Tamoxifen vs Zoladex & Emestene combined.. decisions decisions...

Hi

Similar here. Slightly older interesting age of 49 but still pre menopausal. I’m on Zoladex and Letrozole for 5 years. Figured the menopause was looming anyway so might as well get it over with!

Thanks Mollusc. I know what you mean, it’s going to happen either way so might as well go for it & always nice to hear from others in similar situations. 

Daydreamer6, that is great that you are getting through your treatment too ️. I am 39 and have been on Zoladex and Exemestane after my op, chemo and radiotherapy. I’ve to be on it for at least the next 5 years. I have had 2 Zoladex implants and almost completed one box of Exemestane. I have had hot flushes and felt quite anxious, down and drained of energy but putting the latter three feelings down to the stage of treatment that I am at (all the psychological bits now catching up with me)? Other than that, I have felt ok. I wasn’t given a choice in meds I was to take. 

Warm hugs, 

Bekky xx

That’s interesting to hear Bekky that you’re a few years younger and wasn’t given a choice. It’s funny how some opinions seem to differ. Well done getting through the surgery, chemo & RT. That’s brilliant. Your treatment plan has been very similar to mine. Glad to hear you’re getting on ok with the combination drugs. I’ve been having hot flushes ever since my periods stopped on my 2nd chemo session so I guess that wouldn’t be anything new lol! 
I think I’m quite similar in that the psychological side will catch up soon. Until now it’s all been about getting through each stage of treatment. 
I hope you start to feel more like yourself again soon in terms of energy and mood.

Take care  

C xx

Bless you. Yeah, I used to wonder what all the fuss was about, getting a bit hot but it’s so much more than that isn’t it?!! Please don’t think that you will feel the same as me as you sound a very positive person and so I would hate for you to expect the same to hit you!  My periods stopped about the same time through the treatment as yours.
It’s so nice to be able to speak to others who know exactly where you are coming from. It makes you feel a bit more normal as the “new you”. Thank you for your kind words. 
Hot flush hugs! Xxx

I am a similar age and was given the choice before chemo. I asked which gave a better outcome and my oncologist said zoladex and exemestane, so I chose that. They started zoladex during chemo so the intense medical menopause was just something else alongside all the other chemo side effects. The only thing I really had though was hot flushes, I've been fine mentally, though I am a positive person generally. The hot flushes have completely calmed down since finishing chemo and are very manageable during the day - especially at weekends when I'm much more active - and I am coping with nightsweats via various things I've tried. I get hot flushes worse at night, but still very manageable. Exercise definitely helps with all things menopause.

I started exemestane a few weeks ago and so far, it has been joint pain that I have noticed, but it loosens off pretty quickly as soon as you start moving, I've not noticed any other additional SE. At first, my hips were really sore overnight and would keep me awake but I'm now taking hemp oil in the evening which has solved that problem. Moving around really does get rid of the pain. My feet are sore when I first get up (bed or from a chair) but again, they just loosen off within a few steps or so.

My BCN told me to give the exemestane 6 months as SE generally calm down within that timeframe. Same with the zoladex - you may get a sudden, intense menopause but it's just a bit of a shock to the system and will calm down. My postmenopausal friends tell me I'm lucky to get it all done at once and get over it rather than years of up and down hormones! A nice positive spin.

Thanks beatthebreast for sharing your experience of these drugs and your decision.  My common sense dictates that I should definitely go for the option that gives a better outcome, especially after having gone through all the other treatment, it was just the ‘better quality of life vs a better benefit’ comment from my onco that threw me. The side effects certainly sound manageable and not quite as scary as he was implying.
I’m on 3 weekly Herceptin injections until the end of the year, so the thought of having to plan around another set of injections/implant for the next 5 years also sent me in a bit of a spin. Especially when after my initial diagnosis my BCN told me that ‘in 6mths time this will all be over and you’ll be back living your normal life’. Clearly not quite the case but as you say Bekky it’s a normal for a ‘new us’. Most of the time I’m quite positive. 
A lot of people have to take regular medications for all different types of ailments to help them lead a longer healthier life and I guess this last stage of treatment is no different in that respect. 

Thank you ladies. I have a few more questions framed now for when I see my onco next week but hearing some first hand experiences has helped A LOT. 

Happy Friday & have a good weekend  

Remember you always have options even after you have gone down one route. I was told I could switch to tamoxifen - or one of the other AIs if I don't get on with this one. If you have already stopped periods during chemo then the zoladex won't be a shock. I'm getting 4 weekly injections and have found that fine, but I might look into getting ovaries removed - another option for us. I also get the emla cream to numb the area, so it's not even sore. I've seen some people switch to the 3 monthly zoladex but my oncologist said that hasn't been approved for use in BC yet, as it may not keep oestrogen levels low enough for the whole time. However, she also said they are expecting approval soon as trials have proved positive.

HI.. I have not had to  make a choice, - I was 46 when I had my diagnosis, and been on Tamoxifen for 18 months now.  No side effects really apart from much longer period cycle... I have to be on tamoxifen for 10 years...   I THINK, if I were given the choice, ( which I was not) - I personally would have gone for the harsher drug, less time..... even with maybe harsher side effects... 10 years seems a LONG time!

Good luck with it all. 

Sukki x

I'm 45 and have decided on the Zoladex and Emestane for treatment.  I haven't had chemo but will be starting radiotherapy shortly.

My first injection is booked for next week and I really don't know what to expect.

Just wondered if anybody is in a similar position to me or is slightly ahead with their journey, any thoughts and advice would be appreciated.

Much love to everyone out there xx