My name is Lauren, I am 44 and was diagnosed with estrogen and progesterone positive breast cancer in 03/00. I have recently had a TAH-BSO on the advice of my Oncologist to halt ER/PR production by my ovaries. I have been plunged into surgical menopause. I am having a very rough time dealing with the many menopausal symptoms that have followed, the worst being depression. I would like very much to hear how other women in this or a similar situation are dealing with this. I am also unable to use and herbs or soy products due to the possible effects that these phytoestrogens may have on my cancer type. My situation is worsened by the the Tamoxifen I must take for my cancer(it causes menopausal symptoms). Thanks, Lauren

I did things in a different order than you, but am basically in the same place.  I had the TAH/BSO 8 years ago and took premarin for 7 years until it gave me breast cancer 5/00.  Going off the ERT was brutal for a few months, but did improve.  After about 6 months, I felt pretty normal, hot flashes just about gone.  Of course, that's when I started tamox and it all started over...  It's been 6 months since I started tomox and the flashes seem to be improving a little.  The worst is at work because my office is kept at 78 degrees because of the CA energy crisis.  I do use soy, my onc has no problem with it.  I just try to maintain a healthier lifestyle.  I've dropped coffee and cola in favor of green tea and sparkling water.  I joined a gym and do more weight lifting and have added more protein to my diet (mostly fish) to try to build muscle to burn calories and avoid weight gain (I've lost 6 pounds!).  Also, excercise seems to help with stress and depression- at least it gives me a sense of taking control, doing something, and making myself stronger.  I take Vit E, which is supposed to help with hot flashes.  Sometimes I need a little help with lubrication during sex, but we just make it part of the foreplay.  Effexor helps some women with hot flashes.  It's an antidepressant, which kind of freaked me out, so I haven't tried it.  One thing that helps with hot flashes at work is to  keep a cup of ice water on my desk, and when I feel a flash coming on, I chew a few ice cubes.