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Hi, Jackie,

I think it probably took me a good 2 years, maybe more, to get back to
pre-cancer energy level, and I found I really had to *work* (hard) at it
to get there.  It would seem like another major surgery along the way,
as you had, could potentially make it even slower.  I think my stamina
still isn't the same (BC diagnosed in late 2000).

While this "long time to get energy back" thing doesn't seem to be
universal, I've talked to others who felt the same way, and know one
woman for whom it's been quite a bit longer than it was for me.

Since you've been communicating with your doctors, I assume they've
ruled out other causes (hypothyroidism, which I gather has a slightly
greater incidence among BC survivors; sleep problems like apnea, etc.;
other organic causes)?

Hot flashes:  Mine weren't real, real bad, but have slowly decreased
over time.  I still have them occasionally, especially in hot weather
(few times/week, maybe?).  I took Tamoxifen, next (and now) Arimidex,
but didn't go the oophorectomy route.

Hope you're able to find some solutions in both areas!

Ann T.
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I dont see how having your ovaries removed could have helped to combat
the symptoms of chemo/hormone-induced menopause, on the contrary...
Studies have shown that having an oophorectomy is as good as taking
Tamoxifen in preventing BC and stopping tumor progress in advanced
cancer. Doing both wont double your chances of not getting it again.  If
you are premenopausal age-wise, stopping the Tamoxifen might have helped
the flashes, but now we'll never know. Still, one strategy would be to
ask the prescribing oncologist for an alternative to Tamoxifen such as
Arimidex or Femara, etc.  There are plant-based homeopathic drugs which
sometimes help prevent the hot flashes, but I expect its mainly a
placebo effect.  

Sorry Jackie, but I am the current holder of the medal for the most 'drips'
per day, 12 at the least, not counting night time, some days I had three in
one hour.I have had to resort to HRT, having  painstakingly exhausted all
other avenues. I'm oestrogen neg, so maybe there is a slight plus here.M
life is so much better now (how did I ever manage for 4 years sodden and
exhausted)I do hope you find some relief in whatever form that may be.
goodluck my friend.
Kathleen