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gilliann's avatar
gilliann
Member
12 years ago

Periods, do they return after chemo?

Hi Girlies

I'm interested to know if anyones period has returned after chemo?I have triple negative bc so I wont receive any hormone therapy as it doesn't respond. 

I have recently undergone fertility treament to harvest some embryos prior to chemo but I was unable to produce any eggs. The doctor explained before I lay on the operating table that he would try his best but my estrogen levels were really low. I intially was prescribed femarra as they were unware I had triple negative. This lowers estrogen apparently. I also had a small implant placed under the skin on my tummy to protect my ovaries but it has a pretty low success rate apparently. There is still a chance I will go into early menopause but my periods may come back.

I'm gutted and I am not coping with it very well to be honest. I see my oncologist next Tues so will probably start chemo soon. I dont know if I will be able to fit in another cycle, I am willing to postpone chemo for a couple of weeks to try another cycle but my husband and parents are not too keen on the idea. They think I dont need the addtional stress and its only really insurance policy but  ultimatley its my decision.

Has anyone else been in this predicament?

Need some words of wisdom from people who have been there. xxx

chemotherapy
triple-negative-breast-cancer

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  • MCPCEC's avatar
    MCPCEC
    Member
    12 years ago
    Gillian, I am happy, first time I have posted, was a little hesitant, but I just could not ignore your plight, having been in a similar situation, I was only just engaged and eager to respond to the ticking clock! Aren't the breast care nurses fabulous?
  • gilliann's avatar
    gilliann
    Member
    12 years ago

    I suppose it could go either way but its comforting to know I may still get my period. I've just turned 30 and breast care nurse seemed pretty optomistic that I will be able to conceive naturally after I'v finished the treatment.

    Maree your comment made my day!

  • MCPCEC's avatar
    MCPCEC
    Member
    12 years ago
    I was diagnosed in1990 aged 34, with a lumpectomy, had chemo and radio, no hormone therapy. Not offered any help with future fertility issues, simply told you may not be able to have children. Pre Internet days, so no advice available on line. My periods did not stop, however went from 5 days to 2 days, and stayed that way. Our beautiful naturally conceived daughter was born in1995, now a happy robust 18 year old. So my cloud did have a silver lining, I hope you find yours. XxMaree
  • MCPCEC's avatar
    MCPCEC
    Member
    12 years ago
    I was diagnosed in1990 aged 34, with a lumpectomy, had chemo and radio, no hormone therapy. Not offered any help with future fertility issues, simply told you may not be able to have children. Pre Internet days, so no advice available on line. My periods did not stop, however went from 5 days to 2 days, and stayed that way. Our beautiful naturally conceived daughter was born in1995, now a happy robust 18 year old. So my cloud did have a silver lining, I hope you find yours. XxMaree
  • NaturalBel's avatar
    NaturalBel
    Member
    12 years ago

    Ask a nurse or doctor for your situation, but for me they were nearly finished anyway.  I am 47, so got the instant menopause thanks to Chemo.  Not sure about that one - we are all different. xBel

  • Jrova's avatar
    Jrova
    Member
    12 years ago

    When I first had chemo in 2002 (aged 34), my periods continued regularly during the whole 6 months! The second time I had chemo (2011 aged 43) my periods did stop, but my 'robust' ovaries looked like they were going to swing back into action so I had them removed. Good luck with everything x Jane

  • MandaMoo's avatar
    MandaMoo
    Member
    12 years ago

    My story is completely different but I have periods on/off despit being on chemo for 2 1/2 year now. I am 40.  I was 38 when I started treatment. I am hormone negative but Her2 pos - never had hormone therapy.  My periods initially stopped midway through treatment.  They started again last year but have recently stopped again.

    We are all so very different.  Hopefully you will get some responses here.  There is also a facebook group of young women with BC that you may find is helpful as there are 100's of members contibuting and there are bound to be many in similar situations.

    I wish you the best. 

    A x