tumour and menopause

[Giantbadger]

I had a seizure June 21 and they found a tumour on my temporal lobe. Had it removed, well as much as they could and they also found another small one where they can’t operate. Found out it was grade 4 but since then had radio therapy and a years chemo pills. Through all this I felt ok with little side effects. Beginning of this year though my periods stopped and I started feeling rotten. Went on hrt but after a month had to stop as I have numbness in my leg and arm and the worse brain fog. Loads of symptoms that could be my tumour or menopause. Is menopause worse due to my history? No one seems to know. Having my 3 monthly scan sat to find out if it is what I am dreading. Either way I am in the menopause realm which I am sure has been brought on by my treatment. Can’t find any info on this but I am sure loads must be going through it. Any stories? Did hrt help or make it worse, any Recommendations to coping? I just got back to full time work and really feel I’ve been knocked back again 😭

[Tansi75]

Hi Giantbadger,

I'm sorry to read about your circumstances, have you looked at the Brain Tumour Charity website, which has plenty of links to information and support groups via their BRIAN APP. I was diagnosed with a grade 4 glio in May 2010, so it is possible to live beyond the standard prognosis.

Whilst I can't provide any advice about the menopause aspect of your journey, their might be other people who could do so via the BRIAN APP.

On the BRIAN APP discussion board, you will find various posts I have placed, which might help with the brain tumour aspect of you journey. Have you made any changes to your diet, such as cutting out all unnecessary sugar, including alcohol? Sugar feeds cancer cells, so a change in diet is key to living a longer and better life.

It is not unusual for the whole of a tumour not to be removed during surgery, it was the same with me.

Despite your current situation, it is important to stay positive and believe, that you can get through this with a positive outcome and future ahead of you.

[Denni60]

Hello. I am past menopausal. I would speak to your oncologist or GP. I only had bad symptoms of numbness in hand and arms when I was on chemo. I have had all radiotherapy now. And had about 4 months of chemo 1 week on it. 3 weeks off. I also have underactive thyroid. I do feel it this may have contributed to this. Drink loads of water make sure brain is hydrated. Also I drink loads of water before bloods.