Forum Discussion

purplehazelnut's avatar
purplehazelnut
Member
11 years ago

Hi and what moisturiser do you use?

Hi ladies,

I'm 41, just over a year on from diagnosis.  I had a mastectomy and radiation therapy, and I'm currently on Tamoxifen and Zoladex (although I'm stopping the Zoladex). I've been diagnosed with BRCA2 and will have to get my ovaries out by 45.  I'm struggling emotionally and mentally despite being on antidepressants.  Interestingly I still want to have sex, but it's a mental thing.  I certainly don't have much in the way of 'drive' like I used to.  I'm really sad about how much we have to sacrifice to stay alive with this bloody disease.

I've been avoiding reading in here because the whole thing makes me so depressed.  However, today I went to the Menopause After Cancer Clinic at the Royal Women's (Melbourne) and I asked the big question: is there anything else I can do about this atrocious vaginal dryness?  The answer? Not really.

Since I'm not looking at you (I'd be too embarrassed face-to-face) I'll tell you my routine: Ovestin 3 times a week (which my MedOnc allows because I'm on Tamoxifen); AciJel Restore most nights; Replens every morning; I've been using Luna Beads because the lovely ladies at Passionfruit told me they could help; I got a (bloody expensive) vibrator because they say sexual stimulation helps, and I've been using it once a week.  I use Sliquid water-based lube and Pjur silicon-based lube (depending on what's happening) and yes, I'm still having sex with my husband, just no-where near enough for my liking because I have two young kids and it takes SO LONG to get me going and he has a demanding job and is tired a lot.  I'm starting to get over the fear, but I still hate my body passionately.

I have itching and soreness, and I have skin coming off out of my vagina almost every day (which is utterly repulsive).  This started when I was just on Tamoxifen but since I started Zoladex nearly 2 months ago it's become completely ridiculous. The doc at the clinic took a swab and gave me some cortisone for the sore bits on the outside.  

So I'm wondering whether anyone's found a better option for vaginal moisturiser?  Replens is expensive (especially when you have to use it daily) and it's not really working well enough.  

15 Replies

Show More
  • Merlins_mum's avatar
    Merlins_mum
    Member
    11 years ago

    Oh and I meant to say I only use it immediately before sex. And I had that awful lumpy skin discharge thing with RReplens and it didn't work to lubricate me. 

  • Merlins_mum's avatar
    Merlins_mum
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi and welcome. After much experimentation Yes has been a godsend for a few of us. I too had awful vaginal skin problems but frankly, apart from the occasional little skin tear around the outside when I don't use enough, I have been fine. That would also clear up if I used the oestrogen cream but as I ditched Tamoxifen I can't do that!  Please don't be embarrassed to ask stuff. Trawl through the old posts on here as there is lots about our various experiences with replens  etc. I only use the yes applicators (30 packs) from the UK site and their oil for external use. I am 60 and well into menopause. My friend who has just hit menopause tried yes ( I gave her a tube when I was home last time as she was having "issues") she is also a convert!  

    I undestand the desire to want sex but not have the desire to have sex. Bloody annoying!  We don't have a magic lube for that yet.  Lol. Let us know how you get on or if you have more questions. 

    Love

    julie

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Oops. What a goose. Call it chemo brain, yiu are actually already in the group!!!

    paula x

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi there. 

    The things they don't tell you about breast cancer. I belong to a private group on here that you might like to join called the lost libido ladies. Even though you don't sound like you have lost yours. However there is much discussion about vaginal dryness. I have started to use a product called yes. You can't buy it in Australia. Need to google it. There is lots of discussion about this product in that page. It's natural and comes in daily applicators and also a lube. Just request membership to the page and one of the ladies should accept you soon. In the mean time have a read about yes. It also is expensive but a great product. I think if you buy in bulk it is cheaper. 

    Pam (Daisymarigold ) who runs the page is a wealth of info. 

    Paula x