Menopause in a young woman

Many people have no idea that after a diagnosis of breast cancer, many women need to be medically induced into menopause. That is specifically for breast cancers that involve hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. 

In my case, they did a lab test to assess if I qualified for chemotherapy called an oncotype. Anyone 20 or above meets criteria for chemotherapy. Afterwards, the oncologist will determine if you tumor has a risk for recurrence and will choose a medication to prevent that. In my case (I was ER/PR positive HER2 negative but my tumor then changed into TNBC), due to the small percentage of hormones, my young age, and the fact that the tumor was aggressive (grade 3), we have decided to do preventative maintenance for TEN YEARS. I have to admit, I am having a hard time accepting this. I mean, it’s hard enough to do a workout regimen for 20 minutes haha! 

Currently I am taking 3 medications. Two of them are specifically used to block estrogen production from all its pathways. 1. Zoladex to stop my ovaries from producing estrogen 2. Letrozole to avoid estrogen being produced (or converted into) by by adrenals

I am not on Verzenio to prevent any possible cancer cell from diviidng and growing. This one is a twice a day,  two year commitment. 

So how am I feeling? It’s really hard to describe considering I have 4 young children with broken up sleep! But I will tell you, I do feel like chemo brain is a real thing as my head is constantly in a fog and I don’t feel as “smart”. It’s crazy when I do finally get asked something I used to be good at, the knowledge does come back! I do get more muscle pains after a simple exercise. I also wake up frequently with some joint pains. These pains used to go away as soon as I got up and moving in the morning. Lately, my hands continue to hurt throughout the day. But it is something I am learning to deal with and coming to terms with. I do admit I am so busy most days I don’t have time to stop and take motrin for it (although I wish I did!). Lastly, I do feel “fatigued” most of the time. However, I am a very active woman and easy for me to “snap out of it” and force myself to get up and going. Again, “force” myself is a true descriptor. Honestly, if I didn’t have this many young kids, I would find myself resting in bed more often! I do sometimes also have to up my coffee intake just to make it to bedtime! And motivation for exercising doesn’t occur everyday.

Ok so the elephant in the room is, how is my vagina doing? Ha! Yeah, I know you were wondering! It’s fine! Yes, I need lube. LOTS of it! But once it’s applied, it’s all good. Definitely something you and your partner should discuss. Sex should never be painful or uncomfortable (at least that’s what I think!). 

Finally, hot flashes. They do occur, albeit only sometimes. Very commonly after drinking hot coffee in the morning. They last like 20 minutes. I have tried taking Veozah for them and it’s fabulous!  But I do not take it everyday because, thankfully, the hot flashes are not awful, frequent, nor long-lasting. 

My secret sauce to showing up everyday? Is just that. SHOW UP. Don’t even think about it. Don’t feel sorry for yourself. It’s, of course, okay to have your moments of sorrow and the “why me’s?”. But geting up everyday and seeing what the day has to offer is waaaay better than giving into the joint pains, the tiredness, and the dry vagina! It is far more exciting to take ibuprofen, pop all my cancer drugs and go play with my kids, run errands, cook meals, and thank God I don’t have something worse like a stoma, a stroke, or a missing limb. I treat myself nicely everyday. I’m really tired today? Ok, no gym today. Am I am really cranky today? Ok, no house chores (so i don’t overwhelm myself). I’m feeling sleepy? Make an iced coffee frappuccino! I’m feeling sad? I write it down! Yes, I do? I journal so I can let my feelings out. I call a friend so they can make me laugh. I look on social media for inspirational stories. I tap out from parenting and leave the house for 20 minutes (when possible of course). And finally, I eat WHAT I WANT. Yup. I mean in moderation duh! But no, I will not deprive myself of a snack! After chemo, many things taste funky or different. I can’t eat whole meals and I find myself constantly busy and skipping them. So yes, if I need a piece of chocolate to boost my dopamine levels, I happily do it! My favorite snacks are these from Trader Joes because they carry the most delicious chocolates!

How are you coping?