Hello Valmugg,

I am over 3 years past ending my treatment so further along the road than you. However I was prescribed Letrozole after completing the radiotherapy too but only took it for about 3 months and even then I did it intermittently. My body ached and my emotions fell flat. Within a couple of weeks I was a mess. That drug isn't for me!  

However I would never recommend to anyone to follow my example. It DOES mean we are taking a bigger risk. A recurrence is more likely to happen. That's a fact. BUT  I want a quality life. I exercise a lot and eat sensibly (mostly!) Those things help too. My oncologist explained my particular risks and I decided that I was happy to go with that. I MAY come to regret it but so far I absolutely don't. I feel really well and strong and happy not to have a hormonal war going on inside me!!! 

You don't mention your age which is quite an important factor I think. I am 70. Post-menopausal which is a help. If I had been 40 I suspect I would have taken Letrozole. It's hard to know of course but I think so.

I guess we all have to make the decisions we feel comfortable making. I am happy without the hormonal treatment and cannot see me changing my mind on that. I hope you are at peace with your decision which ever way you finally go with it. 
Stay well. 
Kebbs x 
 

Hello Valmugg,

I am over 3 years past ending my treatment so further along the road than you. However I was prescribed Letrozole after completing the radiotherapy too but only took it for about 3 months and even then I did it intermittently. My body ached and my emotions fell flat. Within a couple of weeks I was a mess. That drug isn't for me!  

However I would never recommend to anyone to follow my example. It DOES mean we are taking a bigger risk. A recurrence is more likely to happen. That's a fact. BUT  I want a quality life. I exercise a lot and eat sensibly (mostly!) Those things help too. My oncologist explained my particular risks and I decided that I was happy to go with that. I MAY come to regret it but so far I absolutely don't. I feel really well and strong and happy not to have a hormonal war going on inside me!!! 

You don't mention your age which is quite an important factor I think. I am 70. Post-menopausal which is a help. If I had been 40 I suspect I would have taken Letrozole. It's hard to know of course but I think so.

I guess we all have to make the decisions we feel comfortable making. I am happy without the hormonal treatment and cannot see me changing my mind on that. I hope you are at peace with your decision which ever way you finally go with it. 
Stay well. 
Kebbs x 
 

Thank you, Kebbs. I have really been stressed about this, and as you say I believe that it's because of the war going on with my hormones because of taking the letrazole. I am usually a very upbeat person and was, right from the diagnosis last September to waiting for the radiotherapy treatments. I started the letrazole in October and my mood has gone down since. I was shocked by how sore my ribs were and that I could not lay on them. Once I stopped the letrozole this gradually dissipated. I don't want to be like this and having to take other medication to combat the side effects. I have a friend who has never taken it and that was many years ago and she is fine. I will be 72 in September this year. I think I will be much happier without it. Thank you for replying. You have put my mind at rest.

Hi Kebb

I am new on here and I found it really helpful reading your decision to stop Letrozole as I have too after 2 years of chronic pain all over my body. I decided to go for quality of life rather than feeling sick daily and hurting everywhere, some say I'm crazy but I can't live like this anymore I just want me back. I haven't felt any different yet as it's only been 2 weeks but hoping it is soon as it is affecting my ability to do my job also. I haven't told my doctor or hospital as the last time I saw my consultant I was told heartlessly that I need to learn to deal with the pain and move on (ouch) thank you your post really helped

HI Sassy,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

I am sorry to hear that you have had problems with taking Letrozole too. Many of us do, but it is worth talking to your breast care nurse about this, as there are alternative treatments, which might be better for you. Do you know what type, stage and grade of breast cancer you had?

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Sassy,

I am glad you found what I said to be pertinent. To take Letrozole or not to take it is a big decision that has to  be yours alone of course, once you have all the facts. 

Sadly not all doctors 'get it' that a cancer diagnosis is devastating enough without them being heartless about things. 
I do hope you recover well and get back to being your former self. Life is good x