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Hi everyone - living with side effects of letrozole

Crystal53
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I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the end of 2023. I had a lumpectomy and so far I’m still clear. They put me on Letrozole straight away and, apart from some night sweats, muscle aches and headaches, it’s been ok so far. I’m now getting a completely different symptom. I’ve had brain fog, mainly losing words when talking, for a couple of months and didn’t know until recently that apparently Letrozole can cause this.

I look forward to talking to everyone on here.

  • Hello Crystal53

    I'm sorry to hear that you've recently had some new symptoms appear, which you feel are attributed to letrozole. One of the side effects listed for Letrozole is problems with your memory. 

    It's worth talking things through with your specialist cancer nurse or GP if you feel that the side effects are impacting your daily life. Some women report that they find side effects can change when using different brands of medication, so if you've recently changed brand of letrozole, then it's worth talking with your pharmacist about trying a different brand to see if this helps. 

    If you'd like to chat things through with one of our nurses, you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information and support they can. 

    I hope things settle for you soon Crystal53. Keep in touch and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    Thank you Jenn. I was hoping that others had the same symptom, hopefully there will be someone. Feeling very depressed and anxious.

  • in reply to Crystal53

    Hello Crystal53

    I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling so depressed and anxious about things. Cancer can leave us dealing with a whole host of side effects, thoughts and emotions and it can take time to find our "new normal" after active treatment ends. 

    Hopefully you will be able to connect with other women who have experience with this side effect soon. In the meantime, I'd really encourage you to reach out to your breast care nurse or GP for some help and support with how you're feeling. You could also have a look at some of the support that Penny Brohn offers or if there is a Maggie's centre in your area, then you could drop in for a cuppa and chat. 

    Don't forget that our nurses are available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040 and the Cancer Chat forum is always here for you as well Crystal53. 

    Sending you my best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Jenn

    I called the GP surgery yesterday and asked if I could make an appointment to see a specific GP as she knows all about my mental health problems. They said that I can’t make any appointments on the phone to see any doctor and I will have to call or fill in a form online on Monday at 8am but it will go before triage and I can’t specify a doctor. I’m really upset about it, I’m worried enough about the memory problems without all this on top.

    Thanks Jenn for the support, I know how busy you must be. I was a moderator on a mental health forum for years, I stopped about a year ago. Please don’t think that you have to keep replying. 

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