confused

[Sissy66]

Hello. When I was diagnosed @ 34 with stage 2 Breast Cancer had mastectomy & was found to have cancer cells in my lymph nodes & was found hormone receptor +. I went thru Chemo & radiation & Femara for 5 yrs & took Lupron shot as well for 5 yrs which put me in drug induced memopause. Well, I started having my cycles which were irreg & would last for 3 weeks of the month. So, @ 41 I had to have a Total Hysterectomy d/t endometriosis & the pain I was having..also I was having the feeling as my insides were going to fall out. Weird description..but that is how it felt. So, since my breast ca I have had an older sister latter 40's have Breast Ca which did not invade her lymph & was not HR+. My question is now that I have had a hysterectomy (total) am I a candidate for HRT ? Im confused now since my sister's was not HR+. All this has really affected me emotionally & @ 42 I feel less than a human. Also @ 20 I was burned in a car fire sustaining 3rd and 4th degree on both legs & feet..I walk now..I had a total hip replacement.. & I became after much determination an LPN for 14 yrs now. The wear of the car wreck & the cancer & hysterectomy has me feeling down. I've accepted the burns & limp but Im finding myself more unhappy with "ME" after the hysterectomy. My husband doesn't understand my feelings & I seem "lost". I know my wording is out of sequence with my question..but is this a normal feeling. I am a Good LPN .I work part time.I hide my pain behind my smile.Somedays I feel like I just wish I wouldn't wake. I'm not suicidal just drained with life right now Plus my husband had an affair 2 yrs ago with another male that I haven't been able to forget.(HIV-) I've always been able to deal with my life's issues within myself & make a negative a positive & will cont. to think that way.This is the 1st & only time Ive seeked advice. Thank You so much for reading my history & for any answer you may give me.I live in a town with no counselors with nearest one an hour drive.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear Sissy66:  In general, hormone therapy is not recommended in women who have had HR+ breast cancer.  However, these decisions can be discussed with your oncologist and weighed benefit against risk.  Your sister’s hormone status has no impact on your situation.  There may be other medications that could be tried to deal with some of the menopausal symptoms.  Your oncologist may be able to offer some help, a gynecologist or primary care physician who specializes in menopause (with consideration of your cancer) may be another suggestion.  If you can locate a counselor or psychologist, it may also be helpful with some of the other “life” issues you mention.  

[japdip]

The Hysterectomy would have nothing to do with the production of Estrogen ... unless of course your ovaries were also removed. Hormone Replacement Therapy has been proven to increase the incidence of breast cancer and since your cancer was ER+ and you had medication to block the production of the hormone I wouldn't think you would be prescribed HRT now. Keep in mind that the ovaries produce the Estrogen ... not the Uterus. Your sister's cancer would not be related in any way to your cancer ... the fact that one was ER+ and one was not has no bearing on the situation. Some cancers require Estrogen for growth and some don't. Yours would be considered the less aggressive type. From reading your post I think some type of counselling  or maybe a support group might help you deal with your feelings. It never hurts to give it a try ... Kindest regards .....