Hello,
I have just joined the site after diagnosis a month ago - i am 30. I am newly married and we were actually trying for a baby when i was diagnosed, which was rather gutting. I’m really struggling to get info on stats and fertility etc and was wondering if any of you guys could just share some of your experiences with Zoladex… I have read that there is no proof it works at all but initial findings were promising - my oncologist has said i can have it if i want and i feel it’s quite a scary decision!
I have just had 2 cancers removed from my breast (one of which didn’t show on the mammogram / ultrasound), and the single node they removed turned out to have cancer in it also. I’ve had CT, MRI and bone scans and am awaiting results before a second surgery to remove the rest of the nodes and anything else they find… I will definately be on radiotherapy, chemo and Tamoxifen, and i am pretty sure i will do IVF (meeting fertility lady this week). My main concern with the Zoladex is that i’m already putting my body and ovaries through so much - can adding another chemical / process be a good idea? At the same time i don’t want to pass up on something that could help, even in the smallest way!
I know this isn’t a medical site but in the absence of any statistics some experiences would really be great to help me.
Any responses would be truly appreciated - thank you!!
Hello JodiUK
Welcome to the forums.
While you are waiting for replies may I suggest that you give our free helpline a ring on 0808 800 6000 and have a confidential chat with one of the breast care nurses who are here to support you, lines are open to Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 – 2.00.
With best wishes,
June, moderator
Hi Jodi, sorry you find yourself here. I’m not on Zoladex, tho I know quite a few ladies who are and I’m sure they’d be happy to share their experience and knowledge with you. I wonder if you have spoken to your team about fertility treatment - e.g. Egg harvesting at all? It’s definitely a question for your next appointment, as it would need to be done before any chemo (if you are having that). The ladies who I know on Zoladex are members of a Facebook group set up for younger women diagnosed with breast cancer, facing the sort of family/fertility/work/marriage questions as you. The link to the Younger breast Cancer Network page is Redirecting...…
If you private message them, they will add you to the private group. There are lots of younger women there who have gone through the same sort of thing and are fab at answering any questions you might have. otherwise I’m sure you will get more responses on here soon 
Hi Jodi,
I am on Zoldadex at the moment and i personally find it perfectly ok and the side effects arent huge. I didnt have it during chemo though. Like you i was trying for a baby when i was diagnosed so i had embryos etc frozen before starting chemo so if you have any questions feel free to ask.
My periods actually did stop during chemo, but they did return 2 months after i finished it.
I think Zoladex is offered during chemo as a way of protecting the ovaries as it basically shuts them down. Could you cope with having menopausal symptoms whilst being on chemo? I know this approach is experimental - but if its being offered i would think its worth considering.
I know its such a hard choice to make!
I did find this article though…
cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Obstetrics-and-Gynecology/Documents/Can-ovarian-function-be-protected-in-young-women-receiving-chemotherapy-October-2006.pdf
I know its old… can you onc give you any more stats or advice? They are the experts after all. Is there any NICE guidance?
Rae
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