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Old 02-29-2012, 01:12 PM   #20
rhondalea
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Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Somerset, NJ
Posts: 487
Re: Any advice for Hot Flashes after chemo?

Yeah, DHEA is probably not a good supplement for folks with cancer. I used to take 7-Keto DHEA, which is not converted into other hormones, but I'm not sure how effective it would be against hot flashes. There are some positive anecdotal reports out there, but it's not something I'd try again without the approval of my oncologist. Call me chicken.

Replens was utterly useless for me during chemo, so I won't use it ever again in my life even if I end up dry as the Sahara. After that debacle (and I gave it 2 months, which seems to me to be a fair trial), I decided not to bother with the KY product. Instead, I ordered something online called "Creme de la Femme" (http://www.amazing-solutions.com/). The company really needs to change the name of the product, because it would probably sell better, but it works pretty well. Coconut oil also works, although the application is slightly more problematic.

My onc said something about Astroglide, but I think she misunderstood what I was complaining about. On the other hand, it's probably possible to use the gel form in an applicator, so it might be worth a try.

There are a few other prescription solutions to hot flashes, here:

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/466850

I'm not sure, though, that I'd be willing to put up with the side effects.

On behalf of the baby in the picture, I thank you. I think he's the most adorable small child in the world, but, of course, I'm prejudiced--he's my grandson. He was 18 months old in the picture, and he'll be three this St. Patrick's Day. Time flies....
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3/30/11 Pea-sized lump in left breast at site of prior biopsy; mammo negative, sonogram not so much
4/14/11 Core needle biopsy: negative for cancer
5/18/11 Excisional biopsy 1.2 cm tumor, LVI, positive margin; ER+60%,PR+20%,HER2/CEP17 5
6/15/11 BMX: Left DCIS & LH; Right ADH; SNB: 2/3 nodes: 1.4 cm and 1 mm; ALND L1&2: 0/10; Stage IIa, Grade 3
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7/19/11 Biweekly dd AC w/Neulasta; done 8/30/11
9/13/11 Transfusion (Hemoglobin 8.6); MUGA 64%
9/20/11 Start Taxol + Herceptin; Taxol done 12/6/2011; continue Herceptin until 9/4/2012
12/27/11 Radiation - 6 weeks; 2/27/2012 - DONE! Yayyyy!
2/29/12 Start Tamoxifen 20 mg/day; continue until 2/28/17
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8/21/12 Brain MRI NED (head still hurts, brain still fogged)
9/4/12 Herceptin done!
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