Zoladex and AI starting same day?

I had to wait three weeks after my first Zoladex shot to start AI's (anastrozole). I got the shot and then three weeks later my estrogen levels were tested and were virtually non detectable so my MO said I could start. The way he explained it to me was that there are a certain percentage of women who cannot be suppressed with shots so they check estrogen levelsto make sure as AI's do not offer protection if you are not suppressed. My MO tested my levels monthly while on Zoladex until I had my ovaries removed.

I started ovarian suppression a month before the AI as the onc said she would ease me into it. So I got the first Lupron shot at the beginning of July as I was starting radiation. I got the second shot from the nurse 28 days later and started the AI. They have not tested my estrogen level but I did not have a period this month and no spotting. I see the nurse next week for my third shot so I will ask about testing my estrogen level. I don’t see the doctor again until October when I will be 4 shots in. At that time I believe I will get a Zometa infusion, the third leg of the treatment plan.

I am 52. My onc has not checked my bone density as she said it is likely fine as I was still not menopausal, so the Zometa is tobe preventive.

Hi!

I started my Zoladex shots and Aromasin at the same time. That was in February 2015, and I hadn't had a period since December 2014. I did not have my hormone levels tested; I just don't think my MO wanted to wait. My cancer was 95%ER+/95% PR+, Grade 3.

I did have a baseline dexascan done, which showed that I was borderline osteopenic. Two years later, I had full-blown osteoporosis, and I'm now on Prolia.

This is interesting topic for me. I don't know my hormonal treatment yet. As I see here around the boards, many start this part of treatment around radiation. So I still have some time... I had my 4th AC last week.

I got my first Zoladex injection on the day of the first AC chemo. Since my tumor was 100%ER I was glad they wanted to supress the ovaries right away. I guess the next step, either Tamoxifen or AI will come later.

Coleen, has oopherectomy been suggested to you? For me, this may be an option. Also depending on gemetic testing - still waiting for results. But my mother had a very large ovarian cyst (at 50, nothing else since apart from unrelated issues like totally self-caused diabetes last year), so I guess I should be cautious in this dept too.