Lupron - Taking with Arimidex Premenopausal

Lowrider54

Posting on behalf of LisaSec - her post from the Arimidex site:

I want to know if there is anyone else who was given Arimidex as part of the treatment plan at an early age.  I am 38 and the way that my onc suggested getting around the premenopause / postmenopause issue is to start me on Lupron to induce menopause.  I cannot take Tamoxifen and he insists that the hormonal therapy is extremely important to my recurrence rate.  So the alternative is forced menopause and Arimidex.

I have not found any studies to help guide me in this direction and I am worried about the longterm effects of taking this combination.  Now of course, I am also worred about the longterm effects of not taking it - such as a recurrence of cancer.

Any input will be truly appreciated. 

Posting for LisaSec - she is new and limited to 5 posts and would like info asap - any help welcome - links, studies or personal experiences.

Thanks for helping a fellow sister...LowRider

KerryMac

I had my Ovaries out and am on Arimidex. I was Dx at 42.

Bottom line is that my "gut" told me it was the right thing to do - to date there are no studies putting the different options head to head (I think there is one trial in the works now - SOFT). My Onc was going to give me Lupron and Tamox, I wanted my Ovaries gone (I am 100% ER+, it just felt right) so she said she could then put me on Arimidex.

I had my Ovaries taken out in July last year, and have been on Arimidex ever since. It is going fine - I have hot flashes, a bit of stiffness if I have been sitting too long, nothing bad.  As for long term effects - well, I think my risk from cancer far outweighs any other things that may come about later. 

Feel free to PM me if yopu want any other input! 

BTW, my Onc would not put me on an AI while I still had Ovaries, even with Lupron. Apparently they can get "overstimulated" by the Arimidex, I would definately check that out first. 

momand2kids

Hi

I was pre-meno at dx---could not take tamox--we decided on Lupron and femara (same as arimidex).  No one thought I should take out my ovaries....neither did I.... I have been on these two for a year--- some hot flashes--more joint stiffness-- but I exercise daily and that helps- plus vitamin d...

the biggest side effect for me is very significant vaginal dryness..... creates alot of challenges.... but otherwise, all systems go.  I get the shot from my gyn once a month (they have a 3 months shot as well, but this is working so far...)  I think they think that I will eventually go into menopause (I was 48 at dx) but we are not sure why.  The AI drugs are completely ineffective is you are not post menopausal or if you are not doing the lupron......  

melania

hI LADIES , I KNOW IT'S AN OLDER POST BUT PLEASE REPLY , I AM STARTINF ARIMIDEX WITH LUPRON SHOTS , 38 YEARS OLD AND WAS WONDERING HOW U R DOING?

THANKS