I too had severe hot flushes..after the first chemo way back in 1998. Every few minutes it seemed. No one told me it was going to be that bad. My advice is to not do too much when you are having vasodilation of the blood vessels so frequently. Listen to your body.. and t a k e.. i t ..s l oooowwwwly. Your health comes first and you are going through the treatment now. I was offered a low dose high blood pressure tablet at first.. catapress.. but it did not really help.
I felt my body was " so out of my control "..and it was not a nice time, along with everything else at that time. I did fight it all.. but in hindsight, i wish i had STOPPED and just slowed down and asked for help too earlier than i did.
I am now on an oestrogen vaginal pessary..twice a week, a low dose antidepressant..Zoloft.. one daily; a tablet.. called Livial ( tibilone ) ..which seems to suit me..
Things are not perfect, but they could be worse. I used to get awoken quite frequently by night sweats also, but not so bad now. Keep hydrated with water etc..and look at your diet perhaps.. Seasonal foods perhaps.... less processed carbs and more lean beans, lentils, nuts for essential fatty acids, fruit, vegetables, eggs, fish, wholegrains etc. Listen to your body, and what it needs too. I walk a few times a week. It seems to help me be less stressed and relaxed etc. I swim or tread water in summer. I get off track at times, but do not give up. Speak to your BC nurse etc.. They may be able to help you. Tell them you are finding it really tough ATM.
I get fatigued easily these days. Some days I do not do much and rest, then I can do more the next etc. In other words, I pace myself now. I am going to be 57 in February. I was 42 initially and had early menopause, instant I think after th 1st chemo. I now keep tabs on bone health, weight, blood pressure and cholesterol etc. I take Vit D; my level was 40 coming out of winter. I think normal level is about 50.. My cholesterol has gone up a bit since menopause, but BP is ok. I will get another scan for bone density next year..etc My joints are not as supple nor do I seem to have cushioning like I used to etc. In other words.. ageing is ongoing.. and i am just trying to keep as well as I can.
Getting to a place of acceptance was not so easy, but I am here now.. and try and do what I can. I am good at pottering..LOL I volunteer a bit..
I am now a grandmother.. first time. I still have days where I can flush more easily.. and especially if stressed too, so try and keep that down. Also drinking less coffee etc can help with flushes.
Re skin dryness: yes I have that too. I feel I have aged 10 years ahead of my peers, but I think..well they had to do something re the BC. I try and eat essential fatty acids etc ..nuts, fish etc.... I use Amolin baby cream with lanolin and zinc for my lips at night and in winter. I use Hamiltons Sensitive sunsreen on face under foundation. I swim in later afternoon, when sun is less strong. I get " itchy " crawly skin at times too. I do find my skin is more sensitive and possibly allergic now.. or maybe it just feels that way with dryness etc. I use Natio or natural, creams now..
Good luck with it all, Kathy.
The Moo Goo is great. I also sleep with the ceiling fan on all the time it is the only thing that lets me get any sleep.
The Moo Goo is great. I also sleep with the ceiling fan on all the time it is the only thing that lets me get any sleep.
Just a little tip, I got MooGoo udder cream & full cream moisturiser from my chemo centre. Good stuff, do recommend!
I used to wash my dry face and scalp in Cetaphil wash and then rub in either vit e cream or sorbolene.The hot flushes are the pits,especially at night.On really hot nights I have a small desk fan (on my bedside table) blowing on my face all night. You'd have to be very careful what meds/supplements you take whilst on chemo - run everything by your oncologist. I'm on Tamoxifen now and take a very low dose antidepressant(endep 10mg)which helps with hotflushes and sleep.I also carry a hand fan and cold water bottle in my handbag.I keep icypoles in the freezer.I'm a fanatic at managing the hotflushes!!
Tonya xx
