Anyone on ovarian suppression + AI and feeling OK?

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andrearose
andrearose Member Posts: 20
edited September 2015 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

I've been on tamoxifen for about six months but my MO said initially that ovarian suppression + exemestane might be a more effective treatment because of my age (42 at DX).

After surgery and radiation I just chickened out of getting my ovarian suppression shot. I was supposed to start with a bone density test and even that scared me. Overall, I just got scared. I couldn't do it. Now that I've been on tamoxifen for 6 months and doing pretty well, I wonder if I should make the switch.

Anyone out there who doesn't have terrible joint paint/side effects from this treatment?

Thanks!

Andrea

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  • ElaineTherese
    ElaineTherese Member Posts: 3,328
    edited August 2015

    Hi Andrea!

    I was 46 at diagnosis and I'm doing Zoladex (ovarian suppression) and Aromasin (exemestane). My side effects have been hot flashes and depression. To address them, I'm on Celexa (SSRI) and I feel much better. I don't have terrible joint pain. If Tamoxifen is working for you, that's awesome. But, it's no guarantee that you'll be happy on Aromasin. Also, I'm not sure that the added benefits of Aromasin + ovulation suppression are that great. But, you can always try and go back to Tamoxifen if the new regimen doesn't work out. Best wishes!

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  • MamaM
    MamaM Member Posts: 80
    edited September 2015

    I was on Tamoxifen for about 6 months, the last 3 with Lupron added. Had my ovaries removed about 5-6 weeks ago & now on Arimidex. No side effects at all right now. Message me if you have any questions.

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  • MamaM
    MamaM Member Posts: 80
    edited September 2015

    I also just had a bone density test last week. Don't be afraid- mine came back fine & it took 5 minutes. Hugs

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  • KpinkribbonS
    KpinkribbonS Member Posts: 1
    edited September 2015

    I am 50 yo & currently on exemestane daily and have lupron shots once every three months. I have no ill effects from the injections, they truly don't even hurt (I am a hypodermic-phobe). I have had two shots thus far and take the exemestane daily. My issues have been hot flashes & tinnitus (both tolerable) but recently I have developed neuropathy in my hands and left arm. It has gotten bad enough this week that I have put a call in to my MO. I have read that there are options to help alleviate these side-effects so I am hoping for good news.

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  • ohiobecky
    ohiobecky Member Posts: 56
    edited September 2015

    I started Exemestane and Zoladex 2 weeks ago. I had been in Tamoxifen for a little over 2&1/2 years. I wasn't really noticing many side effects on the Tamoxifen. I have started with night sweats, muscle cramping, fatigue and being emotional. So far they are all manageable. The night sweats are only once a night. The fatigue I have been able to manage when working. On the weekend I take naps. Not too horrible 2 weeks in.

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