Susan's Place Transgender Resources

Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: anita on June 19, 2014, 08:06:23 PM

Title: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: anita on June 19, 2014, 08:06:23 PM
Hi friends,
   I was almost ready to start my HRT, and suddenly got diagnosed with a rare disease called Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis.
Part of the management requires me to undergo chemotherapy, and may recur in later years. Does anyone have experience
with taking HRT before chemo started, or after, or during? I would consult a doctor too, but doctors always want to be on
safe side, and doesn't know our pain that much. Any anecdotal experience would go a long way.

Thank you
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: JLT1 on June 19, 2014, 09:58:53 PM
Anita,

There are different types and manifestations of Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis.  Also, the severity of the symptoms can be different.  Lastly, I am not sure of what chemo drug they will be giving you.  All of that adds up to quite a few unknowns.

I don't think they are going to try it.  Chemo can really play havoc on the body and most especially, the liver.  Candice, we both know dysphoria.  My heart hurts when I tell you this...if they can get a good kill with this round of chemo, it may very well never reoccur.  That would be worth the wait.   

There is a problem here though.  Have you gotten a second opinion of the diagnosis??  Normally, it hits while the person is between 1 and 15.  It is most prevalent among Caucasians and females. You really don't seem to match any of that.....  Yes, it's possible but  second opinion might be reasonable. 

Note: I'm not a medical doctor.  I am a molecular toxicologist/chemist.  My end advice is to get a conformation of the diagnosis and, if they say not to take HRT while on chemo, then don't do the HRT.

Hugs,

Jen   
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: luna nyan on June 20, 2014, 08:13:11 AM
It's been a long time since I've read about Langerhans, let alone come across it.  I'm really sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

I agree with everyone else - you need to talk to your treating physician, there is no way anyone can guide you with something like this over the internet - there are just too many variables.

About the only comment I can definitely make is this - treatment priorities are always based on what's most urgent, and this case, your survival trumps all.  HRT is an additional complication, so it's likely best delayed until things are under control.

I do wish you swift recovery and remission.

NB - I'm not a MD, I work in an allied field which does require fairly extensive knowledge.
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: anita on June 22, 2014, 10:34:32 AM
Thanks for the response. Sorry for the confusion. It has been confirmed at two reputed hospitals. Diagnosis is lch of the bone. Single system multifocal. There is not much evidence for multifocal except a suspicious lesion on xray of skull. The main site underwent radiation. For completeness sake taking vinblastine + prednisolone regimen of light dosage.

The only reason I had in composing this email was to know if anyone has been in a situation of chemo + hrt. It is not a medical enquiry. My both parents are doctors too. I will delay hrt under consultation with an endocrinologist.
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: KayXo on June 22, 2014, 11:27:38 AM

Best of luck with everything, Anita. ;)
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: anita on December 29, 2014, 03:18:09 PM
Hey everyone, just some updates from me. A few months ago all medications got completed. Now endocrinologists are doing detailed investigations to make sure everything is safe. If all goes well, I'll have a new year that I always wanted. Wish me luck.
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: KayXo on December 30, 2014, 09:53:23 AM
Congrats, I'm sure it will all work out. ;)
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: Jaz650 on December 30, 2014, 03:12:10 PM
God bless you! :)
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: JLT1 on January 04, 2015, 10:54:31 PM
Quote from: anita on December 29, 2014, 03:18:09 PM
Hey everyone, just some updates from me. A few months ago all medications got completed. Now endocrinologists are doing detailed investigations to make sure everything is safe. If all goes well, I'll have a new year that I always wanted. Wish me luck.

Good luck and keep us posted.

Hugs

Jen
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: anita on January 04, 2015, 10:56:06 PM
So far everything looks fine. Back to oncology for confirmation. [emoji4]
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: anita on January 07, 2015, 08:26:42 PM
They have started me on Triptorelin. It is a GnRH agonist  with double substitution. They are waiting two months before starting estrogen delivery. [emoji4]
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: Damara on January 08, 2015, 02:45:24 AM
Yay! This is awesome news! Congrats!
Title: Re: HRT/Blockers along with Chemotherapy
Post by: JLT1 on February 14, 2015, 10:41:56 PM
Hi!

I missed the response...  That is exciting news.  Congratulations. 

Hugs,

Jennifer