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Just finished reading this post and thought I'd share my experience with the ever elusive monthly cycle. My post may be a little long but please bear with me. ;>)
I was 41 when diagnosed and had very regular cycles lasting a few days. Within a month of chemo my cycle ceased. Not a big deal...figured I had bigger fish to fry. HOWEVER, the hot flashes were a side effect that I definitely wasn't digging. Once I completed radiation, they became more intense. I wasn't experiencing night sweats, but had the several times a day heat up where I just wanted to pull off my clothes...not exactly appropriate in the workplace. The vaginal dryness was like having my own little piece of the Sahara Desert (much to my husband's chagrin). Spoke to my oncologist and treatment nurse. Got the same story...."chemo can throw you into early menopause". I was also experiencing other things as a result of herceptin (and probably cumulative effects of that and chemo).
REALLY got tired of feeling like my doctors weren't dealing with me as a whole person with a complete body...just focused on their area of specialty. Decided to add some traditional chinese medicine to the mix. I've always believed that our bodies are whole and complete systems in and of themselves and capable of healing themselves if gently coerced into doing so (but I'm not above some good ole Western medicine to jumpstart the process).
The TCM practitioner that I began working with was quite concerned about the fact that I hadn't had a cycle since April 2005. My last (I've only had 2) acupuncture session resulted in two needles being placed in my lower stomach area (along with , complete with burning incense. OOOOkkkaaaaayyy...I remember thinking. A couple of weeks later, as a co-worker and I discussed menopause, I realized that I hadn't had a hot flash in quite awhile. Even more amazing, my status as a member of the Sahara Society seemed to have changed. This, my husband was definitely delighted about! I will continue my monthly visits throughout treatment. If anyone has any questions/comments, please feel free to send me a message.
This board has been such a great source of information and support for me that I wanted to continue the tradition of spreading good news!
Tickled pink, Denise
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Denise - Washington, DC
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Dx 12/2004 @ age 40
IDC Node+(2) ER/PR- Her2+++
Stage II / Grade III
4AC / 4Taxol (dose dense)
33Rad (Finished 9/7/05 YEA!!)
1 yr Herceptin (Finished 9/06)
Found lump...same breast (4/09)
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