Here is what I have to look forward to:
- More plastic surgery within the next three months- nipple reconstruction and tattooing (more on that later)
- Daily Femara pill until April 2022
- Monthly Zoladex Shots
- 6 month check-ups with local Oncologist
- 6 month check-ups with Moffitt Cancer Center Oncologist
- July 2021 - Genetic testing to be done again (every 5 years to check for new developments)
- October 2027 - 10 years since implants, may require replacement
- For flying anywhere - must wear lymphodema sleeve every time
This is the very large needle that distributes the Zoladex implant into my stomach each month. Yikes, it hurts. They usually spray me with a cold numbing cream before to ease the pain.
The Zoladex and Femara are essentially meant to throw me into early menopause by blocking and eliminating any estrogen to my body, as that is what feeds the cancer.
Goserelin is the generic term for Zoladex and is used in men to treat prostate cancer. It is used in women to treat certain breast cancers or a certain uterus disorder (endometriosis). It is also used in women to thin the lining of the uterus (endometrium) in preparation for a procedure to treat abnormal uterine bleeding.
Zoladex is classified as a leutinizing hormone releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist. LHRH agonists work by telling the pituitary gland located in the brain to stop producing leutinizing hormone, which (in men) stimulates the testicles to release testosterone and (in women) stimulates the ovaries to release estrogen.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment.
