Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => All things menopause => Topic started by: Jules on June 08, 2023, 03:30:56 PM
-
I've had my breast clinic appointment and relieved to say everything is normal. There was an area that looked different to last time so had repeat mammogram and ultrasound and it was the way I'd been squashed in the machine. I have a history with breast things so I did get very anxious, couldn't eat. Every woman in that room looked scared stiff. I've only missed one dose of vagifem. I don't have the severe problems others describe so my twice weekly is enough. I'm not in a relationship currently, it was irritation and UTIs after sex that prompted me to try vagifem. I had prophylactic antibiotics i took that prevented the UTIs but the irritation got bad. I don't have that issue at present. I don't want the condition to deteriorate though like I've read on here so I'm going to carry on with them.
-
Wonderful news, so glad everything went well for you! X
-
That's great news , you must be so relieved 😍
-
I am very relieved. My mind was racing. Regarding vagifem I do have problems getting continuous doses from my GP. If anybody has a link to updated guidance I'd appreciate it
-
Google the NICE guidelines hrt and show your doctor. It explains all on there.
-
The whole point of vagifem is that it has to be continuous otherwise there is no point in prescribing it in the first place. Your surgery has a total misunderstanding of this treatment.
Do as much research yourself starting here then go armed with all the information your surgery obviously needs.
I am saying this in a hurry but if there is a medical reason why they are acting like this then so be it, if not, demand what you are entitled to.
-
So pleased that your result is OK - I can feel your relief . Apparently a woman designed the mammogram machine >:(: I don't reckon that she ever put herself under it!
As an aside: No GP should be prescribing ABs on an 'as necessary' basis either. That's laziness, the WHO tell us that within 5 years there will be so many Bugs that ABs won't touch. :'(
-
I've been reading information about breast cancer incidence and risks, especially after listening to Ann Diamond last night, I could feel her trauma. Its the 4th time in 10 years ive had breast assessment and it gets scarier evety time. I read this about incidence etc in those on HRT and after menopause. Statistics aren't easy to interpret but these look worrying albeit it doesn't distinguish between systemic hrt and vaginal.
-
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer/risk-factors#heading-Five
-
Thank you for the update Jules. I am so happy to hear all went well :)
-
Often these suggestions are made because Companies are looking for research funding. I haven't read the Link yet ......... Quality of Life is important.
-
Yeh and there's contradiction. My appointment letter had inconsistency, I've also read pain as a symptom yet the breast nurse told me it isn't. No wonder we get confused
-
My sister had breast cancer 3 years ago and her lump was 2cm and very painful. All ok now.
-
That's good Dierdre - shows that we are all different. My lump was felt in the bath one evening, never showed on mammogram, nor was it painful.
-
Glad you have a good outcome. This may reassure you .
https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Breast-cancer-and-HRT-Feb-22-update.pdf
https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/statement-on-hrt-and-breast-cancer/
PMx
-
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/breast-cancer/risk-factors#heading-Five
Where do they get these statistics from and how on earth do they determine what actually caused the cancer when you could be in any or more than one of the criteria. Looking at the choices we are all in at least one! Who funds this research?
-
Morning. That's the 1st thing to query - who provides any Funding? Many years ago we were told by the Media that sugar is good for us: funded by the British Sugar Corporation ::)
At least you know that you are fine Jules.
-
I think there is far too much of this, everywhere on social media telling us all the risks of doing this, eating that will cause cancer, heart disease etc, etc. I'm sick of it!
We are all going to die of something, I don't need reminding everyday of all the different reasons, as if we have a choice and if we choose their product or diet etc we will live forever.
No wonder I'm suffering from health anxiety..
-
As a recovering anorexic I eat what I fancy at that moment in time. Recently: now in my late 60s: I've been warned about type2 diabetes, however - the statins are contributing to raised blood sugar results!
Phobic anxiety has ruined my Life at times .......... :'( which is why grazing keeps me more or less stable.
When I underwent treatment for breast disease a few people asked whether I would be changing my diet: well no - what's laid down after birth can't be altered although we can make improvements over the years. Apart from the oncologist saying at my last appt., "No HRT for you Young Lady" nothing was mentioned about lifestyle ::)
Paternal grandma's advice: A little of what U fancy does you good ;-).
How R U Jules?
Certain cancers occur at different ages apparently. Many women live with rather than die from late onset breast disease ........
-
I've been reading information about breast cancer incidence and risks, especially after listening to Ann Diamond last night, I could feel her trauma. Its the 4th time in 10 years ive had breast assessment and it gets scarier evety time. I read this about incidence etc in those on HRT and after menopause. Statistics aren't easy to interpret but these look worrying albeit it doesn't distinguish between systemic hrt and vaginal.
Had my last mammogram a couple of years ago and probably won't go for another, think they end at 70. Reading the stats on the link even mammograms can cause cancer, I don't understand how they could prove that one. My sister had them regularly, never missed but it didn't pick up her cancer and according to category on the cancer reseach link could have caused it. Most people find the lump or symptom theirselves and that's a fact not a statistic.
If it stresses you so much do you really have to go for these tests? It sounds like this really worries you a lot. Have you had breast cancer before?
-
Glad you have a good outcome. This may reassure you .
https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Breast-cancer-and-HRT-Feb-22-update.pdf
https://www.newsonhealth.co.uk/statement-on-hrt-and-breast-cancer/
PMx
This looks more up to date, hope you read this Jules and feel better. I did.
-
Very often these Papers are so scientifically written that the Man in the Street won't be able to interpret them. I have to hand such articles to DH who has a scientific background.
Also: if treatment is NICE approved on the NHS that's the place to begin. Yes radiation can cause cancers; whilst undergoing treatment and follow ups I had lots of mammograms - still here! And yes, we are in control of our bodies so can always say 'give me a few weeks to consider' or a simply 'no, not now'. Which is what I did when I had a vaginal polyp which bled on contact. Private Gyanea wanted to remove ASAP even though it wasn't expected to be sinister: I knew him well enough to joke "Does this mean that you want an exotic holiday if it's not sinister?" I never went back and shortly after he retired and I don't [as an aside] like his replacement.
The polyp dispersed when I went into peri. ::). crikey that's a meander :D
-
Thanks everyone. I do wonder about mammograms. I was told they are only as good as the day they were taken. 9 years ago I had around 30 samples taken by vacuum biopsy following a routine mammogram but they found no cancer. It was extremely stressful and I was black and blue. I'll probably only get one more call now as I'm 65. Re the stats, it is hard to know what advice to follow and I think any change should be followed up. The breast care nurses were not very helpful. I'm making a request for more vagifem today. Regarding the dosage, I had sex last night for the first time in 10 months and despite the vagufem and my antibiotic I still have that mild feeling of needing the loo. Does ovestin help that? I'm fine otherwise. It might be easier to retire from sex as well as mammograms😊
-
Stop reading on the net - mammograms and other age-related tests save lives! I would never hesitate in following up on requests.
Ovestin will help - do read the 'bladder issue's and vaginal atrophy threads where you will see how appropriate VA treatment helps ease symptoms.
-
I think Vagifem, Ovestin and feminine moisturisers are an absolute wonder and have given me back a part of my life I thought was over, even doing a bit of gardening I would end up with chronic pain and the constant need to pee, I didn't realise that I was slowly closing up down there causing lots of horrible symptoms.
Now I can say I am back to living a normal life even to the extent of being able to have Epsom salt baths with a drop of lavender oil to relieve my muscle aches.
I may be intolerant to most meds taken by mouth, but thank goodness VA treatment has been nothing short of a blessing and a cure.
It's so sensitive down there that if I am ill or over-do the Epsom salts it will cause a mild flare up but nothing compared to what it once was.
In answer to your question, Jules, Vagifem, Ovestin with constant use will help with any VA conditions.
-
:thankyou: Ayesha
-
Thanks everyone. I do wonder about mammograms. I was told they are only as good as the day they were taken. 9 years ago I had around 30 samples taken by vacuum biopsy following a routine mammogram but they found no cancer. It was extremely stressful and I was black and blue. I'll probably only get one more call now as I'm 65. Re the stats, it is hard to know what advice to follow and I think any change should be followed up. The breast care nurses were not very helpful. I'm making a request for more vagifem today. Regarding the dosage, I had sex last night for the first time in 10 months and despite the vagufem and my antibiotic I still have that mild feeling of needing the loo. Does ovestin help that? I'm fine otherwise. It might be easier to retire from sex as well as mammograms😊
Think you definately need to up the dose, 2 a week would do nothing for me. Ovestin is great for the exterior bits and I find applying around the urethra and bladder wall help with bladder issues better than Vagifem. Both together work best, inside and out.
-
Stop reading on the net - mammograms and other age-related tests save lives! I would never hesitate in following up on requests.
Ovestin will help - do read the 'bladder issue's and vaginal atrophy threads where you will see how appropriate VA treatment helps ease symptoms.
I wonder why they stop mammagrams and cervical smears when we get older? Is is cost or are we less likely to get cancer then. I thought it was more likely.
-
Women are less likely to get cancer as we age. Apparently. We can request investigations directly.
-
IMO the biggest problem with most of the research is that don't identify the risks for different types of hrt. We know transdermal is much safer than the old horse urine oral hrt but most studies lump them all in together. And often they're not based on new research, they just read other antiquated studies and base it on those. It's a few years since I looked but I could find very few studies based on transdermal hrt.
-
Agree sheila99 - :thankyou: [how's the lambing been?]
-
Had my last mammogram a couple of years ago and probably won't go for another, think they end at 70. Reading the stats on the link even mammograms can cause cancer, I don't understand how they could prove that one. My sister had them regularly, never missed but it didn't pick up her cancer and according to category on the cancer reseach link could have caused it. Most people find the lump or symptom theirselves and that's a fact not a statistic.
If it stresses you so much do you really have to go for these tests? It sounds like this really worries you a lot. Have you had breast cancer before?
My sister-in-law had her last mammogram at 70 but was given the option of continuing if she wanted to. She went for a scan three years later and they found cancer, right out of the blue, no lump and no family history. She had surgery, radiotherapy and is fine now.
If its going to happen it will happen, scan or no scan, luck of the draw so to speak!
-
Im feeling a lot better thanks. Anxiety mushrooms doesnt it. My stomachwas practically sinkingin a loop.
As a recovering anorexic I eat what I fancy at that moment in time. Recently: in late 60s: I've been warned about type2 diabetes, however - the statins are contributing to raised blood sugar results!
Phobic anxiety has ruined my Life at times .......... :'( which is why grazing keeps me more or less stable.
When I underwent treatment for breast disease a few people asked whether I would be changing my diet: well no - what's laid down after birth can't be altered although we can make improvements over the years. Apart from the oncologist saying at my last appt., "No HRT for you Young Lady" nothing was mentioned about lifestyle ::)
Paternal grandma's advice: A little of what U fancy does you good ;-).
How R U Jules?
Certain cancers occur at different ages apparently. Many women live with rather than die from late onset breast disease ........
-
In reply, with breast cancer, age increases your risks so no idea why they stop at 70. With cervical smears, risks reduce when hormones drop off.
I will try the Ovestin though the sensation has settled already. And I will always go for health screening.
-
If you don't try the VA treatment you may well have flares ups which can become worse.
As for cancer - why would age increase breast disease?
-
I think going by the information out there, breast cancer is treated less agressively in those over 65. There are also losts of co morbilities the older you get.
Older people tend to take longer to recover than younger ones, and the cancer tends to grow more slowly the older you get. Although breast cancer tends to be more agressive the younger you are. As most other cancers are.
But compared with other types of cancer breast cancer is high on the survival rate , but something like pancreatic is one of the worst to get.
PMx
-
If you don't try the VA treatment you may well have flares ups which can become worse.
As for cancer - why would age increase breast disease?
At the reception of the breast care department at the hospital, there was a poster on the wall showing breast cancer risk going through the ages and it increased as you got older. I've read the same information elsewhere too
-
Was there any idea Jules as to who had compiled and from where that information :-\ ? A bit of a downer for any1 worried about breast disease, in fact I wouldn't have read the poster ::). Same as I don't read the leaflets in medication boxes unless I get side effects ;-)
Did the poster explain what was causing the breast disease within the age groups? There are too many variables to quote that 1 size might fit all. Certainly my Aunt in her 80s was diagnosed with slow growing breast disease, died with it not from it aged 93. ::)
-
Im sorry i didn't look at it closely enough. Too scared and youre right, it scared me more. I will try to find out though.
Was there any idea Jules as to who had compiled and from where that information :-\ ? A bit of a downer for any1 worried about breast disease, in fact I wouldn't have read the poster ::). Same as I don't read the leaflets in medication boxes unless I get side effects ;-)
Did the poster explain what was causing the breast disease within the age groups? There are too many variables to quote that 1 size might fit all. Certainly my Aunt in her 80s was diagnosed with slow growing breast disease, died with it not from it aged 93. ::)
-
Breastcancer.org and the nhs say age is the biggest risk factor.
"In fact, the aging process is one of the biggest risk factors for breast cancer in women. That's because the longer we live, there are more opportunities for genetic damage (mutations) in the body. And as we age, our bodies are less capable of repairing genetic damage."
Was there any idea Jules as to who had compiled and from where that information :-\ ? A bit of a downer for any1 worried about breast disease, in fact I wouldn't have read the poster ::). Same as I don't read the leaflets in medication boxes unless I get side effects ;-)
Did the poster explain what was causing the breast disease within the age groups? There are too many variables to quote that 1 size might fit all. Certainly my Aunt in her 80s was diagnosed with slow growing breast disease, died with it not from it aged 93. ::)
-
Tnx. However, does it tell the reader how aggressive those cancers might be ......... ::)
-
Aging is a factor in developing all types of cancer but it tends not to be as aggressive as it would be if younger.
I wasn't worried about my sister-in-law developing breast cancer over 70, it was removed and she had follow up radiotherapy not chemotherapy.
-
Im 65. Does the data show that survival rates improve with age?
Aging is a factor in developing all types of cancer but it tends not to be as aggressive as it would be if younger.
I wasn't worried about my sister-in-law developing breast cancer over 70, it was removed and she had follow up radiotherapy not chemotherapy.
-
Interesting question!
I'm here - after treatment in the mid-1990s, can't even remember the date ::) though my appendix was removed on 14.02.1991 - what a Girl needs to do to get chocolate ;)
-
Thats good to hear. Ive known the worst scenario which is probably why i got so anxious. Lost a friend 2 years ago.
Also know someone aged 90 who had a mastectomy last year, was home for tea the same night and doing fine.
I'd come back as a man if I had my time again😁
Interesting question!
I'm here - after treatment in the mid-1990s, can't even remember the date ::) though my appendix was removed on 14.02.1991 - what a Girl needs to do to get chocolate ;)
-
There are always those who have aggressive disease who won't survive. And others who live with rather than die from, cancers.
Onwards. Upwards. Something will get me but it's got to catch me first ;)
-
Im 65. Does the data show that survival rates improve with age? Aging is a factor in developing all types of cancer but it tends not to be as aggressive as it would be if younger.
I wasn't worried about my sister-in-law developing breast cancer over 70, it was removed and she had follow up radiotherapy not chemotherapy.
Only from what I've read, Jules. I haven't done any research but I believe that it's better to get breast cancer when older than when young as the survival rate is better. But life is a lottery and no point in worrying about what might or might not happen.
-
I know, you are all right. I think I have health anxiety at present. A lot has happened in the last 10 years and I must have reached an overload point plus everytime I put the TV on or radio, there's an advert about cancer symptoms or care. And I've suddenly started feeling old😒