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Letrozole

bec1
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Hi all, I'm new to this post but was happy to see I'm not alone with the side effects. I have had a double mastectomy in Feb 2021 followed by letrozol and zoladex injections. My symptoms are everything that it says on the paper inside the box. It is affecting my quality life and my job( more on the sick than I am in work) the worse ailment is vertigo, muscle/joint pain, no energy.low mood. I am 53 but feel like 83. I work full time and care for my Husband who caught Covid in Dec 2020 and was ventilated when I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Covid has left him on oxygen 24/7 and in a wheelchair. So I have decided to come off all cancer medication as my day to day living and quality of life outweighs cancer returning. My husband has been given 3-5 years to live, I need to feel normal again and spend what time he has left making memories not laying in bed most of the day in pain. I don't know if it's the right decision but it's my decision.

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  • Hello Bec1

    I'm sorry to hear about all that you've been through over the past 18 months. To not only have to deal with your cancer diagnosis but also with your husband's illness and to now be caring for him with his disability, well you've been through so much. 

    Many women find that the hormones medication they're prescribed following a breast cancer diagnosis doesn't suit them. For some people, the benefits of the medication are worth the side effects but I know from many posts that I've read here on the forum that sometimes people feel they're not. You tried the recommended medication and it sounds like it had a huge impact on your quality of life. I think most people would be able to understand the decision that you've made. 

    The only additional point I would make is please do speak to the breast care team if you've not already done so. It's important that they're aware of your decision so that your continued monitoring can be altered accordingly if necessary. 

    If at any point you want to talk things through with one of our team of nurses you're welcome to call them. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I do hope that things improve for you soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

Reply

  • Hello Bec1

    I'm sorry to hear about all that you've been through over the past 18 months. To not only have to deal with your cancer diagnosis but also with your husband's illness and to now be caring for him with his disability, well you've been through so much. 

    Many women find that the hormones medication they're prescribed following a breast cancer diagnosis doesn't suit them. For some people, the benefits of the medication are worth the side effects but I know from many posts that I've read here on the forum that sometimes people feel they're not. You tried the recommended medication and it sounds like it had a huge impact on your quality of life. I think most people would be able to understand the decision that you've made. 

    The only additional point I would make is please do speak to the breast care team if you've not already done so. It's important that they're aware of your decision so that your continued monitoring can be altered accordingly if necessary. 

    If at any point you want to talk things through with one of our team of nurses you're welcome to call them. I'm sure they will be happy to offer any advice and support they can. They're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    I do hope that things improve for you soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

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