My Body is Changing (post 35)

I had surgery to remove my southern BRCA parts as I like to call them nearly 6 months ago.  I tried HRT, mayoclinic.org Hormone replacement therapy, is it right for you? Has some great articles on the subject.  I also have a heart condition so the Estradoil patch I wore for 3 weeks caused water retention.  My cardiologist advised against it.  So hear I am all natural with no hormones.  

I looked at some ways to support your body naturally and found some information.  I am blessed to have amazing women all around me who have gone through menopause that have also offered support.  I am 43 and coming to terms with the word surgical menopause has been rough.  

I don’t feel different.  I am not moody, I don’t loose my temper, I am not depressed. I don’t have night sweats.  Occasionally I havehot flashes, which thus far are manageable. What I have noticed is the following:

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MY BODY SHAPE is different 

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I have a fat stomach now

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There is a small fat patch on my inner thighs

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I seem to have cellulite 

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My hips are spreading

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My pants are tight

Surgical Menopause and HRT

Seems like all my research about BRCA2 left a few things out. Every morning when I get ready for work I go through a process where I try on pants, different pants, more pants.  If I am being honest this part is harder for me then ALL of the surgeries combined.  Cancer may not take me but my fat ass is starting to bring me down.  

I try to do at least 30 minutes of weight bearing excercise each day.   This is a challenge as I work long hours and have two kids in sports.  This week I spoke to my sister who is 38 and in surgical menopause.  She has the same fight with her closet each morning also!

We made a pact that we are going to fight against the body changes just as hard as we fought the BRCA2.  Targeted excercise in the areas that seem to be chunking up.  I am on the bike or out on a jog each day.  It has only been 3 days but heck I am out there.  

My sister going through this with me is a blessing.  Who else gets this journey better then a person walking on the same road with you.