What happens during a Zoladex implant injection appointment?

Today was my first ever Zoladex treatment. My breast cancer is oestrogen positive so to prevent another reoccurrence, this time I am being put in to the menopause.

Zoladex (also known as Goserelin) is used in the treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer, particularly in premenopausal women like me. Zoladex works by suppressing ovarian function, which in turn reduces the production of oestrogen—a hormone that unfortunately for me, has fuelled the growth of my oestrogen positive breast cancer. Essentially the Zoladex is will temporarily "shut down" my ovaries by sending signals to my brain to stop production of oestrogen. If I can cope with the symptoms of menopause then I will consider opting to have my ovaries removed. The great thing about Zoladex is that the effects are reversible, should my quality of life be impacted to a great extent.

In breast cancer treatment, Zoladex is often used in combination with other therapies such as surgery, chemotherapy, or hormonal treatments. It is typically prescribed to women who have early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer or those who are at high risk of recurrence. By lowering oestrogen levels, Zoladex helps to shrink tumours, prevent cancer recurrence, and, in some cases, delay the need for chemotherapy.

Zoladex is an implant that sits under the skin and is administered via an injection, usually every month (like in my case) or every three months, depending on the treatment plan. While it is not a cure for breast cancer, it is a valuable tool in managing the disease and improving long-term outcomes for many patients. As with any medication, it carries potential side effects, including menopause-like symptoms such as hot flashes and changes in menstrual cycles and the one that they mention the most.... vaginal dryness. Everyone is different so I'll let you know how I get on. 

I recorded the injection in case anyone (like me) prefers to know what's coming...

What happens during a radiotherapy planning appointment?

This morning I attending my radiotherapy planning appointment at Liverpool Clatterbridge Centre. I wasn't nervous at all for this one, in fact the only thing that bothered me was that my appointment was at 8.15am - who does that!?!

I gave my name in at reception and waited to be called my one of the nursing team. She took me in to a side room and went through all of my details. I'd already signed a  consent form for my radiotherapy so the nurse went through some health and medication questions with me. After that I was taken in to the CT room for my scan so that the doctor and radiographers can work out the best way to deliver radiation to the area that needs treatment.

The CT scan helps create detailed images of my body to show exactly where the cancer was and how the radiation should be aimed to prevent future reoccurrence.

I hopped on to the bed and I was asked to lie still with my arms above my head in the stirrups.
During the scan a small breathing monitor was placed on my tummy and I was asked to practice holding my breath. It was quite easy and a small screen in front of me showed my breath as a blue line. I needed to keep my breath held for 20 seconds in the green space during the practice. The reason I have to hold my breath is that the area that I am having my radiotherapy on is very close to my heart. Breathing in will ensure that my heart does not get zapped!

Dot worry though, if you cough or cant hold your breath, then as soon as the blue line moves out of the green the radiotherapy automatically stops.

 Once the scan was complete, the team explained that in order to make sure the radiation hits the right spot each time I needed to have three small tattoos (just dots) on my skin as markers. One in the centre (between my boobs) and one on each side - just level with my underams.

The tattoos are tiny and permanent, and will basically guide the radiotherapy team in giving me the correct treatment. The whole process is carefully planned to make sure the radiation targets only the cancerous area and protects the surrounding healthy tissue.