The AI+OS club

My tumor was 1.7 cm, but they did not have that as an option.

I'm doing Zoladex and Aromasin. I have some hot flashes, but they're relatively mild and I'd been having them since chemo put me in chemopause. The Aromasin made me moody so I'm on Celexa. I am also taking Caltrate (calcium supplement + Vitamin D) to preserve my bone density. I will be having a Dexa Scan soon to get a baseline for bone density so we can see whether the Aromasin is negatively affecting that. Otherwise, OS +AI has been uneventful for me.

thanks for starting this thread! I was dx in December and had first Zolodex injection in January, 6 weeks before MX. The BS wanted to see if Zolodex alone would shrink tumors. MRI at 6 week mark show some reduction in tumor size, so clearly my tumor liked estrogen! I had substantial side effects from Zolodex including joint and bone pain. I'm 48, so maybe age increases these side effects. 500 mg of Aleve and Pilates helped with pain. I am now dying TC x 4 and taking glutamine. That seems to have really improved joint pain. Zolodex also caused swelling, so I'm on a diaretic. I will most likely be on aromasin when I finish chemo. Any thoughts on Aromasin versus other AI's? Very worried about bone density. Can you have occasional alcohol on Aromasin or is it too risky to bone loss. (I know alcohol is not great for my ER+ status anyway, but just curious what your docs have said). I have a child with osteopenia, and we looked at fosomax for him. Nasty stuff that I'd like to avoid!!

Professor 50,

How long did the Dexa Scan take? My kids are getting out of school, and I'll have to arrange childcare for my medical appointments.

Hi all,

I've been on Lupron and Femara for about 14 months . My case is a little strange (aren't ours all...) because I developed an inflammatory heart issue that required prednisone, and I've been trying to wean off the prednisone for over a year now. I was feeling pretty good about the fact that I didn't seem to have a lot of side effects from the double-dose crash-course menopause but I suspect the steroids have been masking the side effects.

This week, as I notched my prednisone down to the lowest it's been since I started them, I developed weird pains in the bones on top of my feet. I was wondering if it was the 5K I ran last weekend (which is not unusual) and then realized with a sinking feeling this may be my new reality when I get off steroids. I can hardly walk, much less run! Just read about fish oil supplements and hope to try that.

Good luck to everyone.

I am currently receiving zoladex injections and plan to eventually have a hysterectomy.  Last week after I received two zoladex injections and was ready to begin the aromatase inhibitor, I suggested my oncologist test my estradiol/estrogen level.  Turns out it was 292 which is high considering I only have one ovary and that was supposed to be suppressed.  I received the third zoladex injection after the blood work that day.  My gyn wanted to have my levels checked again a week later and today the estradiol/estrogen level was 15.  Any ideas as to what may have cause such a big difference.  Could it be that I metabolize the drug faster than others and since I was due for injection the day they drew blood, the drug had already worn off.  Maybe I should get the injections every three weeks instead of every four.

hi lovemysons your story reminded me a bit of my own as I've had one zoladex injection but the one that lasts for three months. I am now just over six weeks post that injection. I am also on aromasin now. . When they tested my estrogen three weeks after the injection it was 455. I also had a light period last week. Then this week my levels are less than 55. I don't think the test I had is sensitive to read lower than that but I'm not sure. I think it just takes a while to sometimes get our bodies in sync with the drugs and then they start to work. I was all worried thinking the zoladex wasn't working and now it seems to be. My onc did say I may go onto the four week one seeing as they took a while to come down. I think your next test will be lower!

shelley did u end up having your period? Mine was very light my oncologist said it can be a withdrawal bleed after the first injection

bump...

I'm premenopausal and considering OS + AI. Any other thoughts/experiences to share?

PB

Anyone battling with weight gain? I lost weight on chemo but have definitely put it on during my three months of aromasin and I'm exercising regularly and eating healthy most of the time! At 32 this doesn't feel fair!

I'm so glad to have found this thread! I had my first Lupron injection 7/30. No hot flashes for me-i have been freezing. Also, started heavy bleeding yesterday and very crampy-I feel awful. Next injection at the end of this month +start Arimidex. I'm trying not to read too much about side effects....don't want to freak myself out! I had post op DVT, so no Tamoxifen for me. Every day brings something new it seems!

I've been on zoladex and arimidex for over 1 1/2 yrs. it seems to be working! I got a recurrence and new primary while first on tamoxifen. I'm 44 now. I have terrible fatigue and sleepiness, plus all those aches, stiffness and sore feeling muscles. Low thyroid to boot. After all the treatment I've been through, I'm glad the OS and AI are working. I vascilate between being sad about lower QOL and being thrilled with NED. My daughters are 11 and 14. I need more time being mom! I have been gaining weight but also not watching my diet or exercising. So tired! But I hope to improve when school starts again. My DEXA is in a few weeks. I'll be eager to see how it compares to my baseline from 2 years ago