BC now Hysterectomy Questions

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kathysea
kathysea Member Posts: 30
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hi Girls,

I was diagnosed with BC in 2006 at the age of 45.  Had a mastectomy and put on Tamoxifen.  Been thru several uterine biopsies, all negative thank god, but the fibroids I developed since tamoxifen have grown tremendously in 1.5 years. Since my BC is estrogen fed I am now faced with the decision of a full hysterectomy.  What type of meds are best to prevent bone loss? And is Fish Oil something that will help with hot flashes?  Oh, and any suggestions on products to enhance a healthy sex life after the sudden onset of menopause is appreciated :)

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  • msannie57
    msannie57 Member Posts: 84
    edited December 2007

    You may find that you don't have much in the way of hot flashes--not everyone does.  And sometimes they can be managed without any medications/supplements.  Calcium and Vitamin D + exercise can help minimize bone loss unless your bone density test shows that you need more help than that.  Since you are nearing an age when menopause may be right around the corner anyway you should speak with your gyn and your onc about their recommendations.  Some of the recommendations may depend on your general health status and other issues.  Menopause isn't always horrible, especially if you are nearing an age when it was beginning anyway. 

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    I was dx'd with bc at 46, hadnt even started menopause yet....my cancer was highly estrogen fed so I choose the complete hystorectomy over just removing the ovaries, which I had the past April so about 8 months ago now....I dont have much for side effects...dont think Ive actually had a hot flash but do wake sweaty sometimes at night....nothing too awful at all...

    As for the other part of your questions about bone health...I take calcium+D, and am active as far as exercise.....the other part I cant help with as I am single and havent dated much since before my dx...

    Jule

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  • kathysea
    kathysea Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2007

    Thank you for responding ladies. It's so much better talking to people who have been thru procedures rather than going directly to WebMD.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    Kathy

    At our age this hystorectomy stuff is a hard decision to make....and a very personal one...

    I choose the way I did because of several factors, not just the bc dx....there is a large family history of cancers including uterine and ovarian in my family and I felt that I didnt wont to chance anything so choose the complete instead of just ovary removal.

    After surgery I was very relieved that I did...my OB/GYN told me after surgery that both ovaries were covered in b-9 cyst but felt that in time I would have been facing trouble in that area....

    The recovery from it was very minimal for me...I had it done laproscoically with vaginal assist...I took 2 1/2 wks off work but felt that I could have returned after the first week....and as I said earlier I really dont have much for side effects.

    Best wishes

    Jule

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    Kathy--I had a total abdominal hysterectomy a few years ago (not by choice--ruptured ovarian cysts)--so I had immediate surgical menopause. I don't use anything specific for the hot flashes; just dress in layers  so I can always get down to something cooler (no more heavy sweaters or turtlenecks), sleep with a fan all year round (no more flannel nightgowns), try to avoid alcohol, stay in ac  during the really hot weather, etc.  Haven't tried fish oil yet.  Replens, K-Y, and astroglide help with vaginal dryness. Calcium and Vit. D and exercise help keep the bones strong--I have a bone density scan (DEXA) every 2 years now--I've developed early osteopenia, but nothing that requires medication (if needed, there's always actonel, fosamax, or boniva). Actually, I still take tamoxifen and it's good for your bones too.
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  • kathysea
    kathysea Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2007

    Dear Jule, Ann and AWB,

    How long do the hot flashes last, I don't mean individual hot flashes but how many years and/or months?  I imagine it's different for everyone but just curious for your answers.

    Kathy

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2007

    Kathy--it's been almost 2 years/ 9 months since my surgery and I still have hot flashes, but they have decreased in frequency and intensity over the last year.  The first year was the worst for me.  My gyn said menopausal hot flashes last an average of 3 years, so I hope I'm done soon ! He didn't think hot flashes from surgical menopause last any longer, they are just more severe in the beginning due to the levels of estrogen plummeting suddenly.

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  • kathysea
    kathysea Member Posts: 30
    edited December 2007

    Thank you AWB for sharing you experience.  I think I've got myself psych up for all of this now.  I just schedule the surgery about two hours ago for February 5th. Wish me luck! :)

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