ER/PR- and hot flashes

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sduch1
sduch1 Member Posts: 104
edited June 2014 in HER2+ (Positive) Breast Cancer

Hi-- I had neo adjuvant TH and adjuvant AC. Period stopped on TH, came back while off chemo having/recovering from surgery. Then stopped again on AC, came back once 2 months ago and haven't seen it since. I had mild infrequent hot flashes during chemo. I am now on Herceptin only and done with chemo. And, within the past week I have been getting frequent hot flashes----multiple times a day and in a row, one after another. I find it very disconcerting and it's started to worry me. My drs office says not to worry. Just wondering if anyone else can relate. I am not on hormone therapy. Thank you!!

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  • Lauriesh
    Lauriesh Member Posts: 692
    edited February 2013

    You don't say how old you are, but I was 37 when I was initially diagnosed and ac put me permanently into menopause . I was like you, it went away, it came back and then was gone for good. I had typical menopausal symptoms for a few months, including hot flashes.





    Laurie

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  • sduch1
    sduch1 Member Posts: 104
    edited February 2013

    I am 35. So, would you say that what I am experiencing is menopausal symptoms? I am also very emotional -- I feel like I could cry at anything! The emotional part also seems related.

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  • maryannecb
    maryannecb Member Posts: 1,453
    edited February 2013

    I was 444 at diagnosis...period stopped until 4 months post chemo....then had 5 more years of regular periods, used a Mirena IUD for birth control.

    At 50 periods became irrregular and HF started.

    No period now for 8 months...HF very rarely.

    I was temted to medicate....but stuck it out.

    Happily...almost menopausal...definition is no period for 1 year.

    It can be heck on emotions...speak to your team about what you are feeling...perhaps they can help.

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  • sduch1
    sduch1 Member Posts: 104
    edited February 2013

    thanks maryanne! ahh--i'm having another one right now. what are hot flashes a result of? i haven't really read up on them too much. i will call my dr again tomorrow to discuss.

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited February 2013

    I went into chemo induced menopause during treatment. Lots of hot flashes, etc...then stayed this way for ten months after chemo. Then I had a headache for a month, less hot flashes and suddenly my skin looked better (less dry looking).  The period then came back. I think your body is still confused and trying to work out what will happen. Do you want to resume menstruation? I was very happy when mine returned. Although I am PR- in my signature line, I was weakly positive (less than 10% of cells).  I am not on any of the anti-hormonal drugs. What is it that are you worried about?  My hot flashes were constant, all day and night. Not a drenching wet type of thing but just like a constant wave of heat...up and down...up and down....the steroids made it worst.  Although I stopped taking them around chemo #3....

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  • sduch1
    sduch1 Member Posts: 104
    edited March 2013

    Thank you Kathleen! I think my experience is similar to yours so thank you for posting it. I do want my period to come back bc to me that would signify my body returning to normal. I would be a little worried about going into menopause in my 30s--not sure what the long term effects are of this. I was mostly worried about the hot flashes bc I did not have them during chemo but now have them constantly while just on Herceptin and they do cause me some anxiety--I start to have mild panic attacks. I also have been getting headaches. I feel like my body can't regulate itself! You're probably right, my body is still confused and trying to work it all out.

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