vaginal atrophy good news

[dberg]

I decided to see a GYN oncologist for my annual checkups. He is a godsend. He is upbeat and very positive about using estrogen creams for atrophy. He did admit my onc probably wouldn't like it, but it has been a difference between living and nonliving for me. Of course he gave me the "we don't exactly know" speech, but I feel like I'm in good hands. I'm using it full strength for a couple of weeks and then "as needed." WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!

[Hopeful]

dberg,

I am very happy for you - this is a huge QOL issue that is largely ignored by the oncologists who prescribe the meds that cause it. My onc agreed to let me use estrogen cream as prescribed by my gyn after she wrote him a letter and explained what my symptoms were and what it was for (at the time, she was unable to perform a proper pap smear because of the severity of my symptoms). We did weekly blood draws for a while so she could monitor my ER levels to assure her she was not boosting them to an unsafe level. They went up a bit, but then came back down, and never went about the "post meno" level. I started using a daub of Estrace every 3 days and now am out to twice per month (a Maintenance schedule). I am strongly ER+ moderately PR+, post meno and on Femara.

Hopeful

[Becky]

I too use Premarin cream. I started on the est-ring then switched to once a week cream (1/4 dose). Now I just do the 1/4 dose every other Wednesday. As you see by my signature, I am moderate ER+ but PR neg. I am happy and no more bladder infections (which were worse than the vaginal atrophy).

[harrie]

I would really like to use some Premarin cream sparingly, but am afraid to. I know it works VERY well.

[D.W.]

I suppose it is the meds that causes the discomfort???? I never had any problems until I started on Xeloda and Tykerb meds.

D.W.