2.5 Years No Period - Not Accepting

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ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
edited April 2015 in Chemotherapy - Before, During, and After

It's been 2.5 years since my period stopped. I had one period after I started A/C and then never again. I've been hoping my body would resume and I would get some part of my womanhood back, but it hasn't happened. I'm not sure if that is better or worse for BC recurrence. But I wish it would return. I still seem to have bloat cycles with some minor aching symptoms similar to PMS sometimes. The scale blows up and I have that slight queasy feeling...but nothing like when I actually had my period. 

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  • agness
    agness Member Posts: 576
    edited August 2014

    have you considered trying a diet like the ones used for women with premature ovarian failure and elevated FSH who are trying to get pregnant? It is actually pretty similar to an anti-cancer diet. 

    You could also try Mayan abdominal massage to try to nourish your ovaries more. Seeing someone who specializes in Chinese medicine and fertility might also help you get on some herbs that match your pattern of imbalance, things like vitex, dong quai, ginseng, but I don't recommend self-treating.

    Good luck!

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  • YoungTurkNYC
    YoungTurkNYC Member Posts: 334
    edited August 2014

    Mariasnow,

    If you had hormone positive cancer, it is much better for you that your period has not come back, and it does have an impact on reducing recurrence rates.  Mine was about to come back when I had my ovaries removed.  (I am now 42 but was 40 when I was diagnosed).

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  • ChemicalWorld
    ChemicalWorld Member Posts: 172
    edited August 2014

    Lack of periods doesn't necessarily mean that you are no longer producing estrogen, at least not in my case.  I finished chemo etc in 2011 and have had a grand total of two periods since that time, one on my own (in early 2013, so nearly 2yrs gap), and one encouraged along by some provera last summer.  In the process of trying to figure out next steps with ongoing care, my gyno-onc ordered the hormonal tests and despite no periods, I'm still producing loads of estrogen apparently (I'm now on Lupron shots as a result because I was ER+). I'm 44, was 40 at diagnosis, pre-menopausal.  They're at a loss to explain why I was still swimming in hormones but no period.  I do have PCOS. 

    I completely understand the feelings associated with this.  When I had that one period I was at first a little scared because it was so much later, but then happy as it made me feel normal again.  I cried when I got it.  If you are taking Tamoxifen, you will still ovulate, unless you are post-menopausal.  Which is why you still get those monthly symptoms (I had those too). 

    You could always ask for the hormonal tests and a pelvic ultrasound, at least you'll get some insight into whether things can be jump started etc.

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  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited August 2014

    Thanks for taking the time to read and reply, sisters. I grew up in a family with 5 brothers and sisters and I have 7 nieces and nephews. It is hard to believe I ended up having no children in this life. I'm so close to my mom and the mother / daughter relationship is me at my core. At this point, I just need to feel what my situation is and not run from it. I will be seeing a bunch of my neices and nephews next week and be grateful that they are in my life...and be really good to my own mom.

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  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited April 2015

    I have struggled with acceptance but after 3 years I threw away the "supplies" and accepted menopause. Acceptance is powerful.

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  • tangandchris
    tangandchris Member Posts: 1,855
    edited April 2015

    Your statement is powerful as well.....I'm trying to accept some things in regard to my life after BC and it is hard. I'm closer than I was, but still fighting against it. You give me hope..thank you.

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited April 2015

    How old are you, Marias, if you don't mind me asking?

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited April 2015

    I see you are ER and PR-. I would think maybe some HRT could jump start things. Did you want to have children? Again, if this is too personal, feel free to tell me to shut up.

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  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited April 2015

    I'm 47. In addition to bad boobs an Lymohedema I am in menopause with a destroyed sex life, weight gain. It has led to severe depression, isolation and a loss of most of my friends.

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  • MaryJC
    MaryJC Member Posts: 350
    edited April 2015

    hello, today there are several options to motherhood if you're open to them. as you have a womb you can still get pregnant. And I'm not so sure that no period means no viable eggs. So there's ivf with your eggs or donor eggs.

    Also consider the blessing of adoption. I'm an adoption counselor for singles and familiesand advocate. I'm happy to discuss with you off line. {{hugs}}

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  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited April 2015

    For me, I am passed the child-bearing window. I am grateful for my 7 nieces/nephews as well as my significant other's son. I really just don't want to be old before my time and have yet another thing about me that has been damaged. But this is the way I am...scars, scars, and more scars, uneven unattractive reconstruction, node donor site groin scar, a whopper of an underarm scar, weight gain, and unfashionable hair and all. My sister and I are working together to do things to enhance our self-esteem and health. I really need this. It would be super bad for me to give up, go downhill, put on more weight, etc. I would be in a deep deep depression daily. Pre-cancer I had a wonderful wonderful life including an appearance I earned through running, the gym, spinning, strength training, hair care, etc. Right now I'm bound up in a wrap after lymphedema surgery and have just started easy strolling again. I'm embarrassed to leave the house.

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  • MaryJC
    MaryJC Member Posts: 350
    edited April 2015

    take your time boo. I am being told the same. Now is the time to do what you're doing- focus on your healing. Then gradually rebuild. I'm a runner too :)

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  • Trvler
    Trvler Member Posts: 3,159
    edited April 2015

    Aww…I am sorry you are feeling that way. If you are feeling depressed (and I wrestle with it myself) please get some support. Do you have a wig?

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  • ahdjdbcjdjdbkf
    ahdjdbcjdjdbkf Member Posts: 645
    edited April 2015

    I am lucky to say I have a lot of support. At times I need to give my support network a break. My hair is OK. Trying to be more positive today.

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