Inclusion Criteria

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS:

- Presence of hot flashes for ≥ 1 month prior to study registration

- Hot flashes considered bothersome (defined by their occurrence of ≥ 28 times per
week and of sufficient severity to make the patient desire therapeutic
intervention)

- Use of more conventional hot flash treatments (including newer antidepressants and
gabapentin) have failed to control hot flashes (as defined by the patient)

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS:

- ECOG performance status 0-1

- Life expectancy ≥ 6 months

- Not of childbearing potential, as judged by the attending clinician

- Able to complete questionnaires alone or with assistance

- No evidence of an active malignancy

- No von Willebrand's disease or other bleeding disorders

- No allergy to chlorhexidine or bupivacaine

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY:

- More than 4 weeks since prior and no concurrent antineoplastic chemotherapy,
androgens, estrogens, or progestational agents

- Tamoxifen, raloxifene, or aromatase inhibitors allowed provided the patient has
been on a constant dose for ≥ 4 weeks and continues to receive medication during
study treatment

- More than 10 days since prior and no concurrent anticoagulants (e.g., aspirin,
clopidogrel, ticlopidine, or warfarin)

- Concurrent heparin flushes for venous catheter allowed

- No concurrent use of other agents (e.g., megestrol acetate, soy, clonidine, or
Bellergal) for treating hot flashes

- Vitamin E, gabapentin, or antidepressants allowed provided the patient has been
on a stable dose for > 30 days and continues to receive medication during study
treatment