Seriously, A new side affect. UGH!

[Lovemyboys3]

Ok Ladies, Can someone tell me what is happening to my body. I am 33 years old and having crazy hot flashes, acne, body/bone aches and now bladder control issues. Certainly don't feel 33 that is for sure!!!
I have had the hot flashes for most of the time during chemo so that is not a huge problem. The painful zits I haven't had since I was a teen so that is a pain but not to bad. The muscle/bone pain I somewhat expected because of the herceptin. Its tough but I can handle that as well. Its the bladder control issues that are new and I am really having a problem with. I am about 4 weeks POST chemo and it seems to have come out of nowhere. Is this just a delayed chemo side affect? Menopause? Or could it be something more serious? After everything the bladder issues are the worst! Is this common? Has anyone had this issue? I am going to see my doc on Thursday so I will certainly talk to her about it but wanted to get others opinions.

Never thought I would ever be talking about bladder control on a forum. Cancer certainly takes the modesty out of many things! :-)

[Aussie Girl]

Dear LMB3,

At least some of this is likely chemopause.

Firstly - It can take some time to get over the muscle/ bone pain from the chemo and Neulasta and some people get it from the herceptin too, although it is often less intense. Make sure you have pain relief - I found ibuprofen (nurofen, advil ) was enough for me. Warm baths/ showers and exercise can help you get going.

The hot flashes are chemopause. The bladder problems may be too, but you need to be checked by your doctor for infection etc. Because of your age, you may start ovulating again after a few to several months which helps+++. Bladder control problems are very common, but not talked about much.

In the meantime I suggest you ask for vaginal estrogen - it is safe for breast cancer patients despite what it says on the packet insert. Your cancer is ER neg anyway. This is important not only your intimate life but it also helps bladder function. You also need to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles (look up on the net.) Those muscles are critical! Try not to sneeze or laugh! The pads available now at the supermarket are pretty good now.
Also, there are some special machines that some gynecologists or some physical therapists have where you sit on this special chair and electric currents stimulate your pelvic muscles. Sounds bizarre, but it works for the bad cases.

Hot flashes are the pits. I had them constantly from midway through my chemo. The vaginal estrogen is not enough to control them. Mine are diminishing in frequency over time. Wearing layered absorbent (cotton) clothing that you take off as needed helps, as does a swig or two of ice water when you feel on coming. There are a few non-hormonal treatments such as

• Venlafaxine (Effexor, Pristiq)
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
• Gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise)

You'll only need these if you find the flashes distressing. These therapies work fo some and not others and all have side effects.


I found the sleep disturbance the worst and have a very low dose of Mirtazapine (Remeron) at bed time to help me sleep. This is less addictive than Ativan and doesn't have withdrawal effects. I can cope with the flashes during the day now.


Good luck with this.


Aussie Girl

[IrvineFriend]

I had bladder issues as well. Had so much going on, figured it was the chemo/radiation. I haven't noticed that problems for a few months now. Out of the blue, I'd start leaking and have to change. Curious what you doctor says.

[Becky]

I agree with what Aussie Girl has said about the bladder. The bladder has ER receptors on it and suffers during periods of low estrogen - in your case and many of, during chemo the ovaries either shutdown or are in suspended animation. This leads to either leaking or UTI (infections) because the bladder walls thin due to lack of estrogen (same happens to the vaginal walls). You can either use est-ring or another product or just wait it out. Due to you age, you should resume your natural functions (menstruation cycle and normal hormone levels etc).

Are we having fun yet?

[Lovemyboys3]

Thank you ladies. I actually am scheduled for my second phase reconstructive surgery tomorrow and will ask for a UTI test just to make sure. I don't know if they will let me have the surgery if I do have an infection. I have had them many times before so I know more or less what that feels like and I am not really having any symptoms of a UTI other than the badder issues. But you never know.
I will certainly post back after I speak to my doc regarding this issues. Its a real pain and so very embarrassing but I have put that aside as my health is valuable to me. I don't blush anymore about really anything. I just want to make sure I listen to my body and ask questions.
Becky - This is all just so crazy! LOL! Our bodies go through so much its hard to wrap my brain around it sometimes. :-)