I survived cancer to be beaten by migraines.

By froggieshirez

1 min read

I'm 43 and recently had a total hysterectomy including ovaries due to cancer and the sudden change in hormones has caused a debilitating increase in these migraines. I could handle cancer and even the pain of a headache but how can I continue normal life, especially teaching when I can't talk or move throughout the day several days a week? I can't take hormone replacement because of the cancer. I'm increasing my topamax... trying metroprolol... it's a waiting game to see what works or if my body regulates.

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Joanna Bodner Community Admin
Dear froggieshirez, Thank you for sharing your very difficult journey with us. You have been through so much emotionally and physically and to now have to endure the challenging "waiting game" of figuring out what exactly your body will respond to....effectively I am sure must be very hard. Know we will be thinking of you through this process and do try and keep us posted if you can on how things are going if you can. Sending you loads of good & positive energy! Best, Joanna (Migraine.com Team)
1. mypainhelp Member
 Dear froggieshirez, I'm sorry for all that you have been through and are going through. I witnessed my sister go through chemo and she has witnessed me go through my migraines. She has often compared how sick she was to my migraines, often saying that I was/am worse. Ive posted my story just now and I too am a teacher and I too am struggling and failing to see how I can continue in that profession. You are unbelievably strong and remember that you will find a medication that suits you, it will just take time. Don't push yourself as you will only make yourself more sick, accept that you might not be able to do what you used to and you can always go back to teaching at any time, your health is priority. It's only because im pregnant ive decided that i cant continue neglecting myself as the migraine nausea meant i couldnt eat. Ive gone off on the sick and its only now I realise how sick i actually am. 3 years of migraines every day, unable to stand or speak in the classroom, sick every night, crying in the morning as i literally crawled out of bed , sometimes vomiting and unable to see. I seriously contemplated not being here on many occasions. Don't put yourself through it, take time to find the answer and take care of yourself. Thats what im doing now, i have to for my unborn child, i have no option. You will find the right meds, i know its hard and nothing anyone can say makes it better. I really hope you feel better soon. X
keziah Member
I am sorry to hear this! I hope you feel much better and some how find a treatment option that works for you. Migraines are tricky. I have been dealing them since I was 12 and now, 5 years later they are still chronic, and I deal with them daily. All I can say is: Don't loose hope. Keep trying, even when all seems to fail. Best wishes, KJ
Member
I had a similar experience 12 years ago following a surgical hysterectomy and oopherectomy. In addition to the traumatic menopause induced by the surgery, with all its symptoms, my migraines became more frequent and more intense. And like you, hormone therapy is not an option for me. This might have been when I crossed the threshold to chronic migraine. I am very sorry you are going through this terrible time and hope you find relief soon. Your painful story was helpful, though, since it means I'm not the only person to experience this. My headache specialist told me that the response wasn't uncommon and to expect the migraines to get better over time. Wishing you the best, and hoping you have manageable or even pain-free days very soon.
artiedog Member
Hi - sorry to hear of your pain. I have never had Migraines, but I have started to have the "aura" where I would get jagged lines and not be able to drive for half an hour because they would block my view. My trigger was lighting - in stores, friend's home, even in my bathroom. I started with infrequent occurrences, like maybe once a year for 3 years. Then they started every few days. I tried the B vitamins supplement called NEW ROOTS B6 Synergystic 100 mg Advance Formula and it has been a month and no auras since I started!! I do take them everyday. If you can't find that brand, I am sure any good quality brand will be the same.