amsky

Has anyone had hot flashes that come and go for months at a time? I was diagnosed at thirty-five and had hot flashes during that time. I had not had periods from about the age of 26, but no hot flashes.  During my second chemo, I began having a period and have had one every month since, except for a few missed months this summer.  I was tested and am not menopausal, however, I go back and forth with hotflashes.  I may not have a hot flash for two months, and then will have them all day and night for weeks at a time.  It's a neverending cycle. I am getting frustrated because I don't understand why I am having hot flashes when I am not even in menopause.  I think the last week has been one big flash.  Does anyone know why or have any suggestions to lesson the hotflashes. 

Sorry to hear this.  I am thinking of you.

I went to University Hospital in Columbia.  My breast surgeon was wonderful.  I thought she was very thorough.  My oncologist is at Ellis Fischell in Columbia.  He seems to keep up to date with research.  I have felt lucky to have such a medical team. 

I, too, can relate to the ladies who feel their lives have been adversly changed.  All through diagnosis, surgery, and treatment, I was very strong because I wanted everything to remain "normal" for my children and the rest of my family.  I had a positive outlook, for awhile and tried to live everyday as if it were my last.  I didn't want to say or do anything negatively for my loved ones to remember when I pass.  Well, that was three years ago.  I have no reason to believe I will experience an occurance, as I was stage 1, however, I had no reason to expect to get cancer at thirty-five in the first place.  I think it is the loss of innocence that has been the hardest for me.  Before diagnosis, I was the one who always saw the bright side of things but now, I am the first to point out the negative in anything.  I get grouchy with my coworkers, who have been nothing but supportive, impatient with my parents, and not the same kind of mother or wife I used to be.  My sister had a baby in February.  These thoughts occured to me, "Oh great, another person in this world who will have to suffer if I pass away."  I think I subconciously tried to avoid her so she wouldn't become attached.  That didn't work very long, though, because she is so loveable and perfect.  On top of every thing, I have gained 40 pounds since chemo.  I have always had  weight  a problem, but had been able to manage it when it started to get this far out of hand.  I feel like I have given up.  I constantly worry about mets and the health of my children, husband, parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, students, brother, sister etc...  BUT, AFTER READING THIS THREAD AND REALIZING I AM NOT ALONE, I HAVE BEGUN TO PUT THINGS INTO PERSPECTIVE.  TOMORROW, I WILL TRY TO BE THE PERSON GOD MADE, AND NOT THE ONE CANCER HAS CREATED.  I think I can do it.  Maybe we need to start a support group for those of us who need help to become and stay positive.

Hi!  I'm from near Kirksville, Mo.  It was a good idea to start this thread, as I have always wondered if there were many Mo girls on this site.  I had my biopsy three years ago, today, at the age of thirty-five.  Stage 1 IDC er/pr positive, bilat mas-no reconstruction, chemo, and tamoxifin.  Did anyone have reconstruction in Columbia?

I am considering joining the study of taking femara for five years.  I read that one on the side effects was hair thinning.  Has anyone had a problem with that?

Thank you so much for all of you information.  It is always helpful when you can hear about personal experience.  Your post was especially helpful because you have knowledge of other options.  Do you or your friend have any side effects from the place the tissue was removed.  How did the recovery time differ between the two procedures?

Thanks for your quick response.  Maybe I will consider implants.  I am relieved to hear that your recovery time wasn't too bad.  What about the fills? 

I don't know the answer to your question, but I think I know what you are talking about.  I am stage one did the surgery and chemo thing.  Now, I have been having problems with my back and hip.  I think I should go to the doctor, but can't seem to find the time....I will get around to it.  I can understand why you are cleaning your plate, and think it is a good idea.  I don't think you should just ignore your breast cancer.  The prognosis is very good, now, with all the new treatments available.  If your family is like mine, they don't want to see you give up things you like or change from your usual routine.  They just want things to be normal.  When we are diagnosed with breast cancer, we have a new normal whether we like it or not.  It might take them awhile to adjust.  I know I didn't really question having a bilateral mastectomy because I just wanted the cancer out.  I did have difficulty accepting the idea of chemo, but wanted to do everything possible to be here for my children and husband.  I just got into the mindset that I can do anything for three months, and that's what I did.  I continued working throughout treatment and tried to keep things "normal", but you can only do so much.  I was lucky because my mom was very helpful in picking up where I left off.  Now, almost three years later, my life is very normal and a lot of that is behind me.  At that time, though, I didn't feel like I could ever get back to normal.  One thing I remember from my days of treatment is that many people wanted to help me and my family by fixing meals and things like that.  At first, I declined, but then realized they truly did want to help and by me allowing them to help, they didn't feel so helpless.  Are there people in your church who could help you out through the rough part of your treatment?  I don't know if I've been much help, here, but I wish you the best and will keep you in my prayers.

I had a bilateral masectomy and AC chemo.  I didn't need radiation because of the agressive surgical path I chose.  I am now taking tamoxifin.  Are you still trying to decide what to do, or are in treatment now?  I am er+/Pr+, Her2-, as well.