Hello everyone,
I'm new to the Macmillan forums, although I'm part of the way through my treatment. I'm 34 and was diagnosed with stage 1 grade 2 Ieft lobular breast cancer in January this year, and had a lumpectomy and SLNB in Februrary. Thankfully got clear margins and no spread to lymph nodes, oncologist was happy enough with my oncotype score that chemo wasn't recommended. I've just started radiotherapy, 1 week down of 4. I've started my hormone treatments, have had 1 goserelin injection so far and started exemestane tablets last week. I didn't find the injection too bad, despite the size of the needle!
I was just wondering about navigating life around goserelin injections (or vice versa?!). It's a bit of nuisance having to have the injection every month with the practice nurse for the next (possibly) 5 years. I have heard that some women learn to give the injection themselves which gives them more freedom and independence with life. Does any one on here do this? I'd be very grateful for any perspectives on it.
I've only just started these treatments so still trying to get my head around it all, however I will admit I feel a bit pissed off at the prospect of having to work around these injections for 5 years, in terms of holidays, travel abroad etc. I know we can't do any of that at the moment anyway with covid, but I want to be able to get on with my life as much as possible. If there's anything this experience has taught me it's to not hold back on what I want from life any more! What have other women's experiences been?
I am hoping to get up to spend much-needed quality time with my family elsewhere in the UK for a few weeks, once radiotherapy finishes and covid restrictions allow, before I have to go back to work. I'll need to have my third injection while I am away. Does it mean I'll have to travel back in order to have the injection? Or is there a way of organising to have it given elsewhere, i.e. at another GP surgery?
Grateful for any clarification, advice or thoughts! Thank you so much, still coming to terms with it all!
N x
Hi pickles86. There are 2 doses of Goserlin you can have. 3.6 mg monthly, or a 10.8 mg every 3 months which I am on. I swapped from monthly to 3 monthly. Speak to your oncology team about it, but there shouldn’t be a problem swapping, they just have to write to your GP to request it.
I was taking it for about a year. The nurse who was doing the injection for me suggested asking the oncologist to change me to 3 monthly. I found it no different in terms of side effects. Although it's a larger dose, its a slow release implant, so the effects are just the same as the lower dose. Oh and the needle is no bigger, it's big enough as it is!
It certainly makes life easier only having it ever 12 weeks compared to 4. I've been having mine for 6 years now. I am hoping this year will be my last year.
I wish you all the best with the rest of your radiotherapy. It's a great feeling when you get to the end of that.
Take care x
Hi Chelsea (I suspect you have the same first name as me
)
just come across your comment which is interesting. I’ve been on Goserelin for the last nine months and didn’t know it also comes in a larger dose. I have a teleconsult with my oncologist on Friday and may mention it. I go to the chemo unit at the local hospital for mine rather than the GP
x
