Becky, thanks for sharing your experience. I have been researching this issue since mid week, and have found that doctors are often more comfortable with prescribing topical estrogen therapy for bc patients than patients are with doing the therapy! As you point out, it is not just a QOL issue - repeated infections and irritation can lead to worse problems down the line, or, as with me, necessary cancer screening can't be perfomed because the doctor can no longer insert a speculum. This is another risk/benefit analysis, where it is quite possible for the benefits to out weigh the risks. My gyn intends very close monitoring to start, which gives her comfort and me the confidence to start treatment. As long as we remain under active supervision by our doctors, I think there are adequate fail safes in place for those who want to try this approach.
BTW, happy birthday to your daugher! Have a blast at the party - the ziti sounds mouthwatering right about now.
Hopeful