Any suggestions for combating the hot/cold flashes resulting from the Tamoxifen?
I was diagnosed with DCIS In-Situ in January, 08. I had a surgery to remove the tumor followed up with Mama-Site Radiation. I have been taking Tamoxifen now for 3 months and the hot flashes followed by the cold flashes are unbearable at times. I am already taking Effexor (150mg) that is what the doctor said he usually prescribes to combat the hot flashes. I realize that I am very fortunate that my cancer was found early and is non-invasive. I do feel like I'm being petty over this compared to those who have invasive breast cancers. Any suggestions other than to quit whinning...
You could try Vitamin E (have herad that works for some, me not so much - but I think the Lousiana heat & humidity plays a big part in that)
Or you might be able to ask your your Dr to rx some Cattapress (?) Patches - they are for lowering blood pressure, but they worked for me for a while - been meaning to ask for more.
Unfortunately the meds you take don't help much (I used to take Effexor and it's one of those drugs that make you tired or fatigued, more suspectable to weight gain, and works with other meds to torture you with hot flashes!) I have resorted to wearing tank tops to bed, since most often the worst hot flashes happen during sleep - and it has helped a bit. I also shower lukewarm now (especially if efter spending time outside and am hot) Try wearing your hair up of you can as I know the back of my neck is a problem area for me - and I also always carry a bandana with me so I can wipe away the sweat or wet it and use to cool me off.
Wish I had better advice. Hot flashes are no fun!
Stay cool = )
Angi
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Kathy, whining is JUST FINE—call it "venting"! That's what this site is for (among many other things). Unfortunately, there's no sure-fire cure for hot flashes other than hormone relacement therapy, which is pretty much out for you (since I'm assuming you have ER/PR-receptive cancer). I've found that caffeine and alcohol both play a role in hot flashes, at least for me - so watch your intake of both of those, and see if your hot flashes are related. Also, a new treatment is just barely being shown effective, but nowhere near being rolled out to a large audience yet - nerve blocks to the nerve center that controls your body temperature. Stay tuned on that one. And in the meantime, DCIS is cancer just as much as any other kind - it's the "I have cancer" kick in the gut that makes us all sisters, not the treatment you go through. Here's a piece on "cancer competition" you might enjoy. good luck with those flashes! - PJH
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