Life after finishing zoladex and arimidex

[Shell2007]

Hello,
I was diagnosed with a 2cm IDC Stage 2b Grade 2 in 2007.  I was 38 and premenstrual.  Following surgery, chemo and radiotherapy had 5 years of zoladex and arimidex which finished in Aug 2013.
My periods returned 10 months later but have been very irregular, cycles from 5 weeks to a 2 month and a 3 month cycle.  I have had enormous problems with intermittent fatigue, muscle aches, painful breasts, mood wings (PMDD), hypertension.  I was fatigued during the hormonal tx but the present fatigue does not improve with rest.
I am having weekly sex hormone levels and am seeing an endocrinologist next month.  I am really worn out and am considering oophorectomy and possibly testosterone/anastrozole HRT which may be an alternative to estrogen/progesterone HRT.
I was wondering if anyone has had a similar experience?
Thanks,
M



This discussion is related to Zoladex and Long Term Use.

[japdip]

I agree, many, many women don't care to post or possibly even think about doing so. I'm glad you found the thread. There were some similarities.  Take care and please keep in touch; by private message if you prefer.  

[Shell2007]

Found it.
Thanks!

[Shell2007]

Hi again,
I stumbled on this site after googling "life after zoladex" and am unsure how to find the 2009 thread again to read about the Cleveland Clinic.
I will try to find it again,
Thanks,
M

[Shell2007]

Thanks so much for replying.  This is my first ever post.
I don't know anyone who has had 5 years ovarian suppression with zoladex plus arimidex, let alone anyone who has got their periods back after this, so I do feel a little isolated!!  I suspect people don't post if everything is going well.
Yes it is actually the endocrinologist who is running the weekly hormone profiles for the 5 weeks before I see her, so that she can know what has been going on for the previous 5 weeks at my first consult...which is very helpful as it has taken a few months to get an appointment.  My ER and PR may have become very sensitised during treatment making everything worse.  I imagine she can also assess my adrenal glands as I certainly feel burnt out with post cancer fatigue.
Anyway, I am all the way away in Australia and it was lovely to get your reply.  The endocrinologist is one of the best and hopefully will sort me out!
Thanks,
M

[japdip]

I happened to notice that you brought up a discussion involving a post from 2009 regarding Zoladex. I wonder if you read the reply from The Cleveland Clnic in the comments listed below the post.  Remember when doing research that no two cases are alike and you cannot base your issue or the solution of another person's problem to your situation.  Regards ....

[japdip]

I don't recall anyone posting regarding similar issues but I would advise you to NOT consider any treatments until you have seen the Endocrinoligist next month. It certainly seems to be hormone related and it could also indicate early menopause. Any type of hormone replacement therapy doesn't seem wise at this point .... My best advise would be to hang in there until the Endocrinology consult.  Regards ....