Re: (Estrace) - Millie

[Guest guest]

or Millie Goodman wrote: >>>>>I know you told me this before, but how often and how much do you use. Millie Millie, I used it 'everyday' in the beginning for about two months straight, then I went to a maintenance application of about two times per week. Anytime I feel like I need it (especially if I start 'slacking') I'll kick back in to daily. Just a little pea size dab will do! I usually have my tube at least a year! Hugs,

Chelle

[Guest guest]

Please don't get annoyed with me on this issue,

I know you said you used a little and I was wondering

what would maintain you. That is my big problem

how much will maintain you, I as you know don't

want to use to much. That was why I wanted and am thinking

of having my hormones tested. My apt is the beginning of Nov.

Anyway only I can monitor the area. And the doctor told me

that the area where I was reconstructed the skin will always look

thinner. The skin had a wider white area before I cut the

doses of Testosterone down. My docs definitely want me off the testosterone.

So now I use vagifem twice a week and once a week the estrace a little on my finger.

I have been using a small amount but I think more than a little dab will do you because

I use it once a week and it is hard to rub it all in where I need it and I use it before

bedtime and get up to urinate during the night and figure I don't get it all.

Anyway I was thinking of using the vagifem once a week but you know it also

treats the urinary tract and don't want problems there. So anyway, I just

wish I knew what another woman who had had the surgery looked like, I mean

how thick or thin her skin was in that area. I mean mine looks like it could break

at anytime, but never has. I use alot of cream when I have sex to buffer the area.

No one would believe what we go through would they. Millie

Re: (Estrace) - Millie

or Millie Goodman <mgoodman (AT) carr (DOT) org> wrote:

>>>>>I know you told me this before, but how often

and how much do you use. Millie

Millie, I used it 'everyday' in the beginning for about two months straight, then I went to a maintenance application of about two times per week. Anytime I feel like I need it (especially if I start 'slacking') I'll kick back in to daily. Just a little pea size dab will do! I usually have my tube at least a year! Hugs, Chelle

[Guest guest]

Millie - can ur doc perhaps offer you some help here. Many docs photo their patients pre and post op - especially if they intend to get published.Maybe your doc does and will show you what you can expect with successful hormonal treatment. Tell him that you need to feel you are going in the right direction and don't know what to expect the "healed" area to look like in the end, so you'd like to see pics. Of course, you aren't interested in the names on his case studies - just what the healed area should look like so you know what to aspire to.My guess is you will know - and you will know when all pain stops and you just stop looking because you don't feel the need anymore. What the skin looks like won't matter if there is no pain.Dusty or Millie Goodman wrote: Please don't get annoyed with me on this issue, I know you said you used a little and I was wondering what would maintain you. That is my big problem how much will maintain you, I as you know don't want to use to much. That was why I wanted and am thinking of having my hormones tested. My apt is the beginning of Nov. Anyway only I can monitor the area. And the doctor told me that the area where I was reconstructed the skin will always look thinner. The skin had a wider white area before I cut the doses of Testosterone down. My docs definitely want me off the testosterone. So now I use vagifem twice a week and once a week the estrace a little on my finger. I have been using a small amount but I think more than a little dab will do you because I use it once a week and it is hard to rub it all in where I need it and I use it before bedtime and get up to urinate during the night and figure I don't get it all. Anyway I was thinking of using the vagifem once a week but you know it also treats the urinary tract and don't want problems there. So anyway, I just wish I knew what another woman who had had the surgery looked like, I mean how thick or thin her skin was in that area. I mean mine looks like it could break at anytime, but never has. I use alot of cream when I have sex to buffer the area. No one would believe what we go through would they. Millie Re: (Estrace) - Millie or Millie Goodman <mgoodman (AT) carr (DOT) org> wrote: >>>>>I know you told me this before, but how often and how much do you use. Millie Millie, I used it 'everyday' in the beginning for about

two months straight, then I went to a maintenance application of about two times per week. Anytime I feel like I need it (especially if I start 'slacking') I'll kick back in to daily. Just a little pea size dab will do! I usually have my tube at least a year! Hugs, Chelle __________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Thank you for your suggestion, but my situation

is a little different and I know you don't understand.

First I am in no pain, I am on elavil

and my last problem that I could feel was

itching. I had the surgery and the area of skin

that is thin is where I was re-sectioned. But

your idea of looking at what healthy skin

looks like is a good one, however,

I don't think my doctor is into publlishing

papers but it is a good sugestion. The doctor

told me my skin would look thinner where

I was re-sectioned, but at what point it is

too thin I don't know. Crazy problem, but

I will ask him at my next apt. about the pictures.

A good one. Funny, I used to tell my docs

I didn't know what cancer felt like, but now I do

I am a breast cancer survivor. Anyway thank you

for your suggestion.

Re: (Estrace) - Millie

or Millie Goodman <mgoodman (AT) carr (DOT) org> wrote:

>>>>>I know you told me this before, but how often

and how much do you use. Millie

Millie, I used it 'everyday' in the beginning for about two months straight, then I went to a maintenance application of about two times per week. Anytime I feel like I need it (especially if I start 'slacking') I'll kick back in to daily. Just a little pea size dab will do! I usually have my tube at least a year! Hugs, Chelle

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Millie, I'm not annoyed at all, I know this is serious and scary for you. I think you truly should ask for an Estradiol test, if it comes back 'high' you will know to back off, but honestly, I don't think it will come back with high levels. You don't have your ovaries, so your own levels are probably pretty low and you already know the Vagifem is such a 'tiny' amount, it is no where the strength of Estrace, but then the Estrace when used with a tiny little dab should not be raising your levels much, if any. Of course only the tests can prove that, though. For me, I literally use just a little pea-sized dab...for you, I would just try a tiny little amount and see if it will cover that resectioned area. As long as you aren't slathering say a bubble gum size amount on 'everyday', I think you should be okay. Do speak with your doctor...I think he/she can ease your fears as well. Until recently, have you ever used Estrace before?

If not, then that skin truly may get thicker and not be so thin anymore. That would be great if it did rebuild it! If not, at least the Estrace can still help. Many Hugs, Chelle or Millie Goodman wrote: Please don't get annoyed with me on this issue, I know you said you used a little and I was wondering what would maintain you. That is my big problem how much will maintain you, I as you know don't want to use to much. That was why I wanted and am thinking of having my

hormones tested. My apt is the beginning of Nov. Anyway only I can monitor the area. And the doctor told me that the area where I was reconstructed the skin will always look thinner. The skin had a wider white area before I cut the doses of Testosterone down. My docs definitely want me off the testosterone. So now I use vagifem twice a week and once a week the estrace a little on my finger. I have been using a small amount but I think more than a little dab will do you because I use it once a week and it is hard to rub it all in where I need it and I use it before bedtime and get up to urinate during the night and

figure I don't get it all. Anyway I was thinking of using the vagifem once a week but you know it also treats the urinary tract and don't want problems there. So anyway, I just wish I knew what another woman who had had the surgery looked like, I mean how thick or thin her skin was in that area. I mean mine looks like it could break at anytime, but never has. I use alot of cream when I have sex to buffer the area. No one would believe what we go through would they. Millie -----

Original Message ----- From: Chelle To: VulvarDisorders Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 12:18 PM Subject: Re: (Estrace) - Millie or Millie Goodman <mgoodman (AT) carr (DOT) org> wrote: >>>>>I know you told me this before, but how often and how much do you use.

Millie Millie, I used it 'everyday' in the beginning for about two months straight, then I went to a maintenance application of about two times per week. Anytime I feel like I need it (especially if I start 'slacking') I'll kick back in to daily. Just a little pea size dab will do! I usually have my tube at least a year! Hugs, Chelle

[Guest guest]

Chelle, you know, you have been so nice to me. I feel like a baby. To bring you up to date on my situation, they had me on testosterone

cream which really is what thickened my skin. But the oncologist, told me to get off that. So the testosterone cream really thickened me up,

but since I have come off I can see the difference. The new doctor I went to gave me the estrace for the vulva. So that is how I came to this point.

The area ia thinner, but like I said if to thin I don't know, but you know I feel I am just complaining and not doing anything to help myself.

I am mad at myself and you have been oh so nice. I am thinking as I am writing, I am scared to get the hormone testing,so foolish,

but it like opens a can of worms for me, if it is high what will I do, but like you say not likely. I hate to start running around to

these doctors. Being a breast cancer survivor, 10 years this month, has tired me out and I just don't feel like dealing with this, and that

is my problem. I just have to make my mind up to either have the hormone test and go from there or not have it and go on

and no worry about things. It is that simple. Thank you so much for your time. Millie

Re: (Estrace) - Millie

or Millie Goodman <mgoodman (AT) carr (DOT) org> wrote:

>>>>>I know you told me this before, but how often

and how much do you use. Millie

Millie, I used it 'everyday' in the beginning for about two months straight, then I went to a maintenance application of about two times per week. Anytime I feel like I need it (especially if I start 'slacking') I'll kick back in to daily. Just a little pea size dab will do! I usually have my tube at least a year! Hugs, Chelle

[Guest guest]

Millie, I personally don't think you are gonna rest over this matter until you actually get tested. And it truly is a good thing, that way you will know one way or the other for sure and won't have to wonder! It's a good sign that your doctor 'knows' your history but still allowed you to use the Estrace and the Estrace indeed can thicken your skin. With that being said, I hope you will get your Estradiol level checked. Look at it this way, if your levels are really low or in a decent range for someone with past breast cancer, you might even be able to use it more than once a week...with your history though, it's better to err on the side of caution. Best wishes....and Hugs, Chelle P.S. Can't remember if I've mentioned this, but just make sure the order is to check your 'Estradiol' level, it is the 'dominant' female estrogen. The Estrone and Estriol are the weaker estrogens.

or Millie Goodman wrote: Chelle, you know, you have been so nice to me. I feel like a baby. To bring you up to date on my situation, they had me on testosterone cream which really is what thickened my skin. But the oncologist, told me to get off that. So the testosterone cream really thickened me up, but since I have come off I can see the difference. The new doctor I went to gave me the estrace for the vulva. So that is how I came to this point. The area ia thinner, but like I said if to thin I don't know, but you know I feel I am just complaining and not doing anything to help

myself. I am mad at myself and you have been oh so nice. I am thinking as I am writing, I am scared to get the hormone testing,so foolish, but it like opens a can of worms for me, if it is high what will I do, but like you say not likely. I hate to start running around to these doctors. Being a breast cancer survivor, 10 years this month, has tired me out and I just don't feel like dealing with this, and that is my problem. I just have to make my mind up to either have the hormone test and go from there or not have it and go on and no worry about things. It is that simple. Thank you so much for your time. Millie

[Guest guest]

Thank you, Chelle, I know you are right and it is

up to me now. Millie

Re: Re: (Estrace) - Millie

Millie, I personally don't think you are gonna rest over this matter until you actually get tested. And it truly is a good thing, that way you will know one way or the other for sure and won't have to wonder! It's a good sign that your doctor 'knows' your history but still allowed you to use the Estrace and the Estrace indeed can thicken your skin. With that being said, I hope you will get your Estradiol level checked. Look at it this way, if your levels are really low or in a decent range for someone with past breast cancer, you might even be able to use it more than once a week...with your history though, it's better to err on the side of caution. Best wishes....and Hugs, Chelle

P.S. Can't remember if I've mentioned this, but just make sure the order is to check your 'Estradiol' level, it is the 'dominant' female estrogen. The Estrone and Estriol are the weaker estrogens. or Millie Goodman <mgoodman (AT) carr (DOT) org> wrote:

Chelle, you know, you have been so nice to me. I feel like a baby. To bring you up to date on my situation, they had me on testosterone

cream which really is what thickened my skin. But the oncologist, told me to get off that. So the testosterone cream really thickened me up,

but since I have come off I can see the difference. The new doctor I went to gave me the estrace for the vulva. So that is how I came to this point.

The area ia thinner, but like I said if to thin I don't know, but you know I feel I am just complaining and not doing anything to help myself.

I am mad at myself and you have been oh so nice. I am thinking as I am writing, I am scared to get the hormone testing,so foolish,

but it like opens a can of worms for me, if it is high what will I do, but like you say not likely. I hate to start running around to

these doctors. Being a breast cancer survivor, 10 years this month, has tired me out and I just don't feel like dealing with this, and that

is my problem. I just have to make my mind up to either have the hormone test and go from there or not have it and go on

and no worry about things. It is that simple. Thank you so much for your time. Millie