MENOPAUSE

For many women “menopause” marks the end of fertility. This is often accompanied with a lot of symptoms that can be hard to cope with - But for ME it’s a sign of LIFE. Over the past several months I have been dealing with a lot of aches and pains in my larger bones along with lymphodema of my right arm and hand, irritability, mood swings, depression, increased anxiety and trouble sleeping.

Did you know these are all related to late effects that can occur from chemotherapy and radiation therapy? I expected once the treatments were done, so were the side effects. I can understand the fear of recurrence and relapse but i didn't know all these other symptoms are also associated with menopause. After all, I don't have the common symptoms my friends complain about - night sweats, hot flashes, migraines. I was informed the treatment would induce menopause but WTF! Its not as dramatic as losing my hair, but definitely something to be informed about. The cancer felt as if my body was possessed by some alien, and I had lost control of your mind and emotions. Now I get to begin this new chapter, while I haven't even finished the last one. Life is quite the journey and sometimes we just have to SMILE !

So is it after effects of chemotherapy and radiation therapy OR is it Menopause ?

To Your Health

Cindy