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CassieB's avatar
CassieB
Member
11 years ago

Hormone Therapy

Hello everyone

I haven't visited here for a while. I've completed chemo, radio and passed my 12 mth anniversary of diagnosis on Christmas Eve. My hair is growing back nicely. I still have 6 more herceptin treatments to go and next week I have my 12 mth post surgery checkup and mammogram. Tbh i'm feeling a little anxious about that but generally feeling pretty good. I also started on hormone therapy, Femara, 7 weeks ago.

I am having a few issues with the following, any feedback or advice would be grateful.

 -cant shift any weight gain , put on 12kgs in 12 mths! My oncologist dismisses my concerns saying that I now weigh the same as her!

- I've started a new relationship and am having trouble with vaginal dryness, pain and some bleeding during sex.  I'm using Replens 3 x week plus tonnes of lube. GP not very helpful. Got info from Dr Google. The bleeding stops next day I thinks its from hormonal changes and skin thinning.

Thanks

Cassie B

 

 

 

28 Replies

  • The whole subject of sex, desire and the physical stuff that gets in the way of intimacy is an area we found poorly addressed in the medical system. That's why Pam and I started the LLL group so we could experiment with stuff that worked (and doesn't ) and discuss it all away from the main forum. Love Julie
  • Go to www.yesesyes.org. I got it mailed, the individual tubes, and I am finding it so much better than anything else. It didn't take too long to turn up. There is more info on sexual and UTI issues on the LLL group. Hasn't fixed the libido lol but at least I don't wince and bleed anymore. Cheers Julie
  • Thanks Cassie for bringing up this topic, which for me has been one of the most frustrating ongoing side effects from this whole ordeal. So much has been put on hold through the whole treatment and reconstruction process that it seems incredibly unfair to not have some return to our once pleasurable sex life. So much for the "new normal"...

    Anyway,  thanks Julie for your suggestion re: "Yes", I'll definitely be looking at this product as the Sylk doesn't seem to be doing much. I'm assuming Yes is oestrogen free? Also, my GP has referred me to a specialist women's health physio who apparently does lots of work in this field and am hoping that with the moisturiser/lubricants plus exercises/stretching etc things might actually improve for us. I don't see the physio until early Feb so will let you all know how it goes a little further down the track.

    Best wishes, Jane 

  • Thanks Cassie for bringing up this topic, which for me has been one of the most frustrating ongoing side effects from this whole ordeal. So much has been put on hold through the whole treatment and reconstruction process that it seems incredibly unfair to not have some return to our once pleasurable sex life. So much for the "new normal"...

    Anyway,  thanks Julie for your suggestion re: "Yes", I'll definitely be looking at this product as the Sylk doesn't seem to be doing much. I'm assuming Yes is oestrogen free? Also, my GP has referred me to a specialist women's health physio who apparently does lots of work in this field and am hoping that with the moisturiser/lubricants plus exercises/stretching etc things might actually improve for us. I don't see the physio until early Feb so will let you all know how it goes a little further down the track.

    Best wishes, Jane 

  • Everytime I get on this site I see that others are going through the same thing.

    This bc is so interferring in all aspects of our lives.In the beginning sex was out as I was to sick now not interested and when we do I feel like what a waste of time. I do feel sorry for my husband he has been so patient.

    It is out wedding anniversary on 29th of this month, 32 long years and I think last year was the longest.

    Where can I get this Yes?

  • Everytime I get on this site I see that others are going through the same thing.

    This bc is so interferring in all aspects of our lives.In the beginning sex was out as I was to sick now not interested and when we do I feel like what a waste of time. I do feel sorry for my husband he has been so patient.

    It is out wedding anniversary on 29th of this month, 32 long years and I think last year was the longest.

    Where can I get this Yes?

  • Thanks Karen

    My Onc is on holidays so can't discuss lastest episode of bleeding with her. I finished chemo over 6 mths ago, I'm 53 and post menopause so think maybe it's more to do with that. Hope to hear from others who have experienced this. I find replens and lube just isnt enough and I can't  use any estrogen based creams or tablets because my BC was hormone +. I just read something about inserting vit e oil caps as a vaginal moisturiser?

    All the best to you Karen 

    Cassie xx

  • Thanks Karen

    My Onc is on holidays so can't discuss lastest episode of bleeding with her. I finished chemo over 6 mths ago, I'm 53 and post menopause so think maybe it's more to do with that. Hope to hear from others who have experienced this. I find replens and lube just isnt enough and I can't  use any estrogen based creams or tablets because my BC was hormone +. I just read something about inserting vit e oil caps as a vaginal moisturiser?

    All the best to you Karen 

    Cassie xx