So my onc is saying standard treatment is Tamoxifen and Zoladex together to prevent or lessen chance of reoccurrence. I’m 39 years old, diagnosed at 37 had bilateral mastectomy, chemo and rads. I have been taking tamoxifen for the last 1 1/2 and have joint pain, mild hot flashes and no period. The side effects listed for zoladex sound terrible and I’m not sure how much more of myself and body I can sacrifice!?! Do the benefits of adding Zoladex outway the bad?? Does anyone know the percentages?? Up until this point I have refused the Zoldex shots but my onc is really pusing for them. I would love to hear everyone else’s experience around this issue
Thanks 
Hi Kjtm
I am on tamoxifen and Zoladex. I am a bit older than you and was peri menopausal when I was diagnosed in September 2017. I dont really know the statistics but my oncologist was very keen for me to take Zoladex. My understanding is that it puts you in a medical menopause within 3 weeks! Initially I had nausea and heavy legs (hard to say if side effect from Zoladex or Tamoxifen). I still have hot flushes and leg cramps (controlled by taking magnesium tablet) and everything is manageable. I also get a low mood sometimes but think thats the Tamoxifen. I have the zoladex injected by a nurse at my Doctors practice. Its a bit painful (sorry) but you get used to it.
Hope this helps & if you would like to know any more then let me know. Michele
Hello kjtm/Optimisticmz
Same here. On Zoladex and tamoxifen. Diagnosed March 2015, mastectomy, chemo and rads. I was on tamoxifen initially and then my periods re-started, about 8 months after chemo. I was put on zoladex four months later. I have been on it since September 2016. I have been on 3 monthly injections for about a year. I was 41 when diagnosed. I have tried to find research that supports this combination too and think It is SOFT/TEXT trials, but someone else on here might know better. I can’t say I notice any additional side effects from tamoxifen alone, but I’ve been on it a while. I also want to know how long I will be on it, but guessing my menopausal state is still uncertain until I come off.
Hope info helpful
Hi,
I’m on tamoxifen since February 18, and zolodex since September 18.
I’m 40. The percent increase in survival I was told was probably 2-5% which when my odds of being here in 10 years was 50% it seemed to be enough to give it a go. I was very reluctant but, to be honest it’s not been that bad. It just intensifies the hot flushes for a week after the injection. No joint pain or any new issues. Give it a try - you can always stop again after a couple of months if it’s not tolerable x