Hormone Therapy side effects post mastectomy
Hi, just wondering if anyone else has had similar experiences? I haven't been able to find anything anywhere and wondering what is going on with my body!
30th July, I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction, expanders now, implants later, for early right sided, HR+ BC. I chose to have the left side removed as well to reduce future risk and give me a better cosmetic outcome as I wasn't a good candidate for the DIEP flap surgery. Post surgery histo results showed atypical and "pre cancerous cells" LCIS in the left as well so I am so pleased I chose to go ahead with the double mastectomy even though advised I was low risk.
I am 46 years old, already perimenopausal, almost into full menopause so my oncologist started me on Zoladex beginning of June. The hot flushes which I'd already been experiencing for months grew in frequency, length and strength. The night sweats were out of control and the weight gain. Wow. I have gained 10 kgs since the first surgery on 7th May to now even with dieting.
2 weeks ago (commencement had to be postponed due to surgery) I started on Exemestane. Started great, I actually found the hot flashes reduced significantly and I'm sleeping better. But... I randomly broke out in a nasty, hot red rash last week that started across my chest and around the expander site. The rash spread to my neck, entire chest and truck and back and down my legs. It is insanely itchy and driving me crazy! I saw my GP who prescribed 50 mg prednislone as it looked like a classic allergic reaction. That did nothing so I went back after a cople of days and now I'm on 75mg a day. Finally a bit of relief after a week of hell. Still no idea what is causing this as it's not listed anywhere as a common symptom. Hoping the blood test will show something.
To make things extra confusing, out of the blue I got my period! The last time I had one was back in January this year. I thought this would have been almost impossible now.
Anyone had anything similar happen?
30th July, I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction, expanders now, implants later, for early right sided, HR+ BC. I chose to have the left side removed as well to reduce future risk and give me a better cosmetic outcome as I wasn't a good candidate for the DIEP flap surgery. Post surgery histo results showed atypical and "pre cancerous cells" LCIS in the left as well so I am so pleased I chose to go ahead with the double mastectomy even though advised I was low risk.
I am 46 years old, already perimenopausal, almost into full menopause so my oncologist started me on Zoladex beginning of June. The hot flushes which I'd already been experiencing for months grew in frequency, length and strength. The night sweats were out of control and the weight gain. Wow. I have gained 10 kgs since the first surgery on 7th May to now even with dieting.
2 weeks ago (commencement had to be postponed due to surgery) I started on Exemestane. Started great, I actually found the hot flashes reduced significantly and I'm sleeping better. But... I randomly broke out in a nasty, hot red rash last week that started across my chest and around the expander site. The rash spread to my neck, entire chest and truck and back and down my legs. It is insanely itchy and driving me crazy! I saw my GP who prescribed 50 mg prednislone as it looked like a classic allergic reaction. That did nothing so I went back after a cople of days and now I'm on 75mg a day. Finally a bit of relief after a week of hell. Still no idea what is causing this as it's not listed anywhere as a common symptom. Hoping the blood test will show something.
To make things extra confusing, out of the blue I got my period! The last time I had one was back in January this year. I thought this would have been almost impossible now.
Anyone had anything similar happen?
