So I caused my BC by taking HRT?

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bedo
bedo Member Posts: 1,866
edited June 2014 in Stage I Breast Cancer

I went through menopause early (40) maybe because of stress or my low BMI or taking another form of chemo.  I feel so stupid and guilty.  How could I have done this to myself? I can't get past the guilt. Plus my family are health nuts.  I have been vegetarian since 16.  They always remind me that, well... you took all those hormones, don't you think that caused it? I am an idiot.

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  • rjbaby69
    rjbaby69 Member Posts: 349
    edited August 2011

    Bedo do not do this to yourself.  I took hormones too.  But sometimes I just think sh"t happens.  I believe I have uncovered evidence that I had the beginnings of cancer long before I started the hormones.  But that's just my speculation.

    Please don't torture yourself like that!  We can't change the past but we can have an awesome future!  Look forward!  You are NOT an idiot! 

    Hugs!

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited August 2011

    bedo - I agree - don't do this to yourself.  I too took HRT for a total hysterectomy at 45, so HRT for the last 10 years.  I had a clear mammo/US prior to this last one where BC was diagnosed.  I will never know if HRT contributed to my BC, but what would be the point of wondering or feeling guilty about it?  It is what it is, you can only go forward from here.  I am sorry that people are trying to put any guilt on you for doing what you thought was right at the time.  Your HRT was prescribed by a physician for a specific need - as was mine.  Would I have done things differently, no - because I was aware of the risk, was diligent about mammo/US annually (sometimes more often than that), and generally lived a healthy lifestyle.  I could not function without the HRT, and I was pleasantly surprised that when I stopped it on the day of my diagnosis I did not have any more hot flashes than I did when I was taking it.  It was probably about the time I would have gone off of it on my own accord.  Please ignore anyone who tries to make you feel bad - none of us deserves this diagnosis.

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  • ruthbru
    ruthbru Member Posts: 57,235
    edited August 2011

    A lot of people do EVERYTHING wrong and have no ill effects. Stuff like this just isn't fair. And it really doesn't matter what any of us did, or didn't do, anyway. There isn't any way back into the past. Look forward, move forward, and do the best that you can from here on in. Best of luck! Ruth

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  • exbrnxgrl
    exbrnxgrl Member Posts: 12,424
    edited August 2011

    I never took hormones and I still got BC. Do not beat yourself up or feel guilty and tell your family, since they are "health nuts", that unless they can be positive and supportive, they are endangering your health! -Caryn

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  • LynMichel
    LynMichel Member Posts: 102
    edited August 2011

    Unfortunately we cannot hit the 'Undo' button. LOL.  I too took HRT's for a total hysterectomy.  But I do not feel bad about it.  To quote an actor I like Jim Beaver who wrote a book called 'Life's that Way'.  It's just that life happens.  Also because I thought I was done with all this heartache for a while.  My Mom died of pancreatic cancer last year at age 80.  I thought if anything I might get that.  My grandfather also died of pancreatic cancer in his 80's  My doctor's tell me it's better to have breast cancer than pancreatic.  I do not know about that.  This seems pretty scary.

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