Zoladex

I was taking both exemestane and Zoladex.  I was having terrible side effects, so my oncologist gave me a one month break from the exemestane to see whether it was this that was causing the side effects, or the zoladex.  

I have been on both Tamoxifen and Zoladex for over 1 year and have really struggled with all of the side effects. I started Tamoxifen in August 2019 and added in the Zoladex in November 2019. It's hard to know which drug to attribute the symptoms to. I have to try and get to 2 years on the Zoladex and then I can stop... I came very close to giving up during the COVID lockdown this year but my Oncologist has convinced me to continue on it for now. If I have to be honest, the only thing getting me through is knowing there is an end date to the medication! It's a hard slog but we are strong :) 

My Oncologist explained in detail the reason behind it and administered the first injection.  As I live in a regional area he spoke with my GP and agreed that the GP could administer the balance.  I still had follow up appointments with Oncologist during this time.
Some sail through Tamoxifen and AIs unscathed and some don't.
Take care and best wishes with your ongoing treatment

@iserbrown that is amazing to hear and so happy you did so well on it! Gosh we are stronger than we think aren’t we! 

@Nannajay

As to side effects from Zoladex - minimal for me.  I had the injection for 2 years alternating sides.  Mine was administered by my GP and he always used a numbing spray.  The injection on the left side gave me a couple of days of feeling like a period was due and that was it!  The right side, no reaction at all!
We are all different and hence hope your experience is similar to mine - minimal!
Take care

You’re very welcome, and thank you too 😊. It’s def possible to still feel normal, and knock on wood, a lot of the time I do forget I had it and that I’m taking the medication. Hoping it only gets better 🤞. All the best to you too, and keep asking for help or info whenever you need it ♥️

@FLClover Thank you so much. I know each person differs to how they react, but it’s great to hear not everyone gets everything and it’s possible to still feel normal. Wishing you all the best! 

Hi @Nannajay, I’ve been on Zoladex for about 6 months, and Letrozole for 2.5. Sex drive and life still as good as ever, just do have a bit more dryness than normal. I used to have really bad mood swings before my periods, quite bad PMS, but that’s all mostly gone. Now I only experience mood swings towards the end of the 28 days, about a week before im
due for my next injection. No weight gain as yet, and I do eat a lot of chocolate. 

jintie said:

I’m already on estemestane.  I’m pre-menopausal so have to have the zoladex to kill my ovaries.

Hi Jintie. I’ll be having the same treatment as you. I’ve heard the zoladex is quite strong side effects wise, but not heard much about the daily pill. How is the combination going for you in terms of 
1. Sex life/sex drive (maintaining normalcy in a relationship 😬
2. Mood swings 
3. weight gain
4. Overall sickness/pain

I’m getting very nervous!!!

I've certainly known a couple of women who have given them to themselves. It sounds like a viable option for you, @Chev