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Letrozole concerns

Brighter
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I’m so lucky as I only need radiotherapy after my recent removal of invasive ductal breast cancer….i have been told I have to take LETROZOLE for 10 years but because of my current health issues (heart and lung) and having seen my dad struggle with repeated infections due to low white blood cell count caused by blood cancer before he passed away last May I am concerned about the potential side effects of this hormone treatment…I already have hair loss and osteoarthritis and menopausal hot flashes, dry skin and brain fog, so although I am grateful for a drug which could prevent my cancer returning I am concerned …any advice? Thanks

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    Hi Brighter,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am glad to hear that your surgery is behind you and that you now only need radiotherapy and Letrozole. I can understand your concerns, given your father's experience. There really is no way of telling for certain, what side-effects, if any, you will have when taking Letrozole. My hair thinned, I had hot flushes, dry skin, brain fog, lack of concentration, eye problems, depression, and insomnia. I did have osteoarthritis before I was diagnosed, but ended up with pain in all joints and had to have a double knee replacement. I stopped taking Letrozole after 6 and a half years. That was in 2017 and although I still have pain in all of my joints, I would still take it again if I had to, as I am now 14 years down the line from diagnosis.

    Have you discussed this with your care team? They can usually tell you what percentage gain you would get from taking this.

    This has to be your decision, as you are the person who has to live with the outcome. Whatever you decide, I sincerely hope that it's the right decision for you.

    Please keep in touch and let us know which choice you finally opt for. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Offline in reply to Jolamine

    Dear Jolamine

    Thank you for sharing your experience; I am going to speak to the breast care nurses to talk through my concerns …I know I am so lucky to have been offered this treatment. 

    much appreciated 

    Brighter

  • Offline in reply to Brighter

    Hi Brighter,

    Do as, as it's important to reach the right decision for you. If the nurses can't answer anything, they can always speak to your consultant and get back to you.

    You'll find it helpful to write down all of your questions before you speak to anybody, as it's all too easy to forget something important at the time. I took 2 copies of my questions to all appointments. I gave one to my hubby and he wrote down the answers, as I asked the questions.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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