pregnant on zoladex/arimidex.......WHAT???

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2frogs1princess
2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
edited October 2018 in Hormonal Therapy - Before, During, and After

Well, I am a 32 year old 2 1/2 year survivor of DCIS/IDC. I went through right mast, chemo, rads, herceptin, and I have been taking Zoladex inj. to shut the girls down for over 2 years now and taking Arimidex. I had a prophylactic left mast. on August 30th.

I had been feeling under the weather (thought it was the stomach flu even though I don't get the flu). My onc decided to draw some labs because of some spotting I had following surgery. Come to find out my FSH is really low and my estrogen level was "sky high" according to my onc. She had no idea what was going on and decided to ask questions at a national conference she was attending the next day. In the meantime I had a "light-bulb moment" at home. I'm a nurse and was racking my brain on what would cause my labs to be like that. OH MY GOSH..........what if I'm pregnant.......so I had the DH buy me a test when he was in town. Sure enough, it was positive. This was Thursday, Sept. 27th.

So here is the scary part(s): I got a zoladex injection on the 22nd of Ausust. I got pregnant on or around the 23rd of August. I had surgery under general anesthesia on August 30th, and got another zoladex injection on Sept 20th (I take the monthly dosage). What in the holy haiti is going on!?!

I went to the OB yesterday and had a sonogram to see if it was even a viable pregnancy....and sure enough, I am 7weeks 5days pregnant. I saw and heard a heartbeat of 156 beats per minute.

If you haven't gathered, I am freaking out. Not quite sure what to do. I have my docs doing research for me. I called Astra-Zeneca the makers of zoladex to find out what kind of "fetal harm" it causes as it says in the info on the website. They are supposed to send me info. My OB is also going to get ahold of them to get case studies on if this has happened to any one else and what happened. He isn't worried about the general anesthesia I received because it was so early, the embryo probably hadn't even implanted yet.

Do you know of anyone this has happened to? I'm such an against the odds BC patient, I swear I need to write a book. Any input would be hugely appreciated.

Thanks so much

Mindy

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  • Harley44
    Harley44 Member Posts: 5,446
    edited October 2007

    WOW!

    Sorry, I don't know how that will affect a new fetus, but I just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you, and praying that all is well with the new little baby...

    I guess I am the ONE person in a million who would have some weird thing happen to me, so I am worried about all the se's that are so VERY RARE...  because I would be the ONE that would have a reaction, or whatever...

    I am and have been in menopause since being dx'd at age 35 with Premature Ovarian Failure, but I would be the ONE that would also turn up pregnant YEARS LATER... 

    Good Luck!  Let us know what happens!!!

    Harley

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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited October 2007

    Thank you Harley for your response. That makes two of us that beat the odds with everything. You know Murphy's law? I call it Mindy's law of breast cancer.

    I'm still hoping someone on here will read the post and know of someone that this happened to, even if the results weren't good.

    I really appreciate your prayers!

    MindyP

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  • jlazyk
    jlazyk Member Posts: 69
    edited October 2007

    I would really recommend that your obstetrician have you see a genetic counselor.  I know you really think of us mainly for the BRCA testing, but this is an issue we can really help with.

    Im also going to PM you, I can't tell where your from, but I may be able to help as our profession is very small and I probably know a genetic counselor in your area.

    Jacky

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited October 2007

    That is so weird.

    Is it appropriate to say congratulations? Maybe in awhile when you sort things out? 

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited March 2008

    Mindy,



    Perhaps these two articles will reassure you somewhat on the Zoladex, albeit these obviously are two good outcomes. A genetic counselor, as Jacky suggests, is someone who often counsels on drug exposure and pregnancy.



    Please do keep in mind these are just two case reports and a more in depth analysis is advised.



    Breast. 2000 Apr;9(2):110-2. Links

    Pregnancy in a breast cancer patient treated with a LHRH analogue at ablative doses.



    Jiménez-Gordo AM, Espinosa E, Zamora P, Feliu J, Rodríguez-Salas N, González-Barón M.

    Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Paseo de la Castellana, number 261, 28046 Madrid, Spain.

    A 36-year-old female diagnosed of breast cancer was treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and goserelin. After 17 months of uninterrupted therapy with this LHRH analogue at hormone suppressive doses, a 16-week gestation foetus was detected and the treatment was withdrawn. Although the drug was administered throughout the first 4 months of pregnancy it resulted in the term delivery of a healthy infant, and no foetal adverse effects were detected. A review of the influence of hormonal treatment for breast cancer on fertility and birth defects has been performed.







    Gynecol Oncol. 2000 Jan;76(1):126-7. Links

    Failure of goserelin ovarian ablation in premenopausal women with breast cancer: two case reports.



    Jiménez-Gordo AM, de las Heras B, Zamora P, Espinosa E, González-Barón M.

    Medical Oncology Department, University Hospital La Paz, Madrid, 28046, Spain.

    OBJECTIVE: We hereby report on two patients receiving goserelin due to breast cancer in whom a failure in ovarian ablation was detected. A review of the hormonal effects of LHRH analogues is performed. CASE REPORTS: CASE 1: A 36-year-old female was diagnosed with breast carcinoma and treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and goserelin. A 16-week gestation was detected after 17 months of uninterrumpted hormonal therapy at ablative doses. CASE 2: A 41-year-old female was diagnosed with breast carcinoma and treated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and tamoxifen. Goserelin was substituted for tamoxifen due to bone metastases and, 2 years later, a failure in ovarian ablation was confirmed after the reappearance of the patient's menses. CONCLUSIONS: Goserelin-induced ovarian ablation may fail after the use of appropriate doses of this drug. We suggest a possible mechanism of hormone resistance induced by the long-term administration of LHRH analogues. No fetal damage was detected after goserelin exposure in the first 4 months of gestation. Copyright 2000 Academic Press.



    Tender

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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited October 2007

    Thank you so much for the responses. I go to the doctor in the morning. Hopefully she will have done her research to tell me my risks. Wish me luck.

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2007

    Mindy, I just want to say I wish you MUCH luck!  I know this must be scary for you.  I hope you get the answers you need.

    Shirley

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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited October 2007

    Well, it looks as though I am going to have a baby! There is still risk of miscarriage and that is the main risk. All the research given to me does not show increased risk for recurrence. And, there have been several cases of women getting pregnant while taking Zoladex who have delivered health babies. There was one case file where the mom got pregnant 6months after completion of the Zoladex and the infant had some heart defects, required open-heart and ended up passing away at 6 weeks of age. I am now awaiting a phone call from my OB to see when I see him next. My onc thinks I will be considered high risk at least early on due to all the outside influences the pregnancy endured.

    I just wanted to say thanks to all who have been praying and concerned about me, a perfect stranger. It really means alot to know that someone can pray to God about someone they don't know-but HE knows doesn't he!

    I'll keep you posted on the next visit.

    Oh yeah, I almost forgot! My due date..........exactly 3 years from dx date May 16th.

    ~Mindy~

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  • roseg
    roseg Member Posts: 3,133
    edited October 2007

    At last - congratulations!

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited March 2008





    You're welcome Mindy, and congratulations!



    Tender

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  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited October 2007

    Congrats, Mindy.  Gee, you may have a birthday party on your dx date?  That will surely distract that horrible date.

    I watch Discovery Health channel a lot and love to watch all the baby deliveries.  Pretty soon I'll be able to deliver one natural and cesarean!  Laughing

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  • judyr
    judyr Member Posts: 61
    edited October 2007

    Congratulations!! God is good and will take care of the both of you!

    This must be a very special little one to "Survive" like her mom!

    Judy

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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited June 2008

    Wanted to update........Addelyn Faith was born on 05/06/2008 weighing in at 8lb 13oz. Healthy and happy to join our family! What a little miracle she is. I am now taking Tamoxifin until my scheduled ovary removal on July 17th. After that I will resume the Arimidex like I was taking when I got pregnant last year. Thank you to those who read my post last year a said a prayer or two.....

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  • ICanDoThis
    ICanDoThis Member Posts: 1,473
    edited June 2008

    Mindy - this is so wonderful!

    Congratulations.

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  • Jaybird627
    Jaybird627 Member Posts: 2,144
    edited June 2008

    Congratulations!!! I hope both mom and daughter are doing well!!!

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  • Barbeqrn
    Barbeqrn Member Posts: 200
    edited June 2008

    Mindy,

    WOW! I stumbled upon your mesage from last year and just finished reading everything. I am so happy for you and your husband! It is such a gift to have children...I am thankful for my two, ages 4 and 8. I would have loved one more but it wasn't in the cards! I'll bet your daughter is just beautiful! Again, congratulations for your miracle!



    Barb

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  • Barbeqrn
    Barbeqrn Member Posts: 200
    edited June 2008

    Mindy,

    WOW! I stumbled upon your message from last year and just finished reading everything. I am so happy for you and your husband! It is such a gift to have children...I am thankful for my two, ages 4 and 8. I would have loved one more but it wasn't in the cards! I'll bet your daughter is just beautiful! Again, congratulations for your miracle!



    Barb

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  • fire
    fire Member Posts: 153
    edited June 2008

    Mindy,

     I just read all this tread and I'm happy to congratulate you!

    This is a miracle!

    I wish your family long happy life together!

    We need news like this more often!

    CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • TenderIsOurMight
    TenderIsOurMight Member Posts: 4,493
    edited June 2008



    To all who are patient, good things often come, sometimes even in small packages.



    Congratulations!

    Tender

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  • Dejaboo
    Dejaboo Member Posts: 2,916
    edited June 2008

    Such Wonderful Happy News!  Congratulations to you & your Husband.  Wishing you well with your surgery in July.

    Pam

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  • AnneW
    AnneW Member Posts: 4,050
    edited June 2008

    What a smile your story has put on my face! You have been blessed, for sure. This little girl was truly "meant to be."

    Best of luck,

    Anne

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  • Roya
    Roya Member Posts: 346
    edited June 2008

    I just now stumbled upon this thread and wish to congratulate you upon the birth of your daughter. 

    You were asking if anyone knew of this having happened before.

    Yes, one of my friends was diagnosed with breast cancer the week after she found out she was pregnant. 

    She went on chemo while pregnant.  We learned that the molecules of the chemo meds are generally too large to invade the unterine cells and generally do not harm the fetus at all.

    Anyway, this was 6 years ago. Mom and son are doing fine.

    No ill effects to her son at all.

    I am new to this website but wanted to tell you that you are not alone in this experience.

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  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 1,576
    edited June 2008

    The molecules of chemo meds are too large to invade the uterine cells? This is truly a miracle! And there are actually people that believe there is no GOD............

    Congratulations Mindy to you and your Little miracle!Smile

    Artsee

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  • judyr
    judyr Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2008

    I am so glad that you followed up with us!! I thought of you and prayed for you over the last several months!

    May God bless the both of you,

    Judy

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  • judyr
    judyr Member Posts: 61
    edited June 2008

    I am so glad that you followed up with us!! I thought of you and prayed for you over the last several months!

    May God bless the both of you,

    Judy

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  • wackyjackie
    wackyjackie Member Posts: 669
    edited June 2008

    MIndy,

     this is the most beautiful thread I have stumbled upon.  I'm so happy for you and your family.  what a blessing.  it's great to hear something good happen.  She must be a special angel sent down from up above.

     Hugs, Jackie

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  • 2frogs1princess
    2frogs1princess Member Posts: 120
    edited June 2008

    Thank you all for the congrats! She is a beautiful baby and her big brothers (7 and 4) love, love, love her! I made a vow in the very beginning (when I was first diagnosed) of this journey to ride in the passenger seat and let the Lord do the driving (I kind of questioned whether or not He took a wrong turn on this one). I'm ashamed now of ever doubting. What a wonderful reward He has bestowed on my husband and I! I'm glad my story put a smile on so many faces.........we need that in our lives that are now forever affected by cancer, don't you think?

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  • artsee
    artsee Member Posts: 1,576
    edited June 2008

    AMEN!Laughing

    Artsee

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  • jdg1
    jdg1 Member Posts: 608
    edited July 2008

    Minday,

    Congratulations!  Wow, this is a real good post.  I am so happy for you and your family. 

    June

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  • Awilda
    Awilda Member Posts: 4
    edited July 2008

    Hi, Mindy Smile

      Greetings from Puerto Rico. I am very happy for you and your lovely Family, I ran into your story and  was very proud of you and your husband You are a very Special Family and a Blessing to others.God has special purposes for everyone.

    I was searching some information on Tamoxfen my doctor indicated that I would have to take it after Radiation , I am BC with IDC  Stage 2 Grade 1. I began Chemo on Feb 14,08 six sessions every 21 day. I recently turn 44yrs, no kids ( We were planning this year but BC decided to give us the visit first. Which I never regret I understand that God has a purpose on each of our lifes, and everyone of us that are going through this fase, We have many things to share for others by our personal experiences.

      My mayor concern is that I just got a partial masectomy on 6/19/08, this week I went to the dr's visit to remove the stiches and he tells me that after Radiation I would have to take the Tamoxfem pill. He knows of my interest of me being a Mom but I feel he's not giving me another alternative.

      I read your story, and I know its not the same case but I feel like I should not take the pill and wait a year or 2 and try to get my baby and then take any pill that doctors suggest. Ever since I started the treatment I was very positive at every step of my Chemo and recent surgery, and looking foward to radiation  but I don't know what to do. I to tell you the truth I am kind of unsecure what to do. I know I should leave it in Gods Hands but I accept suggestion.

    Have a wonderful Summer God Bless you all !!

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