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← Return to Leoprolide (Lupron) shot monthly or removal of ovaries?
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Leoprolide (Lupron) shot monthly or removal of ovaries?
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jun 11 1:13pm | Replies (36)Comment receiving replies
I am 44 ( in a few weeks) and pre menopausal. I need to suppress hormones in my body. Considering having my ovaries out vs having the Lupron shot (monthly for 5 years).
Anyone have any knowledge on this?
Pros in my mind:
*Having ovaries out would ensure I followed through with this hormone suppression.
If I get bad symptoms from the shot I'm afraid I would stop going to get the shot and/or I'm afraid going to the drs once a month for 5 years will become a hassle and I will stop going.
*If I do the shot for 5 years, drs says I likely would resume my pre menopausal state for several years before my body naturally goes into menopause. So I would essentially experience menopause twice. I could be at a symptom- managable stage during the shot administration ( but could take me a while to get there?), then after 5 years go back to pre menopausal state ( start feeling good) for only a few years, then BAM back to dealing w menopause symptoms ( which could take a while to manage again).
*My insurance will be changing to a high deductible plan next year so was advised by health insurance agent to get anything I am going to need done this year.
If I start w Lupron shot and then decide to get ovaries out down the road it will cost me alot more. ( surgeries are booking out a few months so I need to have a decision on this soon to get done this year).
Cons:
* Ovaries out is permanent, can't undue it. If shot becomes untolerable ONC says I could stop it...but then I will feel like I'm not doing all I can do to help prevent the BC from returning.
Replies to "I am 44 ( in a few weeks) and pre menopausal. I need to suppress hormones..."
Thank you!!
Yes, I also have to make a decision between Tamoxifen ( 10 years) or Anastrozole ( 5 years). I also posted a question to the group about this decision.
I agree, would have been easier if ONC didn't give me a choice. She wanted me to start these treatments 3 weeks ago, but I am struggling to make a decision. I am also very uncomfortable in the breaat expanders so dread having to have symptoms of meds on top of this discomfort. I wanted to have the expanders out prior to starting any treatments, but my surgery to replace the expanders with implants isn't until July 31st and feel that is too long to wait until starting treatment. As it is, I'm getting anxiety about not doing something now, but we are waiting for a second opinion from mayo clinic.
I will check out that group!
Question for you...how long did it take for you to manage the symptoms from having your ovaries out? And did you get symptoms from Tamoxifen or Anastrozole?
Thank you again!!
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I love how well you are reasoning this through and only you can make this decision. This is what I did; I was 38 and was not really given the choice. I had my ovaries removed between chemo and radiation.
I went into instant and very hot 🥵 menopause immediately. Then I still took tamoxifen for 5 and anastrozole after that. I will say that I am not sorry, hot flashes and all. I feel like I did everything I could do, to stop this thing.
I agree that if I was taking a shot, I might have stopped when the hot flashes and lack of sleep showed up, I am glad I didn’t have to make that choice.
Age 44 is so young, “technically” they call young breast cancer people under 40, but I believe there will be some great information from you at young survivors coalition. I never knew about them until I met a few of the advocates back east a few years ago. Amazing strong young women.
https://youngsurvival.org/
Are you advised to take endocrine therapy as well?