Nervous about starting Zoladex

Hi EstelaLorca!

I have been doing Zoladex shots since my period came back about a year after chemo - three years now I believe. I was taking tamoxifen before that and felt no additional side effects with the Zoladex. In fact, I felt better as my periods were so heavy on Tamoxifen! It is a pain to go get the shot every month but studies have recently shown Z+T is better than T alone for premenopausal women. My MO recently switched me to Exemestane from Tamoxifen as the same study showed this combo even more effective. That's been another story - I have been so tired.

I feel your pain about just never wanting to see a doctor/nurse again, but trying it for a few months can't hurt! You can always quit after.

Best of luck. xoxo.

I too was on a T + Z regime for about 15 mos till my ovaries were removed. I had no major SE's' to speak of. If you can swing it, there is a shot that you can get every 3 mos instead of monthly. (I was on the 3mos shot). The injection did hurt but only briefly.

As mentioned, you could try it and see how your body handles it.

Good luck

I have an appt at 2pm today for my first Zoladex injection (the 3mo shot) and to get a script for Arimidex. Thanks for the reassurances - I've been nervous all weekend! I plan to have ovaries removed if the Zoladex/Arimidex goes okay but thought it better to start with a reversible plan just in case. I'm curious about experiences with ovary removal surgery as well. Thanks!

What a coincidence! Good luck! Let's try to check in later today? Even though I put more thought into this than any other aspect of treatment I think I am still more nervous about this than any other part.

Good luck with your shots! My trick is to close my eyes and it works. I haven't seen the needle yet and don't plan on seeing it either

Hey, I started zoladex in May and I will have it adminstered every 6 months whilst on al. My doc advised it reduces of the risk of bone metastatics and protects bone density. I was a bit hesitant esp after hearing about potential jaw necrosis, but it's actually not that bad at all. Just keep regular dental hygiene and SEfrom zoladex are minimal in the grand scheme of things

apologies ladies, I was on autopilot this morning whilst on my commute to work and totally misread that

My first Zoladex corresponded with some ovarian pain (like I was ovulating), but I've read that can happen. I think it's because my ovaries are stubborn girls, indeed, and they were having their last party before going to sleep for a while.

My doctor wasn't concerned, especially because the pain went away after about ten days.

The hot flashes were worse for the first week or so, too, but have leveled off to my pre-Zoladex tamoxifen number (about 2-3 per day with another 2-3 at night).

I had my first Zoladex shot last month and had side effects ( depression, moodiness, horrible period cramps). I also am curious about the 3 month shot? I asked my doctor for this option and she said the 3 month shot was not as effective? I travel frequently for work so the 1x month shot is very difficult for me... The shot did not hurt that bad and I used lidocaine prior to. Any comments on the 3 month shot? i can't start the AI for few months and really not looking forward to doing this.. thanks in advance!

Zoladex opinions ..,help!!

so I moved and my dr's at one hospital had recommended one post chemo treatment and the other hospital recommended something different. I was planning on going on Tamixifin for 5 years as standard care and that was what my dr recommended at my last hospital. My new dr says he wants to give me Zoladex shots and pill because it lasts 10 years rather than 5?

I am thinking about just getting a hysterectomy and if I do then my last dr recommends Femara.

I would love to hear any good, bad, or ugly experiences and what opinions you all have out there who have used these drugs. I cannot decide what to do. Probably cause I just came back from my last chemo!!! Yeah!:

hi crazemaze I'm a little behind on the dates but I am too will be having my first shot of zoladex. I'm terrified of the se. I am stage iv and have been for a couple of years but have been doing everything naturally. I just stated promidrinate. I tried it last year for a few months but it gave me bad se. I am trying the promidrinate again and having my first zoladex shot. I would like to know your se I will let you know mine. I am also from Winnipeg

hi estelalorca. I will let you know if I get the same se. I'm also supposed to be taking letrozol after the second shot of zoladex. There's gotta be something else out there naturally that can balance your hormones without these drugs. I'm going to do some research. Nothing is guaranteed, not even the drugs so I'm going to do some research.

hi irish65. I'm getting my first shot on Wednesday. fingers crossed I do not have any bad side effects. Hope I luck out like you. I will keep you posted. Thanks for you input I greatly appreciate it: