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Breast Cancer (Expert Forum)
excessive sweating
Answered by
Cleveland Clinic - breast cancer
Cleveland - OH
Questions posted in the Breast Cancer Forum are answered by medical professionals from The Cleveland Clinic. Topics include Breast Biopsy, Chemotherapy, Hormone Therapy, Lumps, Lumpectomy, Lymph node dissection, Lymphedema, Mammograms, Mastectomy, Radiation Therapy, Reconstruction, Self Breast Exam, and Surgery.
excessive sweating
by mimi321, Aug 24, 2007 09:29AM
I now have breast cancer mets to bone and had some radiation and now am on Femara, as well as pain meds. A year ago I was put on megestrol for hot flashes. I still have them and when I do, my hair (which is short) drips sweat from about half way up my head. As you can imagine, this makes it difficult to go out socially as well as just being very uncomfortable and debilitating. Do you know of anything else I can try to control this? I've been fighting this cancer for 18 years and am now 70 years young and would like a little more quality of life. JoAnne
Doctor's Answer
by Cleveland Clinic, Aug 24, 2007 12:29PM
, Aug 24, 2007 12:29PM
Dear Joanne, A hot flash is a momentary sensation of heat, which may be accompanied by a red, flushed face and sweating. The cause of hot flashes is not known, but may be related to vascular instability. Studies show that hot flashes vary among women. Hot flashes may be precipitated by: psychological stress, hot weather, caffeine, spicy foods, or alcohol.
There are a number of non-hormonal 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. There has been some research with the use of the medications; venlafaxine ( Effexor) an anti-depressant, gabapentin (Neurontin) and clonidine, for treatment of hot flashes, these would need to be prescribed by your physician.
The medical community is only beginning to study the properties of soy. It works in a variety of ways. In some organs it acts like an estrogen and in others it blocks estrogen. It also has many effects other than hormonal ones. Overall the data on soy are good, and it's probably safe for women with breast cancer, but the final answers aren't in yet , particularly in women on aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole. Moderation is the key, one serving of soy a day (40 grams) is probably OK.
Black cohosh has been used but because of some of its estrogen-like properties it's use in patients with breast cancer is controversial.
It is important to talk to your physician before you take any medications or supplements, to be sure there is no contraindication of any of these treatments in your individual situation.
There are a number of non-hormonal 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. There has been some research with the use of the medications; venlafaxine ( Effexor) an anti-depressant, gabapentin (Neurontin) and clonidine, for treatment of hot flashes, these would need to be prescribed by your physician.
The medical community is only beginning to study the properties of soy. It works in a variety of ways. In some organs it acts like an estrogen and in others it blocks estrogen. It also has many effects other than hormonal ones. Overall the data on soy are good, and it's probably safe for women with breast cancer, but the final answers aren't in yet , particularly in women on aromatase inhibitors such as letrozole. Moderation is the key, one serving of soy a day (40 grams) is probably OK.
Black cohosh has been used but because of some of its estrogen-like properties it's use in patients with breast cancer is controversial.
It is important to talk to your physician before you take any medications or supplements, to be sure there is no contraindication of any of these treatments in your individual situation.
This is the first time on this site and I'm glad I found it. I thought that I was the only woman alive, a breast cancer survivor, at 56 years old and have excessive hot flashes. I totally agree with your statement of the "quality of life" and the inability to go about the normal routine as others do. I am so frustrated, I just don't know what to do. I did write down what the RN suggested. I'm anxious to speak with my oncologist. Just wanted you to know that your not alone. And I feel your pain.
kerianne