Hi
I have been offered a choice of either having Zoladex once a month (injection in to the stomach) or radiotherapy for ovarian suppression. I have secondaries in the bone (spine) and a few in my lungs. On amridex and did have good news at the hospital that there had been no spread or growth.
has anyone used either zoladex or radiotherapy for ovarian suppression?
Hello Fuschiaboo
Welcome to the forums.
While you are waiting for replies could 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 through this, lines are open to Monday to Friday 9.00 – 5.00 and Saturday 10.00 – 2.00.
With best wishes
June, moderator
Hi Fushciaboo
I had Zoladex after my primary diagnosis (aged 37) but when I was diagnosed with bone secondaries (4 years later) I decided to have my ovaries ablated with radiotherapy as I wanted to try and prevent as much oestrogen as possible and it meant I wasn’t tied down to a monthly implant and its side effects. I didn’t want children so the permanacy of the ablation wasn’t an issue for me.
It’s a tough decision but I am glad I went down the radiotherapy route.
good luck whichever route you take.
Smartie x
I am on Zoladex but get mine every 12 weeks (at the GP’s). The hospital do them every 4, but the GP do a bigger one. It is “just” a trip to the nurse, so doesn’t take long, although parking at the GP’s is a pain. The first GP-implant was a combined appt with having some stitches removed and the next one could be combined with a routine blood test for my Cap, so not a biggie really.
The first couple were a bit uncomfy (the first was the worse) but the last one was fine. I haven’t been offered radiotherapy on my ovaries.
Sue
When my cancer returned, I was offered Zoladex, ablation or an oopherectomy. I was 35 and didn’t fancy the idea of Zoladex for potentially 20 years while I waited for a natural menopause! I decided to have my ovaries surgically removed to be done with them once and for all - one less place to get cancer! Haven’t you been offered that option, too? It may be something else for you to look into. Feel free to PM me if you’d like to find out more. Good luck, whatever you decide to do.
Hi All
Thanks for your comments. I went for the Zoladex but if I don’t get on with it I can have the radiotherapy.
I am on Zoladex too- one injection (man it is big!) every 4 weeks. However, I think seriously about the oopherectomy.
good luck
Valia
x
Hi
I had zoladex for my primary back in 2003, just for 2 years, and I’m sure once I came of that, and my periods returned, that the oestrogen swamp caused my BC to return - at least quicker than it might have. After chemo for secondaries in 2008 I wanted my ovaries removed/ablated as I didn’t want any more children and also didn’t want zoladex indefinitely. I couldn’t have key hole surgery due to another condition I have but went for ablation. An easy process of about 4-5 blasts on separate days but, be warned, because it can also catch your bowel you can have very uncomfortable side effects. These, I was told, would last a few days, well - more like 4 weeks for me! Just like irritable bowel syndrome. Having said that it’s the best pre Christmas diet I’ve ever been on!
By going the zoladex route to begin with you do give yourself lots of time to make whatever decision is right for you.
Nicky x
Nicky I’m in the same position as you hunni… Had zoladex for a couple of years, onc advised me to stop…Cancer returned… 3 different chemos later, 4 years having no periods and thinking I’d gone through the change and last week they start up again… Just in timing with my tumour markers rising and liver mets increasing! back to zoladex ASAP and probably in the future radiation to zap them… lauren xxxx