Hey everyone! Still here waiting for oncotype results and I just had a question. I’ve read that alot of people with hormone positive BC that are premenopausal are offered tamoxifen but with ovarian suppression (I knew about tamoxifen) but didn’t realise ovarian suppression went along side this. Is Tamoxifen ever given alone or is it always given together? It all just sounds like so much more “treatment” (which I know is a good thing but so overwhelming!)
Anybody thats had this treatment, is it do-able? My fear is I’m going to be moody/not myself and sweaty all the time fod the next 5/10 years I’d really appreciate any stories from people that have been through this especially any positive stories as I’m really scared my future is going to be abit miserable after going through all of this but I will do everything to give myself the best possible chances
Hi I had ER positive bc with 4 positive nodes last year and had a lumpectomy followed by 8 cycles of chemo and I’m due to start radiotherapy in Feb. I was pre-menopausal before all this and stated on Letrozol 3 weeks ago and also had zoledex ovarian suppression injection. Like I say I’m only 3 weeks in but I feel ok. A bit achy in my knees if I’ve sat too long and I get tired a bit quicker but nowhere near as bad as I expected. It’s not all doom and gloom
Yes it’s appears to be quite common for two treatments used as a combination with hormone therapy. Basically Estrogen needs to be stopped or altered so that cancer can not “feed” of it and because they can never be 100% sure it’s all gone, these recommendations are to reduce future risk.
I was briefly on Tamoxifen, the first month I experienced a little bit of nearly every side effect - nothing discouraging. Tamoxifen can stop periods, but not for everyone and if you are having periods, you are likely still producing estrogen. Which applied to me.
My Onco preferred for me to switch to Exemestane with Zoladex. The Zoladex stopped my periods immediately. Then came the hot flushes and the menopause effects.
I’ve been on this for over 12 months and on the whole not had extreme side effects which I can’t cope with. Hot flushes - yes, a few times late evening, only a couple of occasions early on that left me in a soggy mess and have adapted my wardrobe, and bedding to help. Joint pain - a little bit when getting up or sat for a long period. Moody? Not in my opinion . Unfortunately some ladies do have real difficulties and severe side effects.
Everyone is different, but I would say give it a go you and see how you get on x
Hey @twinks77 great to hear its not been too bad for you. I’ve been pretty chilled since my surgery but reading bout the ovarian supression just sent me into abit of a spiral this morning! Thanks for sharing with me have you been moody/had low moods at all of you don’t mind me asking xx
Hi @katie91 My moods been absolutely fine. In the last few years I’ve definitely had a lot of mood swings due to peri-menopause but now I feel more level headed. Don’t know if that’s because the estrogen has gone or because I’m getting to the end of my main treatments and I’m relieved and grateful.
I was 52 and one the pill before surgery. Lumpectomy and 5rounds of radiotherapy. Have been on tamoxifen only since then. My oncotype was low. Some brands of tamoxifen are better than others .Wokhart made me emotional and then angry. A few sweats but not as bad as my menopausal friends . No bleeds since surgery now 58. Good luck
I’d really appreciate any stories from people that have been through this especially any positive stories as I’m really scared my future is going to be abit miserable after going through all of this but I will do everything to give myself the best possible chances 
. Unfortunately some ladies do have real difficulties and severe side effects.
have you been moody/had low moods at all of you don’t mind me asking xx