Bloody Zoladex!!!!

Hi guys, after 12 months of debilitating treatment with zoladex, a chat to gynae, who said every woman hates it, onc, gp, (who swears there was an instant decreases in my moood, I have decided to come zoladex felt much better originally but now up and down after 3 months, bloods friday then if not through menopause out come the ovaries which is a little difficult considerein previous tram flap surgery. but if there is any doubt i want them out......

Saw my shrink today who thinks i am severely depressed....funnny i  expected to like Olivia Newton John or Kylie after the surgery and go around with a new zest for life.....hasnt happened tho i feeel very lucky (there is some kylie in there after all!!! lucky,lucky lucky!

computer has been playing up, hope i can stay on line now need support

kerry

Hi guys, after 12 months of debilitating treatment with zoladex, a chat to gynae, who said every woman hates it, onc, gp, (who swears there was an instant decreases in my moood, I have decided to come zoladex felt much better originally but now up and down after 3 months, bloods friday then if not through menopause out come the ovaries which is a little difficult considerein previous tram flap surgery. but if there is any doubt i want them out......

Saw my shrink today who thinks i am severely depressed....funnny i  expected to like Olivia Newton John or Kylie after the surgery and go around with a new zest for life.....hasnt happened tho i feeel very lucky (there is some kylie in there after all!!! lucky,lucky lucky!

computer has been playing up, hope i can stay on line now need support

kerry

Hi Michelle82,

Take two....hope it comes through....

I was on Zoladex (no Tamoxifen)  for 12 months; the oncologist recommended 5 years of treatment.  I was experiencing severe symptoms and after weighing up my quality of life/benefits I decided to stop. I do not have children, so I can afford to think only of me.

In my previous post I mentioned that I support my health with mistletoe therapy (Iscador by Weleda) and this is widely used in hospitals in Germany and other European countries for cancer treatments. It has therefore had to undergo the test procedures with the required controls etc. Results are available. This therapy also makes you feel better and can be used along side chemotherapy. I feel much safer and do not suffer side effects of any kind. Why don't we hear of this in Australia?.....we follow the US medical system, not the European. Your average GP won't know about it (yet) but a recent study in Canberra has acknowledged the results of mistletoe therapy and is currently doing further research here.

I am all for medical and complimentary therapies working side by side, and patients having an informed choice. This is challenging work at times, particularly when the information is tricky to get hold of...hence me sharing my findings.  My mother is an ex-nurse and also a breast cancer survivor of 30 years. Although I think I have come close to giving her a near heart attack with some of my decisions!

I was diagnosed at 47 and am now 50. The Zoladex resulted in instant menopause which has settled into less severe symptoms now I have ceased the Zoladex. I do question how much is really known about those tricky hormones...it is a finely tuned orchestra and many of play different tunes.

I wish you smooth sailing and thanks for the opportunity to chat with woman sharing similar journeys.

Take care,

Claire

Hi Michelle82,

I was on Zoladex (no Tamoxifen)  for 12 months; the oncologist recommended 5 years of treatment.  I was experiencing severe symptoms and after weighing up my quality of life/benefits I decided to stop. I do not have children, so I can afford to think only of me.

In my previous post I mentioned that I support my health with mistletoe therapy (Iscador by Weleda) and this is widely used in hospitals in Germany and other European countries for cancer treatments. It has therefore had to undergo the test procedures with the required controls etc. Results are available. This therapy also makes you feel better and can be used along side chemotherapy. I feel much safer and do not suffer side effects of any kind. Why don't we hear of this in Australia?.....we follow the US medical system, not the European. Your average GP won't know about it (yet) but a recent study in Canberra has acknowledged the results of mistletoe therapy and is currently doing further research here.

I am all for medical and complimentary therapies working side by side, and patients having an informed choice. This is challenging work at times, particularly when the information is tricky to get hold of...hence me sharing my findings.  My mother is an ex-nurse and also a breast cancer survivor of 30 years. Although I think I have come close to giving her a near heart attack with some of my decisions!

I was diagnosed at 47 and am now 50. The Zoladex resulted in instant menopause which has settled into less severe symptoms now I have ceased the Zoladex. I do question how much is really known about those tricky hormones...it is a finely tuned orchestra and many of play different tunes.

I wish you smooth sailing and thanks for the opportunity to chat with woman sharing similar journeys.

Take care,

Claire

Hi Michelle82

It is my understanding that the histology of the cancer and nodal spread determines the post surgical treatment. I was on Zoladex for two years and was  on Tamoxifen at same time ( and still on for total of 5 years)  as my cancer was highly oestrogen and progesterone positive. my nodes were clear. I did not have chemotherapy.

My onocologist gave me the option of Tamoxifen and zoladex or tamoxifen and chemotherapy. But as I was 47 felt it was most important to shut down the ovaries (ie reduce the oestrogen in my system).The Pharamaceutical Benefit Scheme only covers Zoladex for 2 years for Early breast cancer.  

Yes ignorance is bliss.  But you have to make sure you are getting the best treatment for your type.

The question you have asked is a good one for your oncologist at your next appointment.

Hope you find the answer you need

Carolyn

Hi Claire,

Thankyou so much for sharing your story.  Breast Cancer diagnosis is usually the first step in what becomes a very long journey over several years for most women. Some loved ones, friends and relatives think that because the surgery and/or chemo is finished that our lives should return to nomal quickly- but as we know that is often not the case.  As I wrote earlier there are not just the physical changes to overcome, but mental, emotional and social impacts.

Congratulations on your move and part-time job.  It seems you are making some good decisions for your future and you have had some good medical support.

Wishing you all the best in your future endeavours

Cheers

Carolyn