On the lymphedema front, I'm still wearing the compression stocking daily and doing my exercises (which will be needed for the rest of my life). When I measured my leg the other day, there was only half an inch difference now, so that's an improvement! :) I will do a trial of no compression stocking in the middle of February and see how things go. I will always have to wear the stocking when I work because I'm on my feet so much and the lymph specialist recommended I wear it during exercise as well. The stocking has greatly improved the pain where most days my leg doesn't hurt.
In regards to all the menopause stuff, lets just say it has been very difficult. This past weekend I decided I have had it and I want to go on estrogen. Mark and I discussed it and it was a tense weekend as we don't see things eye to eye. I completely understand his point of view, I'm just not sure what it will take for him to see things from my perspective. I made an appointment with my GYN and after discussing my situation with her yesterday, I came away disappointed and in tears, but also a little relieved. Before she is willing to prescribe estrogen I HAVE to do a trial of effexor (which is an antidepressant) because it is the med of choice for hot flashes for women with cancer who can't have hormones. I have NOT wanted to take an antidepressant for hot flashes!!! But I don't have a choice at this point, if I want estrogen in the future, I have to go this route. Dr Ridnour kept telling me this medication made a world of difference to one of her other patients and that it worked immediately. So today is my first day taking the lowest possible dose of effexor and honestly, I hope it fixes the hot flashes and I start sleeping again. I'm disappointed because I was so hopeful in taking ONE medication that can potentially fix SO many of my issues, rather than treat one issue at a time with something else. I am beyond frustrated with taking something to fix one problem, only to find that yes, it fixes that problem but creates other issues for me. At the same time, I'm somewhat relieved not to start estrogen yet because it carries some serious risks. I want to make sure that if and when I start estrogen, I've exhausted all the alternatives first so that I won't feel guilty if something bad occurs. Plus, I would hope that at the point I start taking estrogen, Mark can be on board too. It's a difficult subject and we both have valid points. Anyway, the goal is that effexor will completely stop the hot flashes and night sweats, I will be able to sleep again and discontinue my sleeping pill plus clonidine. If I can get rid of a couple of pills with one pill, there will be some progress!
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