I had a lumpectomy, radiation (Canadian protocol) for Stage 1, 2cm, ER+ Protein -, lymph nodes clear breast cancer a year ago. I was on Tamoxifen for 8 months, but the side effects (premature cataracts, yikes!) and the fact that I became postmenopausal two months ago caused my onco to switch me to Femara. I have been on it for only a couple of months now, and I am suffering from really frequent hot flashes-much worse than the Tamoxifen. I am a high school teacher, and am constantly playing with my classroom thermostat. The poor kids are either baking or they are freezing. Any suggestions? I am layering, which helps somewhat, and drinking a lot of water, but man, these are really a problem for me...
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5/26/10 7:28pm
Victoria, there's no silver bullet cure for hot flashes, unfortunately. You might ask your doctor about taking a mild antidepressant, like Effexor - some women see their hot flash frequency improve with this class of drug. You also might consider switching back to tamoxifen. While it's not as effective as Femara, it was the gold standard of hormone therapy for decades. You may decide that the few extra percentage points of reduced risk of recurrence, offered by Femara, aren't worth the aggravation of those extra flashes!
Finally, check out our menopause site for lots of good information about not only hot flashes, but other menopausal issues you may be going through. Good luck - PJH
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By Victoria— Last Modified: 12/26/10, First Published: 05/26/10
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