will go on non hormone treatment. For me it was not the night sweats but the lack of sleep, tears and sadness that took over. Keep in touch with your GP as to how you are feeling and coping. All the best 🙂
- Oh JJM, I ALSO have dense breasts and had NO idea that that makes you more likely to get breast cancer, that's so unfair, why on earth don't doctors know of this and warn their patients like us, especially when my doctor knew I'd been on HRT for ages.
I also breast fed my son for a long time, in fact 2 years, but obviously this made no difference.
All they have to do is give us ultra sounds as well, AND WARN US!! so we don't have HRT .
it's really wrong isn't it :( - @JodieMaree .... just put '@' in front of the name you want to tag (no spaes) - Sometimes it may bring up a few to choose from .... Make sure you choose the 'right name' ads there are lots of 'very similar' names .... ;)
That's great the pressure has been taken off you now your family knows - the pressure of 'not telling' is debilitating. Then again, I told my nearest & dearest - I didn't even tell extended family members until 12 months later ... I also set up an email 'update' that went out every 2 weeks, so I didn't have to keep repeating the story.
Some people do a private Facebook Page & only invite those they want, on it .... or set up a 'blog' online, for updates.
take care & all the best xx - @JodieMaree I thought that I'd sent a message back to you, but I don't see it posted, so maybe I didn't do it right. HSC boy finishes Monday. Other one (who doesn't know about BC), finishes November 9 as he is doing the International Baccalaureate. My surgery is November 7 (Melbourne Cup Day - eek). A friend will take my IB boy from Nov 7-9 and I'll say that I need to be with my Mum for a couple of days. On a positive note, my twins turn 18 on Wednesday. :-) I hope that your daughter went well in her exams!
- @iserbrown I can't believe that none of the doctors who've seen me have ever mentioned that dense breast tissue means that there's an increased risk of breast cancer. Even if they hadn't suggested additional testing, I would've looked into it myself if I'd known. I thought that I was relatively safe because I'd breastfed my twins for a year (and was told this would lower my chances of getting BC), plus I've been getting annual screening.
- If you want to tag put @JodieMaree
- JJM (Can’t figure out how to tag on this platform) I told my family on Thursday night as it was my daughters last exam. I feel so much lighter now. Hugs for the next two weeks until you can tell your son and your surgery. Is your surgery after the last exam?
