Zoladex

Bakdom   Im not sure of the timeframe.  Im 51 and pre menopausal.  My onc told me after 2 years he would be testing me to see if Im officially "neutered"...(my descriptive word).  Ive had my second injection and once again it didnt hurt.  My onc gave me a Emla patch to use beforehand and my GP gave me the injection.  So for the next 4 months its Tamoxifen and Zoladex for me...then switching to an AI.  I must admit, I am trying to remain positive about switching to an AI, but Im googling too much...I MUST, I MUST STOP GOOGLING and finding one million horrid side effects!!!

I've been having Zolodex injections for nearly two years now & only once was it a little painful.  It felt like the needle was blunt.  The nurse at my local GP does mine and she is great.

I've found numbing the skin with ice works well, i've had 8 Zoladex injections and only one has been painful. Just curious, i've not been told how long I will be on Zoladex, is there a reason for the two year timeframe? I am almost 44 and asssumed I would be taking it for at least five years (menopause).  I was very unlucky and despite chemo induced menopause, my periods returned just before starting hormone treatment, very unimpressed with that. 

Well done Lisa.  
I agree that the Zoladex needle is big.  For me, I was given numbing cream and I will apply it before each visit.  However, there were times when there was still a prick feeling, some more painful than other, and some days no feeling at all.  I am not sure if this is because of the nurse or the numbing cream..  

Excellent!  We do manage to find an inner strength - this is one of my favourites when I get a bit down on this BC journey

Thanks ladies.  First one done and dusted, wasnt as bad as I thought...in fact the oncologist said "All done"...and I replied "Youre kidding??!!"...he laughed. Oncologist was wonderful, now to find a GP to help me out with the rest of the injections. Every new step of this BC journey is quite daunting, the fear of the unknown, yet I feel confident for the next 23 injections. Gee we become strong on this journey, I even surprise myself.  

Dad used to get anesthetic before the needle but nowadays he just says shove it in and let me go. He said it stings a fair bit but then its over and he is off and out for another month.

Hi @LisaO, I've been on zoladex since February and will continue for two years. I was petrified of that first injection. Of you don't like big needles look away when  they do it. The very first jab have me a headache for a week and that's all. Hot flushes came later with chemo. I do have sore stiff joints and feel like 80 instead of 43. Chemo after effects and zoladex to blame apparently.will be starting hormone blockers after radiation. So much to look forward to ( NOT). Don't stress you'll be fine. Tell us how it goes.
Lisa x

@Lisa0

please don't stress - I have just finished the regime of 26 injections, one every 4 weeks.  It's like any other medication they give us, side effects for some but not all!  My first was with the Oncologist and the other 25 were with my GP with regular review with the Oncologist.  I was always given a numbing injection first.  It is a slow release medication, a port that dissolves over the 4 weeks.  Alternate sides eases the side effects as I found my left side months were my side effect months, make sense?  who knows! 
Take care