Am I in ChemoPause

Pure,

I had my last period on Dec.1st ironically, the same day as my first chemo. I had 4 AC & 4Taxol. My last Taxol was March 9th. I have not had any periods. At the same time as my diagnosis I had a miscarriage at 10 weeks (1st pregnancy). Had 2 periods after it and prior to chemo. I started having hot flashes when I started chemo (only at night when sleeping). I too at times will cry at a drop of a hat (for no good reason). Remember, you also recently gave birth so naturally your hormones may also be a factor, in addition to the chemo that is. I think my hormones are out of whack, along with the chemo. Also, I wonder if I am experiencing Post-Traumatic Syndrome since being diagnosed with bc.It all boils down it could be a combination of things. I also have found that things have changed dramatically in the bedroom department. Things "down there" have changed (dry, etc). Not like it was prior to chemo. Intercourse is painful and uncomfortable.

Frankie

Jen....I wish I could give you a definite answer, but I think with having a baby almost 2 months ago, it is hard to tell why no period yet....baby, chemo or what?  The same with your emotions......you have been through a lot in the past year.....and you are still in Tx and trying to figure out the rest of your game plan.....my first chemo stopped my periods and I've never had one since (last period was between bilat and  1st chemo).....of course after chemo, I had a shot of Lupron, then had an ooph....because of my age and being peri-menopausal, onc did not think my periods would come back....I felt very ADD while on chemo and onc nurse said, "yup....thats "chemo brain".  I don' really remember hot flashes during chemo....but then again I have CRS!!!!! (can't remember s***).   HUgs, Kare

Jen,

I believe I had the same thing that you are describing during my taxol txs.  If it is it had nothing to do with chemopause - it was all taxol.  It was about the 6th tx for me also.  I started have 1 or maybe 2 days a week where I'd slip into a fog. Some weeks worse than others.  For instance, one morning I went to work feeling OK.  By mid-morning I started feeling this "other worldliness" coming on.  By noon I was a basket case.  People would talk to me and I couldn't understand them.  Had to have them talk slower.  I was confused and had to get out of there.  They didn't see anything wrong with me but I felt horrible.  Driving home was scary - I just had to keep whatever concentration I had left on the road.

This would happen 2 to 3 days after tx.  Usually I was at home on these days and I would just lay on the couch and veg out.  Just trying to let it pass.  If I was awake when it wore off it was the most glorious feeling -- I'd come out of it and feel like a new person.  Like the sun was shining again. Even if it was evening time! 

It's tough but it's just the taxol. It'll pass.