Hormone treatment after lumpectomy

Hello Janszham,  well you are doing well and always a great idea to get informed about new medication that you will probably have to take for 5 years.  
Just one question are you having radiation treatments?

Personal experience as I have been on Anastrazole for 26 months.  I was concerned about the side effects but knew it was an important part of my treatment.  Have done pretty well and do have side effects but manage well.  My side effects include hot flashes, dry mouth at night, dryness of vulva and vagina, sore muscles especially in thighs, and occasional issues with sleep.  
Well that said I also live in Florida and it is so hot and humid right now that hot flashes are worse.  I manage by staying hydrated, dressing in layers and enjoying the air conditioning.  For dry mouth take xyli melts at night.  I use two.  Put petroleum jelly on lips too.  Dryness vulva and vagina use revaree vaginal suppositories every 3 days.  They are a hyaluronic acid suppository and work pretty well.  Would like to try vaginal estrogen but so far medical oncologist doesn’t advise it.  Seems there was one study that said it could increase recurrence but have not seen more studies.  Seems ok to take if on tamoxifen.  
I cycle often and noticed my thighs were very sore when I was riding.  I switched from taking the Anastrazole in the morning to taking it with dinner and much better but do have hot flashes more in the evening.  Well I guess I am doing ok and will be glad to get done with the medication but just keep moving forward. 
Take care

Hi

they will probably do a blood test to establish if you are post or pre menopaise

 pre - you’ll be on tamoxifen

post - aramotase imhibitors

thats very roughly speaking

im post so will be on letrozole. Gp hasn’t prescribed yet so can’t help with side effects!!

good luck to you! 

Hi I haven’t yet started hormone therapy, but  have navigated a difficult  menopause which was well managed with HRT. Now I am no longer able to take this, I am again looking into other things that may help. My breast care nurse suggested a pod cast called menopause and cancer with Dani Binnington. I’ve found it quite informative. I believe she has a website too. I hope it goes well for you. 

Thanks Barbara,  that is really helpful. I kind of figured I would have to go through menopause anyway at some point, so why not schedule it. Thanks fir the tips, much appreciated x

Thanks, I will take a look at this x

Thank you, good to know, and good luck to you too x