hi there, I’m hoping somebody out there can advise or give opinion about what I can do.
i’ve posted before as I was diagnosed with breast cancer, late September 2022, I had a bilateral mammoplastomy and 20 sessions of radiotherapy. The cancer was ER and PCR positive. I think quite high as they gave a figure of 8 for each. My i oncho score came back at 11, so no chemo was required, even though there was lymph-node involvement, and the cancer, much more widespread than it had shown on any of my scans preoperation, one tumour was 8cm big , another 6cm.
I was told to consider a mastectomy again but then I was told to just keep it in bag so to speak as my score was low and they had removed all the cancer they could see. At the time I was told I was post menopause so was given letrozole to take which you have been doing since January. My menopause symptoms are horrendous, anxiety, depression, low mood, bloating lack of sleep brain fog. The list goes on. I had previously been taking HRT and felt really well now when I get up in the morning ache like I’m an old lady but I’m only 54. Despite a strict diet and exercise I have gained 4 kg, the weight won’t shift - and I’m fat and can no longer fit into my clothes comfortably. Unless I exercise, I struggle with joint pain and feel like I’ve aged 20 years. Surely there is something I can take to replace the oestrogen I’m no longer allowed to take, my doctor has prescribed antidepressants but it’s a hormone imbalance. It is affecting me. I’m bloated and feel like I could pop if that makes sense? I feel a shadow of my former self and don’t know what to do , I am having counselling and they say it takes time but with an ER score as high as eight I’m limited to what I can do. I don’t want to be in this position. The aging is horrid and causing so much pain, both mentally, and physically I honestly cannot string a sentence together and some days just can’t stop crying. I’m looking at other options like collagen, and take a range of supplements but is there anything you girls have taken that’s as good as HRT? And the weight god It’s insane this has never been a problem And I’m aware it’s so bad for reoccurrence.
Sorry this is very waffling my head is like a sponge, I’m so forgetful too honestly there must be something I can do. Physically the operation and radiothearpy were ok but lordy this is much worse xxxxx Honestly I used to be positive and had a sparkle now I just want to hide under a blanket but have to go into work everyday with a smile 
That's not easy to cope with, I think we all have a version of it at this
stage. Just been back today for my follow up. Changing over to Tamoxifen because I have Osteoporisis. Weight gain is hard to tackle. I'm going to keep going and hope that in Summer with more time outside it improves.
It has taken over our lives, I do my best to suppress that but I am feeling lazy, i try to make an effort. It's a bit of an uphill struggle. I don't know many things that help apart from day light and walking. Dancing for me but it can make me feel exhausted. 30 mins exercise or walking five times each week. You are probably doing that already. You are doing ok, don't expect too much too soon. I used to have to fake it at work at times, sleep deprivation is hideous. Xxxx
Honestly at the weekend I couldn’t stop crying, I was all over the place and feel so bloated. I walk 15,000 steps a day, that helps with my sanity too and without doing it but my moods all over the place, I bloody loved HRT it made me feel like my old self, not a hormonal blubbering mess 
I've accidentally reported people too so no worries 
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I found my oncologist very helpful. She was understanding and treated me like an individual.
Good luck with your appointment xxx
Hello and I saved your post as wanted to write to you and say I get it. We are estrogen deprived and our bodies like it but it is a no no for us ER and PR positive women. I was 
% positive for estrogen and progesterone so no HRT for me. I took it from 55 to 72 so had a long run of feeling really good . I think it is harder for you as you are much younger snd still with menopause symptoms. I remember them well snd still have some occasional hot flashes and sleep issues but I am slender so don’t have weight issues. We are all different and our symptoms present differently. I ride my bicycle and my hubby snd I push ourselves. Some days I don’t feel like it but I do it anyway snd usually feel better as I get along. I need to add strength training too snd I feel that most days I am either cooking, exercising etc snd my showers are funny as before I use to just wash and dry off snd be done. Not anymore as I need to moisturize, moisturize as with estrogen depletion my skin is dry.
Just don’t be too hard on yourself and take baby steps but keep taking them snd you will keep moving forward. Cry if you want as it can be a release. I haven’t read that collagen supplements do much and there is no substitute for a good diet so supplements are not always the answer.
I try to mentally feel positive but some days it can be a little difficult but I keep on trying. Also like to read about funny things snd get a good chuckle.
My medical oncologist have me some plant supplements to try for symptom relief and here is the link for you.
I live in HS so hope you can get where you live. https://hellobonafide.com/?g_adtype=search&gclsrc=aw.ds&&g_acctid=381-037-9272&g_campaign=DEPT_SEM_Google_Brand_All_Core_NAMER_US_All_CPA_BAU_AllProducts_Alpha&g_campaignid=1699276690&g_adgroupid=124855105330&g_adid=561044587124&g_keyword=bonafide&g_keywordid=kwd-387315420&g_network=g&utm_source=google_adwords&utm_medium=paid_search&utm_campaign=DEPT_SEM_Google_Brand_All_Core_NAMER_US_All_CPA_BAU_AllProducts_Alpha&utm_term=bonafide&gclid=CjwKCAjwvJyjBhApEiwAWz2nLYMWY86cFk96aI-NJ5ydTudYQ-EME7zSTgVgBhgnJqUGeSThkHFlzhoCVMAQAvD_BwE
Barbara
Barbara
