Depo Lupron

[GRsmom]

Hello all, very frustrated here.  I feel like a guinea pig.
After lumpectomy(twice), chemo, radiation then the craziness
of trying to determine appropriate hormone therapy.  I was
on Tamoxifen (couldn't tolerate side-effects, then briefly
Arimidex (but I was premenopausal) then 1 shot of Depo Lupron
a year ago.  NOW my periods are back with a vengance.  I
was 37 when diagnosed, stage 1 plus DCIS.  My dr is now
asking ME if I want another shot, this stuff scares me!
Has anyone else out there had the depo shots as adjuvant
therapy?  I'm tempted to say no, it made me feel horrible
but I'm having trouble finding info.  Thanks for any help.

[GRsmom]

To any/all of you who have the monthly Lupron shots, have you then stopped having periods?  I am very frustrated with the lack of information about this treatment!  I thought the "plan" was
to keep my ovaries from functioning and therefore no period.
I had my period after my first monthly injection but when I called the nurse basically said no big deal.  I am wondering why I have to have these shots?  I agree with those of you who have said that this medication is scary.

[Dizzy1]

Hi, I am a 45 yo that was diagnosed with DCIS with 2 small invasive tumors. Breast was  Had bilateral mastectomy and found DCIS and LCIS in other breast.  Bloom Richardson score 8, Her2Neu psitive and estrogen receptive.  Nodes were negative.  My cancer was noted as being aggressive.  Breast cancer runs in my family in addition to thyroid and prostrate.  No answer to why because Genetic testing was negative...that really through the docs off!  Initially they were going to do CAF chemo but when genetic testing negative they decided on tamoxifen, which I have been taking for 5 months now.  Recently I started Lupron injections, coming up to my 3rd injection this week.  my estrogen levels have dropped to almost nothing.  Unfortunately, I am now in constant pain with my node arm and back...joints and muscles.  I have become quite depressed and nonfunctional in some ways.  I think this is caused from the Lupron, I don't know?  Lymphedema? I have read a bit about Lupron and it scares me.  I may make the decision to go ahead and have ovaries removed, I am unsure about all this...

[ritavv]

I am on Tamoxifen and have just finished 12 monthly shots of Lupron.  I was lucky and the side effects were minimal.  In fact, since the Tamoxifen had caused a surge in my estrogen leveles which resulted in ovarian cysts, I actually felt better!  The biggest negative is that it kills your libido and that's a major negative.

[SnowWoman]

You might be interested in reading the book "What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Breast Cancer" by John Lee.  He has an interesting view on the use of tamoxifen versus natural progesterone and the prospect of having your ovaries removed.  Since this is a permanent (lifetime) decision, you need to be comfortable with the choice.  Wishing you well.

[tulips]

I, too, am taking Lupron shots. However, I am doing it monthly and expect that I will go into menopause monthly with another shot or 2. The side effects are definitely bothersome, but not intolerable. I think at your age, you should consider the suggestion on removing the ovaries. Best of luck. You are in my prayers. Tulips.

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear GRsmom:  The research is not yet conclusive regarding the use of Lupron/zoladex in combination with the tamoxifen. It is believed to be a very aggressive approach. It has theoretical benefit but as yet I don't believe overall survival has been impacted. Lupron/zoladex WILL affect your quality of life, so it must be evaluated in this context.  Since tamoxifen is generally well tolerated (at least better in most cases than lupron), there is little research looking at the risk/benefit of lupron alone, although, theoretically, it would be effective.  It may have a bigger impact on your quality of life.  Another option, may be to remove your ovaries.  This is permanent and lupron is not.