Zoladex/ovary removal...help me think this though

Hi Whitby, 

I’m definitely post menopausal (72 when diagnosed) so went onto Letrozole as I too was 8/8.

i would think that Tamoxifen, being a similar drug, is removing oestrogen for you anyway? But what you could maybe ask is for a blood test to determine whether you’ve any FSH/other hormone levels in your system to find out if you’re definitely in total menopause or just peri-menopause (the beginnings of)? That might help you decide on the best way forward? 

Hugs xxx

Hi , this is something that I am ‘sort’ of going through at the moment, but I won’t go in to that! What I will say is that Tamoxifen works slightly differently to drugs like Letrozole in that it stops the Oestrogen from getting in to the breast tissues?! Something like that! From what I read up on a few years back!

I like you had 1 period during Chemo then nothing for a whole year, THEN I had the period from hell. So don’t assume you are definitely through the menopause! I was slightly younger than you! 

As moomy has suggested, why not ask for a blood test to see whether you are pre or post menopausal! Then you can make an informed decision! I think you are doing the right thing in questioning whether you are doing everything you can to stop the Cancer recurring!

Just to let you know the Zoladex injections aren’t as bad as they sound or look! But yes the side effects can be pretty full on! But that might just be me! I struggled on Tamoxifen too! 

Wishing you all the best, in what ever you decide! Sal xxxxx

Hi, I was PR 8 and ER 8, premeno (in my 40s) and offered an AI with monthly zoladex injections but I am considering asking to have ovaries out. Tamoxifen is oestrogenic in some parts of the body ( bones, womb) and not in others (breast) but it will not lower your oestrogen levels over all - only switching off your ovaries or removing them and then being on an AI would do that. In your position I would talk to my onc and express your concerns and ask why they are not seeking to keep your oestrogen levels as low as possible to prevent recurrence. 

Thank you so much ladies for taking the time to respond with advice and your own experiences.   I have a GP appointment in a few weeks to discuss the citalopram I've been put on to help me cope with the anxiety aftermath of all this past year so might ask her to do bloods then too.  I work in the same hospital I had my treatment in so might just pop along and ask the Macmillan nurse for 5 mins to tall through my fears.  

Thank you again for reassuring me that I'm being quite sensible in having these doubts and that it is ok for me to question the decision xxxx

It definitely is ok to question a decision and ask why, it's your body and we only get one! I want to do everything I can to prevent recurrence and also know what all my options are regarding treatments. Good luck and let us know how you get on xx

Hello Whitby,

I just sent you a friend request (SGMH).  I've just gone through very similar circumstance and was offered / have chosen to have my ovaries removed.  I'm very happy to share, if it helps you with your decision do get in touch. Xx

Hi Whitby,

I had surgery, chemotherapy and my radiotherapy finished in May. I started having zoladex injections in April and I take exemestane tablets every day. I haven’t found the zoladex injections to be too painful, but they are every four weeks and I am planning to have my ovaries taken out. My oncologist suggested seeing how I got on with the menopausal side effects from zoladex before making a decision about surgery. The hot flushes are really settling down and because I’m 42, I don’t really want to have to have injections every month for years to come. Also, because I had Paget’s disease, my lumpectomy included my nipple. I’m currently trying to arrange to have my ovaries out at the same time as a bit of plastic surgery, all under the same general anaesthetic. 

I know that for us it’s a bit deal. A friend of mine is a surgeon who specialises in gynaecological cancers. She said that she occasionally fits in ovary removals if she has space on her list and the last one she did took 19 minutes from start to finish. Straightforward for her, but I still do worry a bit about the anaesthetic though. 

It’s certainly worth seeing your team about the different options.

Good luck,

Sarah x

Hiya all,

I was dx in Nov 2016 aged 43, finished chemo and radio in summer 2017, I had zoladex injections for 6 months and then had my ovaries removed in 2018 when I had just turned 45. My periods never fully returned after chemo but my onc said that he could not be fully sure I was post menopause and he said that the usual was zoladex for 5 years. This meant that I would stop injections at 49, and he said that as the average age for going through the menopause was 51, my periods might return. 

As my bc was 8/8 oestrogen positive, there was no way I wanted any oestrogen in my body, AIs remove it all. The zoladex injections were ok (sometimes a bit painful depending on who gave them) but it was quite an inconvenience as I had to leave work early, it was all a bit of a nuisance. I had actually told my onc early on that I wanted my ovaries removed but he forgot to do the referral - hence the 6 months of injections. 

The op is quick and easy, the recovery time is two weeks and I have minimal side effects. My main issue is that now I am so forgetful but not sure if this is because I am post chemo, on letrozole or menopausal!!! The op is nothing compared to breast surgery. 

Cwtches,

Gay xxx