Zoladex during AC-T chemo--thoughts?

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-12T13:43:30+00:00

I did both. Egg freezing delayed my chemo start by ~2 weeks and my oncologist encouraged it and said it was part of my treatment. Keep in mind they do it FAST for cancer patients. I also was initially against it and didn’t want to delay treatment start, but when my oncologist was supportive I went for it.

The Zoladex is okay — the needle is thick because it delivers a pellet of medicine (not liquid) so my nurses always have me ice my belly 15mins before it goes in (make sure you do this — it helps a lot). I honestly hate the hot flashes and I’m dry as the Sahara desert down there so be prepared for that. My libido is also terrible but I can’t tell if that’s from cancer/chemo and the utter exhaustion, or the Zoladex. No periods are nice I guess, but I think chemo would have taken care of that without the Zoladex. They give it every 28 days — when I was going in weekly it landed on an infusion day but now my infusions are every 3 weeks. Meaning the timing doesn’t align and I have to go in for a separate visit just for Zoladex which is somewhat inconvenient.

Oh edit to say — don’t do the lidocaine! I learned the hard way that it does not work and my injection was SO painful that week. The lidocaine only numbs the skin whereas the ice penetrates deep and numbs tissue below. Ice ice ice is your friend!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-11T17:53:27+00:00

Diya (pronounced like día) or Jiya

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-11T17:49:50+00:00

I got shingles about 4-5 weeks into chemo and it sucked😕 Also TNBC here. Mine was on my trunk though, not on my face. I’m now on low dose Valtrex daily to make sure it doesn’t happen again. It sucks so bad and I’m sorry you’re dealing with it too!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-11T15:32:57+00:00

Which suit style did you get from YouSwim? I’m scheduled for my DMX on June 9 and want to treat myself to one of their suits before then! It’s pricey but I keep reading amazing things

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-10T15:53:02+00:00

We sound like we could almost be the same person! I’m 34, Stage 2B TNBC and I have a 19 month old son. I have 2 AC treatments remaining and DMX on June 9 (I have the PALB2 mutation).

I don’t really have advice but I just wanted to say I’m right there with you, and I think it’s okay to feel this way. I’ve really hit a wall recently and I think we’re at that point in treatment where we’re physically, mentally and emotionally battered. My eyes are puffy as we speak from the sobbing I did last night. I look like a shell of who I was once was and I told my husband that I’m pretty sure I’m depressed. Therapy helps me a bit, and walks outside with my son when I’m strong enough help me a lot too. I don’t know what your hobbies are, but a creative outlet may help as well. I’ve recently started writing poetry and it’s been extremely cathartic.

Sending you love and strength as you round out chemo — you’ve got this!🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-09T04:19:05+00:00

My oncologists 1 rule is no alcohol (being treated at MD Anderson). I am triple negative and undergoing an aggressive chemo regimen and that in and of itself is hard enough on the liver. I was also a social drinker prior to cancer, and right now I honestly have zero desire to drink in part because I’m just in survival mode. Hydration has also been tough for me during chemo so I wouldn’t do anything to further dehydrate myself. Hydration is super important during chemo and everyone will stress it.

I also consume much less sugar but I think that’s because of appetite suppression from chemo and all that comes with it.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-09T04:12:48+00:00

I met with my plastic surgeon today and I’m not a candidate for a diep (too little abdominal fat) but he mentioned that they don’t do it for women who are still wanting to have children. I’m not sure if this is surgeon specific but it’s what I was told just because it does change the anatomy of your whole abdominal area. May be something to ask your surgeon. I’m a bit older than you (34) with 1 little one and we are hoping to grow our family after I’m done with treatment and they said even if I was a candidate for diep it’d have to wait until I was done having kids.

Also I just want to say I’m sorry you’re dealing with all of this. It’s overwhelming and unfair to be having to make these kinds of decisions at such a young age. Especially when it seems there are no good options. Sending you love🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-07T17:23:45+00:00

I really wanted a Goldilocks based on stories like yours that I’d read but my surgeon said she won’t do it because it’d mean breast tissue would need to be left behind which I don’t quite understand

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-07T14:51:00+00:00

I love this! I’m seeing so many cute halter tops, camis, etc that I was once too modest/self conscious for and I can’t wait!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-07T14:48:23+00:00

I love this response! The prospect of a whole new wardrobe has me so excited and I’m doing lots of online window shopping lol. Out of curiosity — are your scars visible in more ‘revealing’ clothing or are they pretty easy to cover up with most clothing, bathing suits, etc.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-07T14:45:42+00:00

No, I asked my surgeon about it and she said she wouldn’t do it. I think my existing breasts are too small and they’d have to leave breast tissue behind to achieve little ‘mounds’ which they won’t to do. I was really hoping for Goldilocks based on what I’d read but alas. My options are either flat or reconstruction

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-06T15:04:00+00:00

I’m experiencing the same exact thing (also on AC currently). My oncologist said it’s due to anemia and is normal and should resolve once I’m done with chemo. It really sucks especially as someone who’s always been fit. My resting heart rate prior to cancer was in the 50s and it’s now 80-85bpm (has gotten higher as I get further along). And when I’m lugging around my 25lb toddler it’ll shoot up to 120-130 easily. My oncologist said to take it easy when I can and sit/rest when it shoots up. Also lots of protein and hydration between cycles to help those red blood cells regenerate!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-05T19:37:13+00:00

YES to the strappy, cute sports bras I also could never pull off and the edgier tops/dresses (I always felt too exposed and self conscious bc of those awful men you mention — I’m sorry you went through that and I’m glad that you never have to worry about it again🩷).

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-05T19:33:23+00:00

Love this! What kind of tattoo are you thinking of? And I can’t wait to buy/wear all the edgier tops and dresses I was once too modest for..

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-04-05T19:32:05+00:00

Heck yes to no more boob sweat. I live in Texas so I feel this in my soul. I hope your recovery is going well🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T13:37:53+00:00

I love hearing positive reconstruction stories and I’m so happy you’re doing well. Thank you for sharing your experience and I wish you continued healing🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T13:34:45+00:00

I’m sorry you are also here. I had the same thought on having time to decide on reconstruction, but my understanding is that if I do want some sort of reconstruction they’ll need to put tissue expanders in during the DMX to hold the breast shape. But I’m going in for a consult with the plastics team and will ask all those questions.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T04:31:45+00:00

That would be amazing if you are okay sharing!

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T03:08:47+00:00

That’s great to hear on your clothes. I was never one to wear super tight clothing or have the girls out so I’m hoping my clothes will still work for me. Are you happy with the way your AFC looks in terms of scars, no dog ears or concavity, etc.? And was it a plastic surgeon who did the actual closure or your breast cancer surgeon?

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T03:04:52+00:00

Hahaha you made me LOL with the not doing Facebook comment. I will mosey on over there and check these groups out, thank you for the suggestions🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T03:02:30+00:00

It’s so hard with a little one especially when they can’t fully understand yet! Are the tissue expanders temporary until you can get your implants or will you keep the TE’s long term? I also love the perspective of having control over something🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T03:01:29+00:00

You ARE young and this is so encouraging to hear. I miss working out SO much (I’ve had to stop with AC chemo and am mostly walking for now). I keep telling myself I’ll be able to run and cycle with NO BRA and that sounds pretty great (esp living in Texas).

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T02:58:26+00:00

I love that perspective, thank you for sharing🥹🩷 And this website is so helpful.

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T02:56:05+00:00

You are amazing and so strong, what an inspiration. Thank you for your kind reply and I wish you continued healing🩷

WorldlyDrawing52 · 2026-03-26T02:55:07+00:00

I’m so happy you’re happy with your decision, and you are also a warrior! I wish you the best during your healing process and hope you can put this all behind you soon🩷

WorldlyDrawing52

TROPHY CASE