hot flashes

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lisa39
lisa39 Member Posts: 255
edited June 2014 in Managing Side Effects of Breast Cancer and Its Treatment
hot flashes
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  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited May 2008

    I've been doing chemo since Feb 8th.  3 more to go.  Period hadn't stopped, but suddenly this month it's gone and the hot flashes are coming fast and furious.  Does anybody have advice on how to deal with them?  Didn't expect this at age 39!

    Lisa 

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  • shiny
    shiny Member Posts: 892
    edited May 2008

    (Hey Lisa,

     )

    I was 39 when diagnosed (40 now). I had chemo (FECx3 followed by Taxoterre x3). I was told that woman near the age of 40 had a very high likelyhood of going throufg the menopause as a se of this chemo. 

    I was regular as ever until the last cycle of chemo, then no more periods. 

    It is pretty strange to go through "the change" at our age, and certainely, I haven't had time or even thought about reading up on the menopause, been too busy dealing with cancer! Some of the oncs say that in some women the periods come back, but that when around my age, more likely not.

    Anyhow, just wanted to post to say "hear ya and know what you are saying".from experience) 

    I get hot flushes all the time, and am getting used to it. I often wear less around the house,which helps, with no complaints from my hubby! It hasn't been enough of a problem for me to look into it seriously, but am sure that there must be some good ideas from some of the woman on here, so thanks for asking the question!

     Stay cool and good luck with the rest of your chemo!

    take care, shiny 

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  • lvtwoqlt
    lvtwoqlt Member Posts: 6,162
    edited May 2008

    Lisa, I was put on Tamox Oct 2006 at age 46 after my 2nd dx of ADH prior to my DCIS dx last year. I have the hot flashes terrible. I have purchased a small personal fan to put in my office that is pointed at my head and when I am having a vacation in Palau I turn the fan on. I also wear more cotton or silk clothing than man-made fibers. The natural fibers breathe better than the man-made fibers. There is not much you can do but some women do find relief from the medicine effexor. It is an anti depressent that somehow can diminish the hot flashes/night sweats.

    Hope this helps

    Sheila

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  • lynne4
    lynne4 Member Posts: 98
    edited May 2008

    Hi Lisa,

    I did not have Chemo nor am I on tamox. I have been having terrible hot flashes. My doctor prescribed Clonidine which lowers Blood Pressure ( I take that at night ) and effexor ( I take in mornings) these two medicines have taken care of my hot flashes. I had them very bad and am happy with the results I've been having. I am 44. Good Luck to you!

    Lynne

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  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited May 2008

    Thanks for your encouragement ladies.  It's good to know I'm not alone.

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  • sdreyer
    sdreyer Member Posts: 14
    edited May 2008

    My mom was having the hot flash issue she hasn't started chemo yet but our oncologist suggested she start taking 400i.u of vitamin E and she has been taking for about 2 weeks and has noticed a huge difference.. before taking them she had the air on in her house set at 59 and it was only 65 outside.

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  • myheidiscrapbooking
    myheidiscrapbooking Member Posts: 245
    edited May 2008

    I too have been having hot flashes on chemo - also, my head seems SO very hot - sleeping has been tough with the pillow feeling like its hot as hell too. I got this thing called "chillow" and it seemed to help me sleep - its a pillow pad that stays cool and you slip it under your pillowcase- you add water to it and you can also refriderate it if you want it cooler. (or not, and its still cool) it helped me sleep - just google the word "chillow" and also can buy it cheaper on ebay - paid about $27 (free shipping) - kept my head so much cooler which cooled down my whole body temperture.

    Heidi

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  • carolynf
    carolynf Member Posts: 262
    edited May 2008

    Lisa,

    I finished chemo on May 5th.  Prior to that i was having multiple (like 6 at least) hot flashes a day. I finally told my onc that I couldn't handle it anymore because it was getting so intense that he prescribed Effexor (slow release, low dose - 75 mg).  I now may have 1 maybe 2 a week.  If you read about Effexor its for depression and a few other things but it definitely is for hotflashes.  My gyn was going to prescribe prozak or zoloft which are also mild anti depressants.  I am glad I went w/my onc.  Good luck.

    Carolyn

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  • lisa39
    lisa39 Member Posts: 255
    edited May 2008

    Thanks, Carolyn - the dosage info re: Effexor is useful.  If they continue, I'll ask my onc. for it.  I'm getting 5 or six a day too.  Driving me nutz!

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