Forum Discussion

MrsMercury's avatar
MrsMercury
Member
4 years ago

Zoladex vs oophorectomy

I'm currently on Zoladex and have had four injections. Even though I'm 42 they make me feel as if I'm 82! The all over body joint aches, whilst not painful as such, is pretty constant. It's a side effect of Zoladex but I'm concerned that it will get worse when I start taking Exemestane. It's for this reason that I'm considering an oophorectomy as I don't want double the joint aches!

My questions for those in a similar or the same situation as me, are:

1. Would you expect that after four injections I'm experiencing the full effects of Zoladex or is it early days?
2. How many injections did you have before deciding to have an oophorectomy?
3. Do you still have joint pain after having an oophorectomy (from the Exemestane)?
4. Do you regret having an oophorectomy?

Thanks!
hormone-therapy
oophorectomy
zoladex
  • FLClover's avatar
    FLClover
    Member
    4 years ago
    I’ve been having Zoladex over a year and no side effects from it. My side effects are from the AI. I’ve tried all 3, have decided to stick to Arimidex as I have the least side effects on it. I’m 41. 
  • FLClover's avatar
    FLClover
    Member
    4 years ago
    Pretty much the same as with Exemestane. I have sore feet, so after longer periods of sitting it hurts when I walk. It takes a couple minutes for me to be able to actually walk properly. After that it’s not a problem though. I also have more painful hands, but that could be residual from the Letrozole, cos I got carpal tunnel while on it. I’m wearing splints now which are helping a lot. And my knees hurt a lot when I’m on them, so I can’t kneel properly. I get occasional hot flushes, but they’re not severe and pass pretty quickly. I strip to my tank top when I get one and fan myself, and have a drink of water. My arms and back are more stiff than they used to be, but that can also be from the radiation and my double mastectomy with expanders. I’m doing yoga and other exercises now which are also helping. They’re free from the YWCA program, which I discovered recently for bca affected ladies. But please remember a lot of these things depend on the individual. I don’t have allergies, I’m about 70kg (heaviest I’ve been) and I’m 171cm tall. I was very flexible and active when I was much younger. Hope this helps. I was terrified before I started taking the Zoladex and AI for the first time, but then realised that symptoms don’t start straight away, and as you notice them appearing you can start managing them, or speak to your onc about changing meds. 
    Sorry that I can’t give you advice about an oophorectomy. I’m not planning on having one as I believe that our organs are there for a reason, unless they’re attacked by a disease of course. I know my oestrogen is being suppressed, but there’s still a minimal amount that I believe is helping my body handle things a bit better. But that’s just me and my beliefs. We’re all different. I’m also BRCA negative, hence more reason to keep my ovaries. 
    Good luck in deciding 💟