Hot flashes

[loralai]

Hello everyone! I am about to do my 4th treatment on Wednesday. Since my hysterectomy in August the hot flashes have started increasing. As of this week they are really waking me up a lot. I left a message for my gyn/oncol but wanted to ask is there anything natural I can take/eat to help? I need some ZZZzzz's! Thanks! Lori

[Best59]

Hi,
I had a friend, who had a same problem after surg. with hot flashes. She went to the accupunct. threatment, and was great for her. Also need to increase your vitamins too.

[loralai]

I actually see a different doctor for chemo but I will be sure to ask him too. I am going to call the gyn oncol. It's not too bad but since I did notice it getting worse I'd like to see what I can do now. I don't want to take any heavy duty sleeping pills because I have toddlers and they still wake up some nights crying. I'd hate to sleep through it (or would I? LOL!)...my husband never hears them as it is! I go tomorrow so I'll share the update. Thanks!!

[nyc lady]

Lori,

Luckily enough, I was dx'd early stages and never had to have chemo, but, I know what those hot flashes are like.

I am having a horrible time with "surgically induced menopause".  I am lucky to get 4 hours of sleep a night before the sweats start...then I am up constantly all night long.  I feel for you.

Sleep is very important for you right now as you need your strength to get thru chemo.  Don't take anything over the counter, speak to your doctor.

They are willing to prescribe something for me to sleep, but, nothing for the hot flashes.  I have developed cysts, even though I have no ovaries and they believe that they can be estrogen fed, thus no HRT for me.  I have even been told that I cannot take the OTC HRT remedies because the soy mimics estrogen.

Hope the last couple of treatments go easy for you and all those cancer cells have been zapped.  

If your up in the middle of the nite you can always call me, hehe, I'm probably up too.

[dmt0923]

Hi Loralai,

We both had our surgery in August. It only took me a week or so to start experiencing hot flashes. I am much older at 44, but I wasnt in peri-menopause at the time of surgery. I do know how you feel, the hot flashes wouldnt be so bad if they didnt wake you up at night. It is the sleep deprivation that is the worst. I know I have seen lots of herbal remedies that are noted for soothing hot flashes and promoting sleep, but not converting to estrogen like soy- maybe your dr can approve something. I sure hope your dr can offer you some relief. My best sleep came after the addition of testosterone, but we are all different. I hope you are doing well otherwise, you are carrying such a tremendous load right now. Please know I continue to think of you and pray for you. Give the girls a hug from your cysters! Dianne

[dian07]

Lori...you will see your gyn/onc before your treatment tomorrow, won't you?  Ask him then or talk with the team of nurses who give the chemo and work on his staff.  I didn't have the problem with hotflashes...or I didn't notice them as I was in such pain from Neulasta...until I got help from sleeping pills I was unable to sleep as well. I certainly hope you are able to get some relief really soon....this stuff is hard enough without trying to cope and fight in a sleep-deprived state!  This is serious....you need to be rested to be strong enough to fight this stupid disease...you getting a good night's sleep is a big deal! Make them listen to you...the nurses and my gyn really did care about how I was doing...hopefully yours do to. Good luck and don't be a nice quiet little wall-flower on this....make them hear you!
Peace.
dian