Hi Gairloch,

A very warm welcome to our forum.

If you have read the information leaflet in your packet of Letrozole, you will have discovered that it can cause all sorts of side-effects, which can be quite daunting. However, although the manufacturers have to highlight the possibilities, not everyone gets side-effects. I took Tamoxifen for the first year after diagnosis, but discovered a second cancer after less than a year and I changed to Letrozole for 6½ years. I had side-effects with both, but if I had to, I would take them again, as it is now 15 years since I was first diagnosed. 

I hope that all goes well with you and that you will be one of the lucky ones, who sail through treatment.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi there I’m on week 3 of letrozole. I hadn’t had symptoms until week 3-tired, stiff joints, momentary feeling of light headed ness. Mind you not sure if they’re just old age and overweight rather than letrozole based. Also I’ve read on here that different packets can change symptoms. They have different films on the outside of the tablet. My second packet is from different pharmaceutical company. Good Luck on your journey

Hi Mummymartin,

It usually takes 3-4 weeks for the effects of Letrozole to start kicking in. I am sorry to hear that you are beginning to find some side-effects, but it can be difficult to be sure whether or not these are due to the natural ageing process, or to the Letrozole. Some advice given for coping with this, is to take the medication in the evening, instead of the morning, or to stick to a particular brand of Letrozole. The side-effects can also sometimes lessen, after you've been taking it for a while.

Despite having had a lot of side effects, I would be happy to take Letrozole again, as it has given me 15 years with my family and friends - what price can you put on that?

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi there 

thank you for your comments. Yes I do agree these minor side effects are worth it if you think of the alternative. I still haven’t processed the last few months so I get annoyed with myself that my body isn’t the same visually, physically and emotionally. I have been referred for counselling so I’m hoping that will help as I still have radiotherapy sessions in June 

Hi Mummymartin,

I can fully understand how you feel about your body image. I don't think that any of us are ever truly the same after a cancer diagnosis. Everything happens so quickly after diagnosis, that we don't feel in charge of our own bodies any longer and we just get swept up into the flow of surgery and treatment, with little time to worry about the emotional aspects of such devastating news. We ae all very aware of self-image and this can also take quite a knock after surgery. I am glad to hear that you plan to see a counsellor - have you got a date for this yet? You will find it helpful to write down in advance how you feel about everything.

Have you considered going to Breast Cancer Now's "Moving Forward" course?  I found it very helpful to talk to others, who also felt like this and have gradually come round to being proud of my battle scars! You have come through a lot in a short space of time and have been so positive throughout - we all have these glitches. I am sure that this positivity will return - just give yourself time.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx

Hi Mummymartin,

I can fully understand how you feel about your body image. I don't think that any of us are ever truly the same after a cancer diagnosis. Everything happens so quickly after diagnosis, that we don't feel in charge of our own bodies any longer and we just get swept up into the flow of surgery and treatment, with little time to worry about the emotional aspects of such devastating news. We ae all very aware of self-image and this can also take quite a knock after surgery. I am glad to hear that you plan to see a counsellor - have you got a date for this yet? You will find it helpful to write down in advance how you feel about everything.

Have you considered going to Breast Cancer Now's "Moving Forward" course?  I found it very helpful to talk to others, who also felt like this and have gradually come round to being proud of my battle scars! You have come through a lot in a short space of time and have been so positive throughout - we all have these glitches. I am sure that this positivity will return - just give yourself time.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx