Really stupid question

Hi agada, no that is not a stupid question at all, hopefully some one will come along who can best answer this for you, i started my menapause in my late 30's but still was having periods, when i was dx with lung cancer and had to have lung surgery i never had another period after that i got different answers from different dr. one said that surgery can have an effect on your body, sounds about right but dont know how true that is, being 50 you may already be going thru it anyway. but they say you are not post menopausal untill you have gone a full year without a period. Also even thou im post men i hadnt had any symtoms untill i had a mysectomy now i get hot flashes, which is a bummer because i thought i was thru with that! but as i said maybe some one knows more about this than i, sorry i couldnt help more- hope you are doing well

hugs,, debbie

I don't think that is a stupid question at all.  I have had migraines with my period and after my mast the migraines stopped.  My period became lighter and not as horrible.  My onc had no explanation.  My fam Dr said our bodies process estrogen through our breasts so without our breasts....could 'shake things up a bit'.  I  had my mast in March and this past cycle I did get the migraine but it was at the end of my period (I always got them the day before I started).  Would love anyone with more info to chime in!  I turned 40 a few weeks after my mast.  No Tamoxifen.

Hello Agada

No question is ever a stupid question
I skipped a period after my BMX and I've never skipped one except when I was pregnant. Dr. said it was because my body was under so much stress after surgery. Oh, and I'm 41. Good luck!

catherine

I agree with what Catherine wrote two posts up. Stress can really play havoc! I didn't have a mastectomy, I had a lumpectomy and then rads (no chemo, no tamoxifen), and only now that I'm a few months out from treatment is my cycle getting back to normal. I'm 45 and not yet menopausal.

edited to add: P.S. By the way, that was not at all a stupid question.

JP, just to let you know that I am the opposite.  After my bilaterals, I get my period every 24 days when I used to go 35 days between cycles.  They come heavy for two days and then stop where it used to spread out over a week.  I am 46 so I don't know if it has anything to do with surgey or maybe perimenopause.  I don't think the surgery really has an effect on fertility issues.  You will be fine.  

jpmercy- Good luck with your surgery tomorrow morning.  I had my BMX in March, and though it was a difficult day emotionally, but the physical part was not as bad as I had made it out to be in my mind.  I'm not sure if you are having reconstruction, but if so, just remember that this is just one step in the process.  Either way, just the thought that all of the cancer is out of your body goes a long way in helping you heal- both physically and emotionally.  What helped for me was keeping a picture of my son on my hospital tray to remind me why I had chosen BMX.  I'm sure you chose it for your child, and for your future children, as well.  I don't know of anyone on here who had kids after MX but I do know one who is going to start trying as soon as her reconstruction is done and I'm sure she would love to talk to her.  Her screen name is "hurleygirly".

If you're doing reconstruction there is a great thread for women who are post MX and pre exchange called "Exchange City".  It is a very active thread with lots of incredible women who will help you in any way they can.  It is full of great info on what to expect as well as amazing emotional support.   Here is the link-

http://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topic/728266?page=567#idx_17006

Just know we are all here for you tomorrow and in the months to come!  Sending you gentle (((hugs))) tomorrow and good thoughts. 

thanks so much for the reassurance about post BMX and pregnancy. surgery was friday and it was a very difficult day emotionally but my family, husband, friends. and of course my little baby boy all helped pull me through. right now im just sore but taking my pain meds which are making me nausous. anyone else have this? pain is managable and i feel i can move around and feel good actually but once the pain meds wear off i feel alot of pressure and am very uncomfortable  kate, how long did you wait to chance to tylenol or motrin? i am VERY happy with my reconstruction results, my doctor does not use drains and he put immediate implants in. i just looked at them today and they are the exact same size and placement as my natural breast, i couldnt be more relieved of course i need to wait for my nipples but they look good and i dont have to go for fills or anything else. just want to rest and get well enough to take care of my baby again and get back to work. thanks again for the reassurance ill worry about pregnancy this summer and give my body time to heal!

thanks Kate,

i actually have an appointment today and the nurse i talked to last night suggested the drug you mentioned for the nausia and we are going to talk about it today at the appointment. i definately have not missed a pain med taking them like clockwork bc i definately need to but if i feel ok at the time of taking them i take just one if its before bed or in the morning i take two bc i seem to need them most then, sore but the end of the day and then in the morning stiff and sore from sleeping. thanks for the reassurance though im just scared to be on them for too long but your right ill know when its time to ween. i just need to emotionally accept that i cant do much for my seven month old right now, i have lots of help but he is teething and i just want to scoop him up and make it all better like any  mommy would, but it hurts and can only hold him on my lap when someone is close by it is so emtionally difficult to accept that this is just temporary and to not let myself feel like a terrible mom since i cant help him. i guess i have to focus on the fact that i made this surgery decision to be SURE i would be here with him for the rest of his life so a few weeks are nothing in camparrison....just need to continue to remind myself of the big picture!