Tamoxifen & Lupron Combo Sisters

Scottiemom11 · February 2015

Anyone currently taking both Tamoxifen and Lupron? If so, what things have you done to combat SEs?

I'm still recovering physically from BMx, exhaustion after going back to work and nerve pain. Trying to do light workouts at the gym b/c lupron, if not Tamox, causes weight gain. Also fighting the SEs. . .severe night HFs without swearing alternating with freezing cold a few minutes later.

MO added Neurontin this week along with lupron. Neurontin is supposed to help SEs in addition to the nerve pain and maybe help me sleep as well.

Scottie

Funclassygal · February 2015

Hi Scottiemom11, also just had this conversation with my Oncologist - only 3 weeks out from BMX, still have one drain in, have to do radiation and really don't want to put an injection in to my body right now. Still getting my counts up from Chemo. He said to give myself a few weeks and then we will speak about it. He feels due to my estrogen - he prefers my treatment. I read such horror stories with Lupron that I am so scared to take this. What are your thoughts? Thanks, VeraAnn

formydaughter · February 2015

I've been on tamoxifen since Sept. and this is month 2 of Lupron. I was taking gabapentin for BMX and chemo SEs already. tamoxifen seems to give me headaches. They are daily, but worsen with my Herceptin infusions. I have Percocet for it, as Tylenol and ibuprofen do not touch it. Tamoxifen gave me some hot flashes. Many more with Lupron added in. The first month, I had a one month dose. Hot flashes and mood swings, but not too bad. I just received a 3 mo dose. Wowie!! Hot flashes all the time between freezing cold moments, night sweats, .morning sweats. I can't imagines how this would be without the gabapentin. I had thought the SEs would be time released. I've been losing wt while on tamoxifen. So, happy for tha!! I requested the Lupron. I came out of chemo and was not menopausal. Based on SOFT trial results, I wanted to try for OS and switch from tamoxifento an AI.

ChemicalWorld · February 2015

I'm on this combo. Tamoxifen since mid-2011, added Lupron this past fall. Both took a while to adjust to when it came to the hot flashes. Had major anxiety the night after my first Lupron dose, thought I was going to have a heart attack between the extreme hotflash and the panic attack combo. But it settled down. I have fatigue still after my injections (I go monthly) but that is getting better.

I have no advice on the weight gain. I have a hard time not gaining it, never mind losing any.

rozem · February 2015

ive been on this combo for almost 2 years - I don't know whats what anymore! my hot flashes are wicked right after I get the shot and for a few days then they settle down but they are worse then on tamox alone - that's what full out menopause does to you. I am very achey and stiff but I try to exercise to combat it. Ive put on about 4-5 pounds from when this mess started so considering I don't think its so bad (although im petite so everything is tight)

Scottiemom11 · February 2015

Funclassygal - After 4 days of neurontin (generic name Gabapentin) I have noticed a huge improvement in my HFs. Also, I had my first true nap this afternoon since BMx. Slept like a baby for 2 hours and sleeping better at night. Maybe a combo of less SEs and relief from the nerve pain. I'm also starting to feel better during my gym workouts. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

After research and seeing other post though, I am convinced that the lupron was necessary b/c I have a history of ovarian cysts and Tamox alone might make that worse.

Formydaughter - Thanks for the heads up on the 3-month shot. MO suggested that I could switch to that after a few months. Guess I'll stick with monthly.

Scottie

Funclassygal · February 2015

Thank you ladies - appreciate all of your experiences! VeraAnn

Funclassygal · February 2015

Going for simulation tomorrow for radiation - kind of feel blue about it - just wish there was no more of this! Worried that my implant may get messed up from the radiation but I guess worrying will not help any thing. If any one would like to share their radiation stories - I would love to read them. Thanks and hope every one is doing well. Happy Valentine's Day!

kcat2013 · February 2015

I'm on this combo also, about 1 year Tam and 8 months of Lupron. The hot flashes are wicked and like you I'm freezing cold in between them. Neurontin has helped with the night time hotflashes. I recently had to up my dose of it though--my MO says that's pretty normal. I have mild nausea after the Lupron for a week or so--kind of reminiscent of morning sickness nausea, funny!

Kendra

Scottiemom11 · February 2015

Kendra, thanks for sharing. I've only had one dose of lupron so far and the Neurontin is controlling the HFs. I wonder if I will have the up the dose after a few more shots.

Scottie

daisylover · February 2015

Scottie, my post-Lupron-injection hot flashes and swelling mellowed after the first couple months. I tapered my Gabapentin dosage pretty quickly (after maybe 3 months). I still get flashes, just not as intense or as often. Hope it gets easier for you as well! I would definitely push for the monthly shot. I had my final shot last week - oophorectomy next month. I will be switching from Tamoxifen to Exemastane in April, in response to the SOFT results.

Kendra, I have nausea that reminds me of morning sickness too! I have it all month long - assumed it was from Tamoxifen. Maybe it's the Lupron for me as well.

Formydaughter, I also get headaches on Tamoxifen. I had migraines on a monthly basis (with my period) before BC treatment. Now, I have weekly headaches. They are easily controlled by my migraine medicine, Midrin, or Acetaminophen-Dichloralphenazone-Isometheptene.

Tamoxifen & Lupron Combo Sisters

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