Wondering if anyone has felt more emotional/hormonal than normal a few days before their next Zoladex injection is due ? My 4th one is due tomorrow (Weds) but Thurs, Fri & Sat in particular I felt in real emotional turmoil and even ended up with tears streaming down my face doing the washing-up for no reason at all ! A similar thing happened last month so I am putting it down to hormones…
I had chemo-induced menopause - chemo ended last Dec - then was put on tamoxifen for about 7 months but the side effects were so distressing I was changed to Arimidex but need the Zoladex as blood tests showed perimenopausal. Not had a period since early Sept 07 about 5 weeks after starting chemo. I’m 44 now but was 42 at diagnosis in July 07. The side effects on Arimidex are not quite as bad as on tamoxifen but then it is colder weather and I’m not at work ! I have other issues but can pinpoint those so that’s relatively ok.
Thanks a lot. A peaceful festive season to one and all.
I am the same, a couple of days before my injection im an emotional wreck! I am like a compleltely different person and feel as thought the whole world is against me! I have been on Zoledax for 6 months and this happens to me every time my cycle is nearly up!
However i think that sometimes its hard to always try to feel positive, I didnt go through chemo had a double mast, tam and zoledax and find just the tamoxifen and the zoledax alone hard.
Keep your chin up! Just try to tell yourself that its just hormones!
Thanks a lot for your prompt response - I have put it down to the hormones and as long as I can expect it each month and the treatment is working, then I can cope with it & plan around it so I don’t fly off the handle at someone who doesn’t deserve it !! Or I can just hibernate for a couple of days…
Hi Liz
I’m 43 and my story sounds very similar to yours. Had chemo from Oct 07-Jan 08 - my periods stopped after the second session. I was allergic to Tamoxifen, and have been on Zoladex and Femara for about seven months. About four days before my next injection is due I have an almost uncontrollable rage, it is quite scary because I don’t recognise myself but it goes away as quickly as it came. The week before I have often had a day of being very emotional, bursting into tears over small things.
I’m sure it must be due to fluctuating hormones.
Are you having hot flushes too. I’m wondering how long I should expect them to last.
My hair’s also growing back much more slowly than I’d like. It doesn’t seem to have thinned, but I suppose it’s early days!
As you say though - at least it shows the treatment is doing something!
Happy Christmas
Tracey x
Thanks for replying - I’m glad I’m not on my own even though that’s not good for you !!! Had a better couple of days after the latest jab on Weds - asked the nurse and she said it’s probably hormones but will put it in my notes.
Hot flushes are a nightmare - never thought I’d be grateful for cold weather. I get a feeling of panic/anxiety attack just before they arrive and then get quite restless, tired & distressed with myself. They are one of the reasons I’m still not back at work and why they are trying me on the Zoladex and Arimidex. I also have dreadful chemo brain, fatigue, lack of concentration and talk about quick tempered & stressed - never was before and it’s a major personality change & I hate myself for it ! The doctors & nurses are very sweet & understanding and are keeping an eye on me so that’s good and as long as I think the stuff’s working, I’ll put up with it !
My hair was curly before and has grown back even curlier & thicker & softer. If you stretch the curls out, the hair is about 5 inches long and that’s since Feb.I’m debating about whether to have it trimmed so it will keep growing properly styled rather than just free & easy as it is at the mo ! The grey hairs haven’t come back either - yipee !!
Hi only just seen this thread if had seen sooner would certainly have replied. Everything you said sounds so familiar. I get really moody/emotional/paranoid about a five days before injection due but as no one else seemed to have mentioned this just thought I had turned into a drama queen! Today was a prime example did an extra day at work and spent a fair bit of it ranting and feeling on the brink of tears. Some days I feel like a hormonal teenage!
It was also really interesting reading what you said about hot flushes. I can always tell when I am about to have a major one. I can be feeling relaxed watching TV, reading book etc and suddenly feel really restless and tense and a few minutes later the flush hits. My work colleagues sometimes seem to find my hot flushes amusing or no big deal but I always feel like screaming, ‘There’s more to it than just feeling hot!’ I am probably been very unfair but as said moody at the moment. I also know what you mean about work. I am working part-time at the moment but am finding it hard some days although gradually getting a little easier. I find it really hard to explain to others how it effects me because I look and feel perfectly well sometimes- particularly if not feeling stressed and have plenty ot chilling time. Thank you for you comments. I was starting to worry that I was imagining it all and that maybe I had always been like this! Sorry to rant, roll on next Thursday- never thought I would look forward to an injection! I hope you are having a good 2009 so far.
Take it easy
Sherbet
Wow Sherbet and Lizcat and all others suffering from zolodex! I really thought it was just me! Although I do wish for others that it was just me! Hot flushes that wake me up through the night and only seem to materialize when your stuck on a crowded tube or just about to nod off! Emotional instability!!! that allows me to burst in to tears whilst watching adverts on TV! However the worst has got to be the fatigue and for the first 2 months I just kept telling everyone I had flu!!! i have not been able to even contemplate work, especially with my memory being so terrible!!! I have just had my 4th injection and have decided to give it 6 and then I am seriously considering stopping them. But I must confess that I am feeling a little better than during the first 3! Also i have lots of spots around my eyes and nose!!! Anyone else? My skin has never been this bad! I too am on the zolodex as a preventative measure for 2 years. When I was on chemo I took zolodex but had such a bad time on chemo that had no idea about zolodex side effects.
Anyway must not complain as at least we are fortune enough to take something to prevent the cancer returning!
I am so excited about 2009 and wish you all happiness and fun for 2009!
Lipstick xxx
Shall we have our own Zoladex wreck club and thread !!! All cuckoo folk welcome !!!
Thank you SO much for posting - glad it’s not just me (for my sake - don’t wish this on anyone!) and that we seem to have the same feelings. Glad I’m not completely cuckoo !
I know what you mean Sherbert about other people thinking the hot flushes are just feeling a bit warm and finding it amusing - the heat is bad enough without the panic/restlessness/emotional rubbish that goes with them.
Why do you get more flushes at night ??? They wake me up so often even though my bedroom temperature has only been about 5 degrees ! Partner has to sleep in other room as he needs warmth !! I’ve tried taking the arimidex (and tamoxifen before that) at different times of day but it seemed better taking it at night. See the weather forecast is for warmer weather so here we go…
Glad I’m not at work -apart from a brief traumatic spell in Aug I’ve not been at work since July 07 and these side effects and the memory loss and fatigue have been the main reasons. I’ve even put in for retirement but that’s another story, taking ages and in my emotional state, I feel like they think i’m lying and exaggerating. At least my medical people are supporting me and saying it’s not just me !
I had ‘another’ day this last week which was exactly 2 weeks after my last & before my next jab. Heaven help a few people by the time it gets to later this week - next jab due 21st !!
I do have spot breakouts from time to time - major one after 1st jab but that’s another hormonal thing - but my skin is actually a bit better these days. I use Liz Earle products and have done for years - they have natural ingredients and are great for all skin types, mine is very sensitive and prone to eczema but a friend uses it and she has oily skin ! Google it, not cheap but goes a long, long way, and it’s mail order or the well known shopping channel.
I’ll think of you all when I’m having my next moment knowing I’m not the only one !
Hi again, I am a little ahead of both of you on the zoladex treatment. I am about to have 7th and I would definately say that I feel better than a few months ago, particularly emotionally. I think the problem with me is that as you feel a bit better your expectations change and you end up expecting more of yourself. I am having more and more days now when I feel like myself but sometimes it gets to me. As you said LIpstick, I am just greatful that this treatment is available for us to take and if I have to be less ambious for a while then so be it.
Liz I know what you mean about feeling like your exaggerating, people at work were great to start with but now feel like they think I am using it as an excuse. They probably do not think that at all but are just too busy themselves.
I too am still very forgetful at time. Couldn’t understand why my card wasn’t working in the supermarket the other day- I had not even taken it out of purse but was convinced I had!
Hot flushes at night are a real pain. Lipstick, I am exactly the same. I get comfortable, feel content about to drop of and then------- you have guessed it! I have to wait for the tense feeling to pass before sleep will arrive again. I do not wake up quite as often now as in the summer but my poor husband has resorted to a sleeping bag as he is so cold! A lot of people swear by ‘chillows’ but I have not bought one because when I am not to hot I seem to be freezing (which is unusual for me) so wasn’t sure it would be a good idea. What have others found?
It is great to be in touch with others who know where I am coming from.
Take care Sherbet x
I just had my first zoladex injection on the 31st Dec, also started taking Arimidex the same day and since then have turned into a completely different person!
I cannot asleep for more than 2 hours in 24 so go around like a zombie,I feel an emotional wreck and it takes me so long to even consider doing anything, I sit for hours just thinking about taking the dog out, my get up and go has gone!
I also have lots of problems down south too!
I feel like Ive turned into a complete idiot, start a sentence and cant finish it, cant remember words,cant remember why Ive driven somewhere or what I’m supposed to be doing.
I didnt know whether to put it down to the zoladex or the Arimidex or a combination of both. I am on the waiting list to get ovaries removed and am hoping that it will be more bearable without the zoladex, but have no idea really.
I had so many plans regarding how I would make the most of life after finishing treatment, but ive realised now that if things stay the same I wont be doing anything at all ! , I dont even have the energy or inclination to even get out of bed!
SS - welcome to the club ! Sorry you have to be here but at least we do understand what you are experiencing and I felt a bit better knowing that it wasn’t just me. Don’t have problems down south as that side of things is non-existent these days but hey !
Don’t beat yourself up about not being able to do things or having the post-treatment experience not living up to earlier plans - it’ll make it worse. I think that was part of the problem with me going back to work and trying to pretend stuff was normal but it didn’t work out that way. It then took me another few months to accept that and not feel a complete failure and it’s only been probably since the beginning of Dec that I am taking things easier - that’s almost 9 months since the end of rads. If it’s any consolation, it took me an hour to clean a cupboard out yesterday that would normally take 10 minutes.
Also relate 100% to the can’t remember anything - words, doing things, where I was going etc,etc so again you’re not alone. My bcn has said this is a problem she’s come across in a lot of patients.
Sherbet - I have a chillow that I’ve used. It gives relief but after about half a minute I seem to heat it up and have to turn it round. Have been known to put it in freezer briefly for extra chill. My sister gave me her old one so at least I didn’t have to buy one !
Keep posting girls and just blame everything on the hormones.
God bless this website! I am having a particularly feel sorry for myself type of day! and after reading others comments I just feel relieved that i am not alone! (Although it is most unfair that any of us should even be feeling like this! We are too young to have menapausal symtoms!)
I loved the comment by SS about ‘my get up and go has gone!’ thats exactly what it feels like at first and i still feel like that after during the first week after the injection but rest assured it gets better. i think the reason why i am feeling so crap is that i went out 2 nights ago and had more than a few drinks! I just can not drink anymore! I have drank only 3 times in the last year ie Xmas and Boxing day being the other 2 times and I just got so drunk! Well I hope this is the reason i am so emotional today?!
Does anyone have the same struggle, that when you are tired and feeling really low is it best to force yourself to go out or just stay and rest and be miserable?
Any way I am due a struggel between hot flushes and sleep!So must go!
Hope you all have a peaceful, hot flush-free night!!!
Lipstick
PS It is so bizarre trying to explain this to anyone, so I am so pleased i can share this with you!-THANKU!
Another one reporting in - just had my 7th Zoladex and now feeling soooooo weary due to the night time/just dropping off/leg in/leg out/duvet off/duvet on ‘syndrome’ Zoladex causes.
But it’s just not the flushes is it? As many of you have said it’s that horrible restlessness you get when you lay down to sleep - I turn over so many times trying to ease the sensation and to find a cool spot somewhere I end up ‘spinning’, taking the bottom sheet and duvet with me. Not good for OH or sex life either, but that’s another story on another thread . . . . . .
Then when you finally drop off, you find a couple of hours later something switches the ‘on’ button in your brain and you’re wide awake again!! Not good. No wonder we’re all tired, emotional wrecks where our get up and go has got up and gone and the most simple and easy of tasks become mountains to climb.
I’m here at the computer thinking I should make an effort to empty the washer and do the dishes, but I just can’t be a***d - think I might just get on the sofa and catch up on some sleep . . . . . got work tomorrow.
You enjoy the sofa - the dishes can wait and so can the washing (I’ve sometimes left the washing cos I can’t be bothered taking it out and ended up switching it on again to gain time !!) I fell asleep in the bath yesterday teatime and then tossed and turned for hours when I went to bed at 10.30. The weather’s been foul here today hasn’t it - it was a very high tide as well, were you cut off at Glasson ???
Bedroom hint - I’ve packed my OH off to the other room (well, he went of his own accord actually) so I have king size bed all to myself for those times when I sprawl out ‘starfish’ style seeking the cold spots - yippee !!
Could have swung for his mother who said if I found the room too hot, I should go outside…then that it was my job to do all the cleaning as he gets a bad chest with dust - there’s nothing wrong with me. How I managed to keep quiet I do not know as it’s the start of the worse hormonal Zoladex days at the mo - she had a lucky escape !!
Hi, I don’t know if this is any help to you, but I have suffered hot flushes due to menopause and found an electric fan works wonders. Your flushes sound very similar to my ‘natural ones’ and I have an electric fan positioned permanently at the foot of the bed so can lean out and switch on! In the summer I have an air-conditionong unit on almost permanently! I recognise the feelings of anxiety, restlessness etc. I have just had mastectomy and am about to start chemo so way behind you all.
Good luck with the rest of your treatment and hope the side effects become easier.
Love Muv x
No, wasn’t cut off but the poor herd of cows on Overton marsh were!!! Still biggish tides today - was over the road at lunchtime but luckily had gone down by time I came back from work at 1.30 - think I need a boat!!
Re packing OH off to spare room - got no spare room but the sofa is very comfy . . . . . . . . . .
Re MiL - I’d be tempted to set her straight on a few things, then blame the Zoladex for the outburst. Hmmm - could be a really useful ally when things need to be said lol
Hi Muv
Like you I’m using an electric fan and got air con unit running through night in bedroom but I go from one extreme to the other now - either roasting or freezing - what I wouldn’t give for a happy medium!
Claire - the spare room was after the sofa !!! Mind you it is a very big comfy sofa I have to say ! And I’m already planning on the Zoladex excuse. Been on the electric bikes on the prom today for an excuse of a bit of fresh air and exercise.
Hot flushes - I got a hand-held battery operated fan from Currys last summer and that’s great. It even has a trigger to give a fine mist of cooling water. Don’t know if they still have them but it was £3.99 and just brill. Knew the weather was getting warmer when I was woken by hot flushes every hour last night in bed, so not refreshed today…
Only a week to next jab so bound to lose it tomorrow or Thurs !!
Just wanted to let people know that I went on one of the information sessions the other day about hormone treatments. The doctor said that when you are on hormonal treatments blood sugar levels could drop which is one of the reasons we can feel unwell. She recommended eating healthy snacks like banana or even nuts every three hours and eating a low GI diet. She said this could help with the side effects.
I didn’t realise that these treatments could change blood sugar levels so wondered if others were unaware of this too.
I saw my oncologist today, he also told me that men on zoladex also get menopausal symptoms because of reduction in oestrogen levels so know wonder it effects us!
On a different note I didn’t make it to zoladex day without losing my temper. Had a disagreement with my boss this week and ended up a wee bit emotional- oops.
Sherbet
x
V interesting about the blood sugar levels - my friend is in the early stages of pregnancy and has to eat every hour otherwise she can feel unwell quite quickly. We’ve compared hormonal feelings as although she’s not had bc, the hormones seem to play her up in the pregnancy bit as well.
Met someone the other day whose hubbie had prostate cancer and she said what dreadful side effects the zoladex had and he gave up on it in the end.
I’ve hit the start of my hormonal days yesterday but don’t feel quite as bad this time knowing I’m not alone (sorry) !!
Got very upset last night when had an email from HR (trying to get medically retired but long story) saying my line manager would be in touch to discuss the latest medical reports they have…good to know I’ll be the last one who finds out. I have a feeling they’re going to request yet more info as the existing info doesn’t give a strong enough case. No call from manager yet…I do know though that my onc has replied this last time saying I would not be a reliable employee because of the hormones and my continued treatment for bone 2ndries - Yippee I’m officially cuckoo !!!
And it’s mother-in-laws for tea tonight…
I’ll report back on any outbursts in the next few days unless I’m locked up !!