Hi

i have just found this chat room, I am so pleased.

i had a lumpectomy and am just about to start radiotherapy, I have been put on Anastrozole7 weeks now, It's also been 3/4 months since I stoped my HRT, I have such vaginal dryness, when I tried to make love with my husband it was so painful and that was with lube, I spoke to my dr who is a woman,she basically told just to put up with it or do something else !, I am only 57 , got re married a year and a half ago, feel like it's the end.  I Am really grateful that they got the lump out and I didn't need chemo, but , I feel I am starting to be an old woman before my time, sorry to moan

H

Oh bless you. I'm so sorry to hear you're suffering so much and totally understand where you're coming from.

It is absolutely appalling that your doctor has no understanding or compassion. I'm so angry for you.

As a cancer patient you are entitled to free feminine products to help, on prescription. My GP prescribes YES vaginal moisturiser, to be inserted daily until symptoms ease and then you can slowly reduce it. I found this incredibly painful to administer at first, but it became less so, as time went on and did make the situation much better. Without sounding crude, I also purchased some anaesthetic lubricating gel from a pharmacist (although some won't sell it to you), which I place at the entrance 'below', which also helped an awful lot. It takes away the initial pain, so very, very helpful.

No woman should have to suffer and should be able to make love with her husband, so don't give up. I cried so many times and my husband was so scared of hurting me, it was awful, so I do totally sympathize with you.

Another route is to contact your Oncologists Secretary and get a review appointment, as there are different cancer meds they can put you on.

Please don't give up & don't be bullied by any doctor. They are there to help you and if you get a good one, it's fab, but if you're unlucky not to, you have to push for everything, but don't give in.

Wishing you lots of luck and I soooo hope this helps you.

Hi Holls

thank you for replying, I will try that, it's really nice being able to talk to others about this, I thought it was just me until today.

i think I might change doctor and try what you have suggested.

i hope all is going ok with you.

H

Hi Holls

thank you for replying, I will try that, it's really nice being able to talk to others about this, I thought it was just me until today.

i think I might change doctor and try what you have suggested.

i hope all is going ok with you.

H

Hiya

I just hope I've helped a bit. I remember feeling isolated and so low when I was at my worse, so I just had to reply.

i think it's worse when you've been on HRT, as it's like a double whammy. Not only do you have to come off the HRT quickly, which is a massive shock to your system, but you also have to start the cancer drugs, which lessen the oestrogen, so your body just doesn't know what the hell has hit it! Also, the HRT makes you feel so good, so sudden withdrawal stops all those good feelings.

i wish you all the luck & much happiness with your new husband (congratulations by the way).

Pleaae do keep me posted as to how you're getting on.

All the best x

Thank you very much, will do xx