Anastrozole and zoladex

jo_c

Hi everyone. Seeking advice from anyone in similar situation. I started Anastrozole about April and so far so good. My oncologist suggested this treatment as my hormone levels indicated I was in post menopausal. I wasn’t really sure about this as just turned 50 and had no real symptoms however I  have had a mirena for 10 years so probably masked it. The mirena was removed in April. Over the last couple of months my period returned so had more bloods which still states oestrogen levels low and I was continued to be monitored. My fear was that anastrozole was not working properly. My period then was more regular. I’ve seen my oncologist and latest hormone levels were up so we talked options. I could change hormone blocker to tamoxifen or continue anastrozole and have monthly ovary suppression (zoladex). I decided to stay with anastrozole and do the monthly injection but I’m worried it’s not working as effectively. He thought since anastrozole was agreeing with me not to change. Has anyone had similar experience? How about experience with zoladex. Thanks

iserbrown

I went through the Zoladex exercise.  Every 4 weeks x 26 = 2 years.  My Oncologist did the first and my GP administer the rest.
I suggest you put Zoladex in the search bar above and you can read different experiences.   
We don't all react the same with treatments. 

Take care

melways

Hi @jo_c
I've been on zoladex for nearly a year now. In terms of side effects there are the usual menopause symptoms due to the drug working but I haven't found them to be any worse than expected. I tend to feel a bit more icky day or so after each injection but nothing terrible.

The other thing to consider with the zoladex is the inconvenience, pain, cost etc of having to get them every 4 weeks. Depending on your doctor or nurse the pain/bruising will vary each time. I find the inconvenience of yet another trip to the hospital for my injection frustrating and time consuming and just another reminder of what's going on. Cost although not huge still adds up over time. But you would have to weigh up what potential side effects you might have with changing tablets as well. Never an easy answer but hopefully with some research you can make a decision that works for you and I assume you can always change your mind if the treatment path you choose isn't suited to your body. 

Sending love 

Katie46

Hi @jo_c, I'm on Zoladex/Goserelin and Letrozole. I've just had my 4th injection and so far other than the usual menopause symptoms I haven't had any other side effects. My cancer clinic give me a numbing patch to use 30 minutes before my appointment, and I don't feel anything and don't have any bruising. It is a bit inconvenient to have to get it done monthly, but the nurses said they can train my husband to administer it if we go on holiday.