BRAC 1 +, questions

cshpeace7

BRAC 1 +, questions

cshpeace7

Hi all,

I just signed up for this site today and I need some help.  I am going in for my reconstruction (or otherwise know as, swapping of the "girls") and an oopheroctomy on 5/27.  I finished my last round of AC/Cytoxen and Taxol on 3/31 and am currently taking herceptin on a 3 week schedule until 1/09.  I was wondering if anyone out there could tell me what to expect from doing these surgeries at the same time.  Also, although the chemo induced menopause I am only 39 and until Dec was still getting my period.  I heard that the sudden menopause is awful.  Any homeopathic rememdies?  Oh and one more thing, I'm still waiting for my hair to grow back.  Is it true that once you stop producing estrogen it's harder for your hair to grow back?  Really getting tired of looking like a cue ball.  Thanks in advance for your support

TenderIsOurMight

Hi cshpeace,



Just of late at this site someone had both reconstruction surgery and oophorectomies, maybe with the uterus too. Sorry, I can't recall whom just now.



I had a prophylactic mastectomy and TAHBSO at the same time. I'd recommend asking for the pump infusion for the analgesic, but have to warn you that you should have a friend or family member or personal nurse to help you remember to push the dose button. I was told to push it, but was alone and so groggy there was no way I recalled and the pain hit like a mack truck. Also, the intermittent calf compression pressure devices are helpful in preventing blood pooling in your legs. I went home in two days, and stayed on oral medicines for about 5 before switching to tylenol etc...



Surgical menopause is variable from what I understand depending on your size, length of time between cycles , etc.. I don't know any homeopathic remedies which are recommended for an ER+ state.



As to your hair, I've never heard that estrogen depletion keeps it from growing. Thyroid dysfunction can contribute to falling out, but hair growth I think strangely is testosterone driven.



Good luck to you on your upcoming surgery and welcome.

Tender

msthanglila

When menopause is induced surgically (suddenly) not only do you stop producing estrogen and progesterone, you also stop producing testosterone.

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/menopaus1/a/menotestosteron.htm