Hi All,
I was diagnosed with stage 1, grade 3 IDC last summer, aged 34 (a little DCIS also found after surgery). 100% ER+, PR+ and HER2+.
I had lumpectomy, sentinel node biopsy (plus 1 more) with clear margins and clear lymph nodes. Followed by 6 x chemo, then 2 weeks of radiotherapy as well as starting tamoxifen at the same time. Started Herceptin end of December.
My periods stopped during chemo, so zoladex was never really suggested as a treatment. However, my periods returned February after only 6 months, and have been regular since. I’d asked my oncologist about zoladex on their return and he said not to worry for now. I met him again this week and raised it again and he was happy to prescribe it (I think purely because I have kept on about it in a panic) however in my personal circumstances, although the high grade, doesn’t think the reduction benefit would be high, around 1 or 2%. He then spoke about the risks of it, bone density, cardiac related issues, quality of life.
I trust my oncologist, and trust he thinks in my specific diagnosis the little benefit is not worth it, and given the side effects I myself would rather not. But on the other hand, I feel it’s a treatment option I have the option of trying at least.
I guess after the long story my main question is has anyone not been recommended zoladex for ER+ BC?
Thanks in advance and apologies for the long post just wanted to give full background.
Hi lanna, I started Zoladex a year after starting tamoxifen because I was still having periods and like you highly hormone receptive cancer. My onc suggested Zoladex but it was very much my decision, and as you said I felt it was an option open to me that I should at least try. I go for my 4th implant tomorrow and can honestly stay other than more hot flushes than I was having just on tamoxifen I haven’t had any other side effects and certainly nothing that impacts day to day life. We’re all different and react differently to meds, I was really nervous about Zoladex but so far so good. Good luck with the rest of your treatment xx
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I’ve been on Zoladex for 3 months now. I’m 35 and the main function of Zoladex in my case is to stop my eggs from replicating and protect them.
So far it has been ok, just occasional hot flashes (which are better than my period!). Everyone reacts differently but I won’t say Zoladex impacted my life in any significant way.
Hi. I have benn on zoladex since September 2024. I am 34. I’m on the implant treatment for Endometriosis. I had fibroids then had a myomectôy in 2022. But from the myomectomy scrar came the endo. I don’t have kids but want to have one or two of my own in the future. I have been reading this forum before the implant and now during. I got my second shot a few weeks ago and I have had a horrible time on zoladex. The hot flashes are really bad I’ve had to install an ac in my house and have portable fans in my hand back and a table fan at the office. It’s been embarrassing because of the drenching sweat session through the day. My wardrobe has changed. I wear black bigger cotton shorts and tights to hide the sweat streams and also because I have added 7KGs in 3 months. I’m doing my best to remain positive and hope the MRI in April will have better results. The mood swings also aren’t great. Prayer and your testimonies keep me going.
I also now have heat rush on my neck because of the amount of sweating. I had pain in my knees and shoulders that the doc said was a side effect and will go once I’m off it. My periods did stop and got swapped for crazy migraines.
Praying for better outcomes for everyone on this site and forum.
Love and light from Nairobi, KE