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Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Stage 1

Haze6262
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Diagnosed with Ductal Carcinoma In Situ (DCIS) I'm 9ths into my journey which has been life changing having to take Letrozole dialy which is making me feel extremely tired that I don't even have the energy and will power to commit to daily (possible 2twice per week) exercise..
I feel the Letrozole is the course of my anguish but then i also suffer from Diabetes type 2. (Sugars are up & down - peaks & troughs) Sometimes I am at my wits end trying to cope with the ay I feel. I am thinking of asking my GP for another oncology medication. I think its worth a try to possibly reduce some of the side effects. Menopause has started all over again (from late 40's though to the 60's) I just feel like guinea pig under experiment and not sure what to do? Could you recommended a few quick win solutions?
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    Hi Haze,

    A very warm welcome to the forum.

    The early stages of a cancer treatment are always a challenge. I am sorry to hear that you are having problems with Letrozole. Most of the hormone therapies have similar side-effects, though some may hit different people in different ways. Unfortunately, there are no quick win solutions that I know of. 

    I was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer, had a lumpectomy and took Tamoxifen for the first year. I am also a type 2 Diabetic. Six months after surgery, I was diagnosed with pre cancerous cells, in my other breast. Just under a year after my original surgery, I found another cancer in my original breast. This time I had a double mastectomy and changed over to Letrozole, which I took for 6½ years. This wasn't as taxing on my emotions, but really went for my joints instead. I ended up having both knees replaced and am now waiting to see the orthopaedic surgeon about my hips. That was all 14 years ago and I still lead a busy and fulfilling life, although I am left with the legacy of extreme fatigue..

    Some people sail through treatment, without any side-effects, but unfortunately, I wasn't one of them. However, if I had to continue this treatment I would, as it has afforded me all this extra time with friends and family. It would certainly be worth talking to your breast care nurse or your consultant about how you feel and maybe trying something else.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hello and thanks for posting

    I'm sorry you are going through a difficult time at the moment.

    People vary in the side effects they experience with their hormone treatment and I see that you've been given some good advice from Jolamine. 

    We would also suggest that you speak to your breast care team about how letrozole is affecting your quality of life. There are other hormonal treatments which may have different side effects. Your breast care team can help you weigh up the risk and benefits of switching medications to help you reach an informed decision about what would be best for you.

    We have information on coping with menopausal symptoms that may be helpful to you.

    Breast Cancer Now offers a buddy system where they try and put you in touch with women who are going through similar things and you may find this useful.

    I hope this is of some help. Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene

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