Zoladex

I don't know about all the SEs of instant meno but just know that zoladex is reversable (most times if it doesn't run into natural meno). My RO said they didn't like to radiate the ovaries because they don't like to radiate across the bowels if they don't have to (my MO doesn't want me doing another surgery if I don't have to). So for me - it's continue wth Lupron (same as Zoladex) until natural meno for now.



The good thing is it opens her options for an AI if necessary.

Aromatase Inhibitor - the anti-hormonals that can be used post menopause.

I assume she had a lumpectomy and node dissection. If she had cancer in a lymph node, she is no longer in Stage 0, DCIS. She would be stage 1. There is a lady on here named Beesie. If  you look up her posts on here, you will find a wealth of information. She explains the staging very well.DCIS can ONLY occur within the milk ducts. If ANY breaks out into the lymph nodes or surrounding tissue it becomes Stage 1 (DCIS w/micro invasion becomes Stage 1).In that case, whether or not she was Her2 positive would be important to know. In addition to chemo, she may need Herceptin (sp?) treatments as well. If she is Her2 positive, there is a section on here called DCIS w/Micro invasion that isHer2 Positive

I am not sure why the dr. is recommending  radiation treatment to the ovaries? I am confused by that part. If it is to put radiation on healthy ovaries, I am not sure I, personally, would want rads if not cancer related. I have heard that once a body part has had radiation, they can not add rads at another time. What if she would need rads down there at some point in the future?

There are some women who are not able to metabolize Tamoxifen so that it works properly. There is a test out there that women can take, but I am not sure of the name of it.

You don't say how old  your daughter is.

I am 43 and had my ovaries and tubes removed as well as a total hysterectomy. It really had nothing to do reducing the estrogen in my body, I had other reasons. My ob-gyn told me that a few years ago, he would have been worried about heart health, but the new research shows that for most women my age, I don't need to be worried. As far as bone density, he told me to get checked in a  year from the surgery.

As far as the instant menopause, I don't think it is much different than going into menopause, just a shorter track to get there. Eventually we will all be there anyway is my thinking. It took me a little over two months to really get stronger hot flashes.My ob-gyn said it would take about that much time for the estrogen in my body that was already in production to lower. I am on one medication for nerve damage pain already and that is supposed to help with hot flashes. None of my drs mentioned that to me, I read it on here. I also take three supplements that are good for hot flashes. I have really bed days, and some not so bad days. My moods are a little more sensitive and cranky than normal, but not too much worse. As far as being tired, I can not judge because I am always tired anyway.

There is a website called Hystersisters.com that can give lots of really good info. on surgical menopause.

You may want to try posting on this website under the forum Stage 1 and Hormonal Therapy-Before, During, and After. You will probably reach a larger section of women and men who can offer more information.

 You could also call the American Cancer Society about any questions. I called and talked to the nicest lady who was so helpful and emailed all the info. on breast cancer and treatments they had. It is also on their website, but was nice to get the info emailed to me.