LUPRON - how bad does it suck?

shelleym1

LUPRON - how bad does it suck?

shelleym1

Any of my pre-menopausal sisters out there taking Lupron + AI? This is my first attempt at hormone suppression. If I can't tolerate it we will go to Tamoxifen. I get my first Lupron shot tomorrow. How bad are the side effects of this shot? There are some really scary stories out there about Lupron so I'm kinda freaking out. I know that the AI has it's own set of issues, but I'm mostly curious about the Lupron since you basically have to endure the SEs for an entire month.

Professor50

Hi! I have seen some horror stories about lupron shots but honestly, I have had no troubles so far. I just got my second shot yesterday and honestly it I wouldn't have known I did anything. (Now, I haven't had a period in awhile, but hormonally, I am premenopausal). I know that everyone is different but for me, the lupron shot felt like absolutely nothing. (And for me that + exemestane has been way better than tamoxifen).

daisylover

Lupron made my legs and abdomen swell. I had intense hot flashes at first but they mellowed over time. I chose to do an ooph over continuing with the SE of Lupron. The ooph was pretty easy surgery. I liked Tamoxifen and felt great on it,though. Aromasin has caused lots of skeletal pain for me. everyone seems to experience these treatments differently. I hope you do well however you decide!

lauren32

Hi There

I had a Zoladex 3 monthly injection 4 weeks ago and haven't noticed any real differences, I have some hot flushes at night and am not sleeping well but overall I feel fine (just still getting over the shock of getting breast cancer at 32 and now going through radiation :-( ) I start Aromasin tonight so I will see how that goes. Anything that can keep this at bay I am willing to try!

shelleym1

Keep in touch Lauren! I am 35. Trying to get over the shock as well. Glad you aren't having too many side effects

alaskamama

I have been getting Lupron for a little over a year. I find it makes me a little sore for a few days but is tolerable. I've gone to a three-month dose, which is a little more intense, but then ... I only have to do it every three months. I have found some people are better at administering it than others, so find someone you like! I found this one nurse who is so careful and administers it with such care, I bring her little gifts of appreciation now!

Good luck! You're not alone.

shelleym1

thanks for sharing! The nurse that gave me my first shot was incredible. It didn't hurt at all.

Rseman

Hey Shelley,

I'm glad to hear your first shot went well! I have been on Lupron for a little over a year now. The hot flashes started to bother me and when they became unbearable I decided to go on a low dose of Effexor. It was very effective for me. I also think the weather has a lot to do with it and with it warming up the hot flashes start to increase.

However, I think worse than the hot flashes is the vaginal dryness which unfortunately makes sex painful and then sad because it is a reminder of what is going on. I think that is the hardest part to work through. I'm lucky to have a very supportive partner.

I hope you can tolerate the Lupron because the studies show that Lupron with an AI is more effective than Tamoxifen. At least that is what I have read.

I also think it depends on who is giving the injection.

Best of luck,

Renee

shelleym1

hey Lauren how's the Aromasin going?

Hi Renee I'm so glad you've been tolerating the Lupron well aside from the vaginal issues and hot flashes. I am concerned about the vaginal issues. Have you found anything in particular that helps ?