Newly diagnosed and Menopause
Hello everyone, My name is Kate, and I recently turned 48. Just a few weeks ago, my world shifted dramatically when I was diagnosed with breast cancer. After discussing options with my doctor, I've decided to start chemotherapy soon. It’s all still a bit surreal, and I’m doing my best to stay positive and prepare for what’s ahead. One thing I wasn’t expecting, though, is how menopause has shown up almost overnight. Hot flushes at night are waking me up, making it tough to get any solid sleep, and of course, that affects how I feel during the day, too. The timing couldn’t be more challenging! I’m trying to manage these menopause symptoms as naturally as possible since I’m not sure what my body will tolerate during chemo. I started searching online for natural remedies, and there’s a lot of information out there – from herbs and supplements to lifestyle tips. But I’m nervous about adding anything new to my routine while preparing for chemo. Has anyone here faced a similar situation? Do you know if certain natural supplements for menopause might contradict chemotherapy? Any advice, experiences, or insights would be really appreciated. I’m looking for safe ways to manage these symptoms, so any guidance on this journey would mean a lot.
Joining the shitty titty club...
So yep, newly diagnosed...46 years old, no kids and I took the pill for 10+ years...no doubt all contributing factors. Ended up with grade 2 DCIS with small invasive component, detected on routine screening thanks to a strong family history (mum and both grandmothers, plus a few other relatives) and several previous benign fibroadenomas. Lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy and now about to commence 5 weeks of radiation therapy and then Tamoxifen, neither of which I want to do. Am also right in the throes of perimenopause and the periods from hell, because it's not shit enough to have breast cancer, the downstairs situation also has to mess with me. Of course there is nothing I can do about it at the moment and I hear Tamoxifen may even make it worse... Anyway, hi...
Ongoing oestrogen supression
Hi wondering if there are any age 40ish ladies out there premenopausal who have had to decide whether to use tamoxifen daily for up to 10 yrs or goserelin injection every 28 days and exemestane daily. I am reluctant to be locked in to having an injection every 28 days and wary of the more harsh side effects that go along with it, but my oncologist seems to think I should try it...having already had double mx, 4xAC dose dense and having 10th taxol next week and then will have rads for 6 weeks daily after that I feel that physically and mentally tamoxifen is the preferable choice and will give me a better sense of closure and ability to move on a recover from all of this... thoughts?