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• Living with cancer

• April 26, 2012 7:11 p.m.

  Cath - I also have ovarian cancer (3C) and began having hot flashes a couple months after completing chemo. So far they've been very mild but sometimes they feel kind of "prickly", like tiny needles; which really bothers me. I've tried to avoid just about anything that might produce estrogen because of my fear of a recurrence. Your comment about the green tea interested me and I did a search on hot v. cold: http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/iced-tea-hot-tea-and-antioxidants. I'm sure you could find even more information on the subject.

  - Sheila

• April 19, 2012 2:14 p.m.

  I have ovarian cancer and had hot flashes after debulking surgery: Felt very very cold for several hours, then very warm, with very bad sweats. Especially painful during the nightime (had to change pyjama and sheets....). Soy milk worked really well (contains natural phytooestrogenes). I take one glass a day and still have hot flashes but it's weaker. Problem is that with oestrogene sensitive cancer we are not supposed to take products containing oestrogens - so I asked to several doctors and as a general rule, recommanded to take only 1 serving a day. No supplements! I noticed that the hot flashes are triggered by drinking hot things, as said in the article. I learned to not drink my green tea when it's too hot - which is good because it contains more actives when infused for a longer time. Last: I had surgery 6 months ago and still experience hot flashes every hour.

  - Cath

• February 8, 2012 7:07 a.m.

  I am still having some hot flashes especially at night. I received 4 Zoladex shots back in 2009 after having prostate cancer. I would like to know if these flashes are related to the Zoladex or could there be somthing else causing it.

  - TED

• January 22, 2012 2:26 p.m.

  This recommendation for men experiencing hot flashes as the result of treatment of prostate cancer with LHRH agonists: By top Medical Oncologist Stephen Strum, a specialist specifically in the treatment of recurring as well as advanced, high grade prostate cancer, should be the one to follow: ““I am not a user of Megace in this setting since it is metabolized to DHEA and then to androstenedione and then to testosterone. When the PSA is in good control and the testosterone is low, I use Depo-Provera intramuscular injection 400mg ONCE and that usually eliminates hot flashes forever.”

  - Chuck

• December 8, 2011 4:36 p.m.

  This is for Jimmy (August 15,2011). After my prostate surgery I received Zoladex hormone shots for two years to stop the production of testosterone and I also experienced hot flashes. And after the last shot, the hot flashes were more frequent than before. But ten months after the last shot, they suddenly stopped and I haven't had a hot flash in two months.

  - Steve

• October 19, 2011 9:46 p.m.

  Hello and thank you! A few suggestions give me hope. I am currently on Femara , having tried all 3 drugs for estrogen positive breast cancer. I recently decided to get off the Effexor XR because I have been on it for 3 years and still having mega watt hot flashes. I have been trying acupuncture twice a month for the last 6 months. I always feel magnificent when the treatment is over and then, the dreaded HFs return. I have been given megace but am afraid to take it because one of the side effects is weight gain. Has anyone used it and can please comment on the side effects. TY and stay cool!

  - Sharon

• August 17, 2011 4:43 p.m.

  Well thank you jesus! I thought I was going nuts till I read your posts. I had 12 rounds of chemo, lumpectomy with 28 nodes removed, then 3o radiation treatments. I have sweat so much that I,m surprised I am not a prune. Through my clother, through my sheets, and so on. Neurontin made me so dizzy, tried it for a while, but couldn,t stand it. Somedays the water just pours down my body! I will lay off the tomatoes and citrus. Thanks for the ideas, good health to all!

  - Marina

• August 15, 2011 11:13 p.m.

  I guess I'm the only man willing to talk about hot flashes. I received Lupron shots for about 3 years(female hormone)to destroy testosterone. They stopped giving me the shots about 6 months ago but my hot flashes are as many as ever. I wonder if I would start taking a testosterone supplements would help?

  - Jimmy

• July 29, 2011 2:15 p.m.

  Hotflashes- I am 59 yrs old. I have been on Clonidine HCl 0.025mg 2 Tablets twice daily 12 hours apart since May/11. Also known as Dixarit. Reduced the intensity of the hot flashes that they were very very mild. To reduce further I also take flax seed mixed with my oatmeal 1 tbsp and 1tbsp mixed with yogurt at bedtime. I spoke to my pharmacist and family doctor as to what to do. They both suggested this. This medication is used to lower blood pressure, but in this very low dosage it helps some people with hot flashes. Iam one of the lucky ones. I hope this helps some of you. It does not work for everyone. My prayers go out to all of you.

  - Linda

• May 19, 2011 2:25 p.m.

  2010 was a bad year -- started with a heart attack and stint. Then in August I was diagnosed with Stage1 breat cancer -- had a lumpectectomy followed by radiation. 1 cm (80% invasive/20% DCIS).In January I went on Tamoxifen. I came off it in March. Here is the problem -- the oncologist wants me back on tamoxfen -- I have a 14-15% chance of recurrense over 10 years without Tamoxifen, and a 10% chance if I take Tamoxifen. The cardiologist says he will double up on the high blood pressure meds and can presribe something else for the high triglycerides. I hate taking all this medication. Is 4-5% worth it ... Coming off tamoxifen I now have hot flashes (which I never had before) and my hair has fallen out. I had this reaction when I came off birth control pills -- the hair came out. When I was on tamoxifen, my blood pressure went up, irregular heart beats and raised triglycerides, dry mouth, bumpy contacts, and a stiff neck -- plus trouble sleeping. A hemotogist/oncologist said if I decided to go back on the drugs, stay on them as they found woman who went off and on got cancer. He also said if you have your uterus and are over 65, you shouldnt be on Tamoxifen. The other three drugs cause high blood pressure, high chlorestoral. They also can cause bone loss. The worse thing would be to put up with these side effects and still get cancer. Is it worth it? 4-5%. I have to decide by the end of he month and am going crazy. Any opinions welcome.

  - Carolyn

• May 12, 2011 1:15 p.m.

  Megestrol or megace low dose 20mg stops hot flashes right away. It does have a few side effects but I took it for 10 years and I am still kicking! Just came off and hot flashes are back. good luck finding a Dr. that knows about it, my oncologist prescribed it. Now I can't find one who will perscribe!

  - Dolly

• November 11, 2010 12:46 p.m.

  My girlfriend was diagnosed with duct. carcinoma 2 yrs ago age 60, and has had chemo then surg. then radiation. The surg went well and the removal was done very well as noted by the Dr. The problem she is having is very painful sensations under the scar and under the arm ( 2 nodes were removed). Many test's have been done and no Cancer found. The pain has subsided sonewhat, but is still there. Has any one heard of this before and is there a remedy? Thanks. Boyfriend

  - Russell

• October 29, 2010 10:50 p.m.

  Neurontin works. Generic name: gabapentin. Get it in 100 mg capsules and take up to 3 as needed. Good luck! and blessings....

  - Karen

• October 21, 2010 11:13 a.m.

  Dear all, It is quite some time since I last posted a comment but I did not feel like complaining again. Today, I have good news, I have to say that I am feeling better the hot flashes that were annoying me so badly are diminishing and becoming more bearable. I don’t say I have any, but the intense ones are less frequent and the quantity of the mild ones had diminished from 18-20 the worst days to an average of 10-12 and that is almost a 40% improvement. The treatment I am following for hot flashes is a combination of everything: acupuncture (I’m on the 8 week of the 12 week planed treatment), ground flax seed 2 soup spoons every morning combined with the cereals, I eat few oranges and tomatoes, less cured cheese and I avoid spicy food as much as possible, I’m back to summing and walking, and next month back to work!. Also weather conditions in autumn are more favorable for hot flashes than were in August and myself, I feel better of my disease, it is 6 months since I stated Tamoxifen® and almost 10 since my last menstruation, it seems that my body is adapting to the circumstances, not fighting I would say.

  - Núria

• October 13, 2010 7:35 a.m.

  this i sdirected to Terri who asked if any nonbreast/uterine cancer survivors were suffering from teh hot flashes and night sweats? YES !!! I have Thymic Carcinoma,surgery and 28 sessions Radiation. The hot flashes during rad. were difficult but I think much of that was from the burning of the skin. It got better thought I could actually pack away my summer clothes this winter....was I wrong ! Not sure but they are back and almost worse than before. always walking around with wet hair, looks like I just got out of the shower.As another commented change clothes alot. I am very concious of what I wear when I do go to town . cotton...layers...hair clips !!! I can't stand it on my face or neck. I am taking several medications and 15 months later am still on prednisone for my lungs. I am seeing my family Dr. this week to discuss this and some of the stuff the "specialists" at mayo won't address. It isn't their dept.! That makes me HOT ALSO LOL but there has to be a bright side ??? some where???? doesn't there???

  - erin

• September 16, 2010 11:41 p.m.

  I went into menopause after taking tamoxifen. Nothing seemed to help, not vitamin E or B12 or green tea. Since I couldn't sleep I found sleeping pills worked best at night. After I stopped taking tamoxifen after 5 years the hot flashes subsided.

  - Emme

• September 2, 2010 12:44 p.m.

  After the mastectomy and chemo etc ...It was the hot flashes. I have tried Clonidine and Effexor but now the best is Neurontin . I started with 200mg 3x a day and apparently you can go up to 900mg a day. IT WORKS

  - Anne

• September 2, 2010 9:44 a.m.

  My mother in law has had a double mastectomy but is terminal. The cancer has gone into her bones. She uses tamoxifen. Her problem is not hot flashes but cold sweats that only occur when she is lying down. She completely soaks her clothing and bed. If she sleeps in her lift chair this does not happen. She is totally exhausted and we are concerned about dehydration from the loss of fluids. PLEASE, does anyone have any ideas? We have told her doctors but no one seems to have answers. Thank you, Peg

  - Peg

• September 1, 2010 3:54 p.m.

  I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia Febr'90. Currently I'm only on cyclobenzaprine. Had been on premarin since Nov'96 after a complete hysterectomy. Hot flashes were unbearable. A May '09 biopsy's results showed that I had stage I invasive ductal cancer at age 62yrs. My lumpectomy was June'09. My cancer tumor was less than 1/3". The Oncotype DX test showed that chemo wasn't needed but I finished 33rounds of radiation the end of Sept'09. Started Tamoxifen Oct'09 and instantly my war with hotflashes began. Took 37.5mg of Effexor XR but it didn't help.By June'10 I was taking 150mg of Effexor XR. By July '10 my hot flashes turned into extreme warmth and sweats. I do feel lucky that sweats don't happen during the night. Some nights I can't fall asleep as easily as before. My oncology hemotologist agreed that Effexor XR is NOT working. Currently cutting back dosage to ween off the drug. My 5yr treatment plan is 2yrs of Tamoxifen and 3yrs of Arimidex. I hate to sound like a complainer but this is not the life after surgery that I expected. Surgery and radiation were easy compared to the hotflashes, extreme heat, and sweats. I'm tired of changing my clothes 2-3 times daily. I have a very understanding husband as all ceiling fans are on 24/7. At night he uses a blanket so he isn't cold. Our A/C temperature is set 4*lower than pre-Tamoxifen days. Our utility bills are higher due to my bodyheat "war". I'm thankful to find that I not alone battling bodyheat!!!

  - Joanne

• August 29, 2010 10:57 p.m.

  I'm 63 & still having severe hot flashes day & night. And I'm on HRT!!! Nights are the worse when I'm awake for most of the night and then fall asleep from exhaution 2 hours before it's time to get up. At work I sweat through several hot flashes a day and drip down my sides & down my front. I thought I was the only one who ever did this until reading this blog. Thank you all who have shared their experience. I will try flax seed, Vit. E and grape seed extract. Already did relaxation techniques, guided imagery, Reiki - no help at all. And I'm going back to the doctor. This is ridiculous!!!!

  - Anne

• August 23, 2010 1:10 p.m.

  i was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in september 2008, had surgery (resection) plus 12 rounds of chemo over six months. I went through menopause ten years before, and had finally passed the "flashing" stage. But i find myself experiencing hot flashes again, since treatment. i wonder if it is residual from the chemo since i am not on any hormone suppressants and, in fact, wear a low dose estrogen patch at the recommendation of my gyn. I'd be interested to know if anyone else with cancer of the NON breast/ovarian type has experienced this?

  - terri

• August 20, 2010 5:32 p.m.

  I WOULD NOT WISH HOT FLASHES ON MY WORST ENEMY! Your comments have given me hope! One thing that I have learned, one treatment may not work the same for each individual. I have tried the grape seed extract and it seems to decrease the amount and severity of my hot flashes. May daugther said that hot flashes are just my inner child playing with matches. :-}

  - Andrea

• August 20, 2010 1:38 p.m.

  Thanks for all the ideas. I am starting tamoxifen today and not looking forward to the hot flashes. I have been concerned about starting it anyway and am not looking forward to the hot flashes at all. Didn't have to go thru them at menopause so I thought I was thru that phase - oh well - if it helps the breast cancer from showing up again!

  - Ann

• August 20, 2010 10:46 a.m.

  I am 48 yrs old and experienced surgical menopause in 2008 after hysterectomy, chemo and continuing drug therapy. My flashes woke me every night for 2 years and I had several each day where the perspiration would drip from my face they were so severe. My doctor put me on a low dose of clonidine which was used as an early blood pressure medication but is now prescribed quite regularly as an aid to hot flashes. A co-worker also was prescribed clonidine by a different doctor and we both have significantly less frequent or severe flashes. If taken at bedtime it also helps sleep.

  - Lisa

• August 20, 2010 7:20 a.m.

  Hot flashes started for me 7 months after going thru chemo treatments for a tumor located in my hip area. I had hot flashes during chemo treatments, but of course stopped after treatment was discontinued. Thank goodness the flashes aren't as bad, but still enough to wake me up at night. I want to thank all of you for the things you have tried because it will help me to pay more attention to the foods I eat and my habits to see what helps and what makes them worse.

  - Malinda