Breast Cancer Support Group

Breast cancer is a cancer that usually originates in the ducts or lobules of the breast. Symptoms of breast cancer can include a lump in the breast, a change in size or shape of the breast or discharge from a nipple. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with breast cancer, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, and meet others going through...

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hkitty71 07/04/2011

What can be done besides antidepressants for the symptoms of menopause after having had hormone positive breast cancer?

deleted_user 07/05/2011

Hi ~ menopause can be miserable!! Those hot flashes are a killer. LOL

I KNOW there are lots of herbs that can be helpful, but I'll be darned if I can think of the names of them right now. I know that St. John wort can help with the depression -- but you might want to "google" menopause and see if you can find what herbs are helpful.

Also, my surgeon (who was EXCELLENT) said that I should be taking "Evening Primrose Oil" after my surgery. it's a tablet -- and a herb. She said it's very beneficial for women who have had breast cancer.

Wish I could help you more. My poor mind has left me. LOL Seems I can't remember anything anymore. Just the effects of getting old, I guess. Take care & let us know how you're doing. Hugs, Lee

hkitty71 07/05/2011

Thank you for that, I will check it out. The hot flashes and mood swings have been killer and I do not want antidepressants for something that comes and goes.

deraming 07/11/2011

What ever you take, including herbs, you need to be sure your oncologist knows about them, if the contain hormones, like soy does , it can trigger you cancer.
I have been in remission for 18 years, and I remenber my onco, told me even skin cream have to be free of anything that triggers a come back of BC, I al also hormone positive.
I went into chemo induce menoupause at the same time I has chemo.
The syntoms will pass.

deleted_user 07/16/2011

I had a total radical hyster. in 2009 took the hrt, that gave me the breast cancer since then I take nothing for the hot flashes. Its horrible, my oncologist suggest black cohosh but it didnt help, someone told me to eat lots of sweet potato !! I havent tried that but either way ask your doc before you start taking anything. :)

deleted_user 07/22/2011

for sure...talk with oncol.....any photo estrogrens can feed breast and cervical cancer cells...be careful....antidepressants r not abad thing...i take them....and they HELP MAKE EVERY DAY EASIER,,,EVEN THE GOOD ONES....it does not mean u r crazy...depression is your body's natural defense when life is overwhelming...cancer certainly qualifies for that!!!

hotmom1 07/28/2011

I had a total hyst 4 weeks ago and estrogen positive bc 2 years ago. I am having the hot flashes and have been getting advice in the hyst support group. I hear that vitamins D and E help and magnesium. Since we need these anyway, I am going to try it all. I also sleep with a fan on. My moods aren't too bad (at least I don't think so) Good luck to you!

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