Zoladex v Removing Ovaries

Hi Loubegg

I've just come across your post and curious as to what you decided after visiting the Gynecology oncologist. I am also having Zoladex injection monthly, 8 so far, 16 to go....counting down. My Gynecology oncologist has me on watch and review.

Hope you're on the better side of treatment .

Take care Christine 

I am 6 weeks post surgery from having my ovaries removed.  My oncologist recommended that I have Zoladex injections with Tamoxifen, I am 44 and pre-menopausal.  when I looked into this as my cancer was 2a and not grade 3+ the government does not subsidise the cost of the injection.  The other option was to have my ovaries removed.  Before I had this done I got in contact with the Cancer Council who assisted by referring a couple of ladies who had Zoladex injection and another with ovary removal to help me make a decision.  Since my ovary removal I have had the odd hot flush, sore feet and bones have disappeared and generally feeling good.  I also recommend that you talk to a gynaecologist who has experience in women's cancer.  I hope I have helped in some way.  Regards Jackie

Hi Louise, I am faced with the same situation. I have been on Zoladex for only 1 month and no side affects to date, so not sure how long it takes (if at all) for any affects to take place.  The oncologist advised that I should look at removing my ovaries, but also the risks of uterus cancer because of Tamoxifin (which I am also on). So I just wonder - why don't they say hysterectomy! But then he mentioned that I will need to take Aromatase (I am pre-menopause). I walked away very confused.

I spoke to my GP about this, and she is referring me to a gynecologist oncologist who I will be able to have a 'plain' conversation about all this and hopefully make an informed decision.

I want to be able to make the best decision for myself.

Please keep us up to date, as I will do same.

Georgia :)

Thanks everyone for your advice.  I think I'll get a referral to a gynie-onc and find out my options.

Hope you're all having a good week!

Lx

Hi, Loubegg, I am 53 and having a hysterectomy on Wednesday, to remove my ovaries, tubes and uterus. I was diagnosed in Feb with BC and had a lumpectomy in March, followed by radiation. I was told by a BC  sufferer, that you must have your tubes out as well, and that you are to look for a Gynecologist Oncologist, something I hadn't heard of before, but you need your Oncologist to recommend one. Apparently they just specialise in this area, and pick up more than your Gynecologist. Good luck.

Had mine removed as well as a hysterectomy, I had to wait a while as I have a form of blood cancer and my bloods had to settle. My bc diagnosis was 2012 My onco was very keen to get this done I had 7 months of zoladex, it's amazing once I stopped it I didn't have as many hot flushes I'm not as tired and I lost a lot of joint aches. I had it 12 weeks ago. I'm now on femara which I was before and hydrea which is an oral chemo for my blood. Good luck adean

Hi Louise

I have been having Zoladex since February and my Oncologist "suggested strongly" to consider having my ovaries out once my side effects had settled down. I'm 52, don't need them so asked my GP who also agreed so when I can face another surgery (simple day surgery I'm told) I will have this done.

This will mean one less Doctors appointment per month so that is another positive. 

I'm keen to hear what other ladies say about this so thanks for asking the question.

Good luck with your treatment and recovery.

Cyber hug,

Karen