I was diagnosed age 34 in June 2023, stage 1 grade 3 IDC (triple positive) with some DCIS. No node involvement. Had WLE and SNB, followed by 6 x FEC, tamoxifen, radiotherapy and herceptin.
My periods stopped during chemo but returned February this year after 6 months. My oncologist wasn’t concerned by this and didn’t think zoladex was necessary. I pushed for it and eventually started it in August (over a year from diagnosis). My mood and anxiety seems to have been really impacted since starting this.
I was hoping to start anti depressants to combat this but one of my ECG results is borderline and these could put it up, after reading it looks like zoladex can affect the levels.
I am now considering stopping zoladex though I feel I’ve only had 4, is it too soon. But also my oncologist wasn’t recommending it initially plus I had a whole year without it.
Has anyone else with stage 1 but grade 3, where periods have returned, not taken or been recommended zoladex ?
Hey Lanna, I am in a slightly different situation but there are some similarities. Diagnosed at 29, stage 1/2, grade 3, no lymph node involvement. I had Zoladex throughout chemo and after chemo my oncologist recommended coming off Zoladex and taking tamoxifen only based on my diagnosis. However, I wanted to stay on Zoladex as he said there was a 2-3% benefit in my particular situation (small I know, but I’ll take it). During chemo I definitely noticed mental health deterioration, but can’t say whether that was because of the Zoladex or everything else. Maybe ask your oncologist what the benefit of Zoladex in your particular situation is? And if there are any anti-depressants which won’t effect your ECG readings you could try? I did notice symptoms settling slightly the more time I’ve been on Zoladex but I also know how mental health effects so much of your life, so you don’t want to suffer unnecessarily. Your oncologist will have seen many young patients and will be able to guide you based on that, if he/she doesn’t think Zoladex is beneficial in your situation then perhaps the risks of the medication would outweigh any potential benefit. Hoping they are able to offer advice and sending you strength x