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ronni's avatar
ronni
Member
11 years ago

NIGHT TIME FLUSHES

Well, it's has been a while since I visited....... I am now into my second year clear after early stage breast cancer. I am still tender around my scar and have breastoedema, which flares up every now and again. I am interested in the remedy for the flushes at night, both hot and cold from the effects of tamoxifen. A blood test shows I am not menopausal. Does anyone have a good and natural remedy for these? I have had them now for over a year and they are NOT comfortable as I am sure many of you know! I just want a good night's sleep!!

5 Replies

  • Mozzie_Bear's avatar
    Mozzie_Bear
    Member
    11 years ago

    Thanks Robyn, if I get worse again I think I will get one.  Wish I had known about them years ago. Maureen

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago

    You can get the cooling pads online,just google chillow pillow,and it will come up,or give captain snooze a call .Cheers Robyn.

  • Mozzie_Bear's avatar
    Mozzie_Bear
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Ronni, the hot flushes and night sweats are a shocker.  My worst time was pre cancer diagnosis and even though I am now taking arimidex I am going ok.  At my worst I found changing to flannelette sheets helped as I didn't feel as wet so I slept better - I know this is not going to be every ones first choice but it helped me.

    I tried many natural remedies but they didn't work too well.  Apart from drinking ice cold water to cool me down, alcohol and caffeine made the flushes worse.  If I was ever cold a coffee would always warm me up - still does. 

    I have heard of a cooling pad to put in the bed but I don't know where to get one - someone else may have used one and can let you know.

    That is all I can offer so good luck.  Maureen

  • Robyn_W's avatar
    Robyn_W
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hello Ronni:) For the first year after I started Tamoxifen,I had THE WORST hot flushes imaginable.They went all day and all night.On my blog I wrote about them,and I got lots of answers.You can take a look if you like.I used to have them every 15 minutes at one stage,and they woke me all night.About 3 or 4 months ago,they just suddenly slowed down,and now they have almost stopped:) I have maybe 2 a day,and very mild.None at night at all:) .The things that helped me are these: DONT drink hot drinks,only drink iced water that you keep in the fridge.This cools your core temperature.I sleep with a pedestal fan turning,next to my bed,every night.My husband is used to  it now!!!Only use 100 per cent cotton sheets,not polyester ones.I bought a chillow pillow,which I loved.I would refrigerate it every day,and just before bed,slip it into my pillow case.Heaven:):) I don't need it now though.Have a shower,as cool as possible,just before bed.Hope that some of these help.Cheers Robyn.xox

  • rowdy's avatar
    rowdy
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi I used to have terrible flushes at night, waking me up and having to throw the covers off. I used to take my tamoxifen first thing in the morning and my oncologist  suggested taking it in the middle of the day. I have been doing this and it is much better, still wake maybe once during the night now, not 3 -4 times that I used to. Good luck