Hormone therapy

Thanks for sharing your experience with the aromotaose inhibitors. I am reassured to hear your concentration and memory hasn't been impaired by the treatment is so nice to hear of someone going well :) I have read of the vaginal dryness, can I ask is it a discomfort all the time or only during intercourse? Regards Carol

Thanks for sharing your experience Heather, will start off on the Zoladex and see how I go. regards Carol

Hi Carol,

It's Lisa from the Policy Team. You might have seen this already, but just in case not, I wanted to let you know about BCNA's booklet, Hormone therapy and breast cancer. The booklet talks about the different types of hormone therapies, common side effects and includes a range of tips, strategies and comments from other women about things may help to manage some of the side effects. You can download the booklet here, or order a hardcopy on our website or by calling us on 1800 500 258.

Warm regards,
Lisa

Carol,

thank you so much for your positive comments ??

I am due to go onto femara within the next month & absolutely dreading it, after reading & hearing about the multiple potentially life changing side effects,

I know everyone is different, so let's hope I am mainly ok,like you,

do you experience bone ache, hair thinning etc etc ?

do you eat your usual food, drink alcohol ?

I think you are fantastic, working full on, living a mega life & happy ??

I'm so glad you took the time to answer  . . . .

warm regards

tansy ??

Hi I have been on Zoladex monthly injections for 11 months now, 13 to go!  Initially I had bleeding issues but after a ultrasound and D&C we know have markers to determine if there is any change which will be checked again in June.

As to the discomfort; my GP always gives me a numbing injection first.  I am always bruised and occasionally I have side effects but not always.  It is sometimes hard to decipher which medication is the culprit with the side effects. 

It's all about killing off any stray cells and stopping anymore from forming.  We all react differently so please don't be too hesitant as it is about the big picture.

Take care and virtual hugs

Christine xx

Estrogen isn't just made in the ovaries. http://www.hormone.org/diseases-and-conditions/womens-health/what-is-estrogen

I am 53 and upon going off of the contraceptive pill as my Doctor advised the cancer was feeding on it, I went into instant menopause and have only had one period during chemo and apart from that one, its been 6mths with nothing at all. Now I am finished chemo I have started Tamoxifen tablets one a day for the doctor advises 2 years when they will do a test to see if my menopause is complete. I'm not fussed on being on it but then the other inhibitors all carry their own side effects. I guess any things better than getting cancer back.

Dear Carol

I can't help with Zoladex as I haven't used it but I have been on an aromatase inhibitor (Femara) for over 2 years.

I have had no problems with mood, or concentration. I work full time and fairly long hours so would be very aware if I was having negative side effects.

I do however have considerable vaginal dryness - this is also a  result of the block on estrogen. It can occur with age too - I am 70 so well and truly post menopausal, but it did happen within 12 months of starting on  Femara, is a known side effect and while it can be treated, the treatment is estrogen so not really a good idea. Like many cancer treatments, the side effects are highly variable so don't affect everyone.  Vaginal lubricants can help, but mostly it's another little post cancer adjustment. As I am otherwise well, heading for 4 years post diagnosis, I am not complaining!!

Good luck.

Hi Carol

I have been on Zoladex for about four months and then had my ovaries removed last Friday. Firstly I would recommend starting with Zoladex as everyone has different side effect and if yours are bad you can stop the injection and the side effects go away. I recommend putting on emla cream a few hours before hand as the injection hurts most people. If your side effects are ok then maybe you can then look at ovaries being removed although you may only be a year all two of menopause so that is something to consider. I had my ovaries removed because I felt like my Ovaries were starting to work a few days before Zoladex was due. But most women I talked to did not find this it is very individual. Do what is right for you. Heather