Atypical Hyperplasia

[Hopefloats]

Hi everyone..I am new here and may I begin by saying that I wish everyone nothing but positive thoughts...I had a breast lump removed after being watch closely...thinking it was fibrosystic breasts...and an ultrasound that showed nothing.  BUT the lump had changed and I wanted to see a surgeon for a second opinion.
the lump was NOT cancer..but I do have atypical hyperplasia which now puts me in the high risk category of developing breast cancer.  I have been taken off all hormones and my doc does not even want me to have anything natural that would indicate estrogen at ALL.

I cannot express how miserable I am. I have an average of 50 hot flashes a day..and I am exhausted.  I am limited in medications as I have Lupus and I am sensitve to so many things.  I am even allergic to antidepressants. DOES anyone here have this diagnoses??  IS there anything that I can do, and how worried should I be?? My doc is going to do the mammograms every 6 months for a while....I do use the natural progesterone cream which I have read is good to fight off breast cancer..BUT Im sure I will come across an article that says different.....
ANY help here is appreciated, and I thank you in advance.
((hugs)) to everyone!!
Deb

[CCF-RN,MSN-JS]

Dear Deb, There are a number of nonhormonal medications available for the treatment of hot flashes.  Their goal is not to eliminate hot flashes altogether but to diminish their intensity and frequency.  Vitamin E 800IU daily, Vitamin B6 200mg daily or Peridin-C 2 tablets 3 times a day, are over the counter agents that may be of help.  It is important to talk to your physician before you take any medications, to be sure there is no contraindication of any of  these treatments in your individual situation.

Besides anti-depressants some other prescription medications that have been looked at for treating hot flashes are bellergal( which is a combination medication of belladonna,phenobarbital and ergotamine) and clonidine (a blood pressure medication).

Hot flashes may be precipitated by: psychological stress, hot weather, caffeine, spicy foods, or alcohol.  So avoidance/limiting these situations or substances may also be of some help.  

[seven7]

Hi Deb.  Some days I have only 2 or three hot flashes all day,  but other days I have one  about  every 2-3 hours.  It is worse when I am in public (church,  funeral, etc) and cannot take my wig off! Nor go outside and get cold!
Of course, the hot flashes are nothing compared to recurring cancer!   I will just have to endure (for 5 years) because I am taking Tamoxifen. I've got a lot to live for, so want to do all I can to prevent breast cancer from recurring.
   Best Wishes to you.