Hi JimRo, 

It's great that these two drugs have stopped the cancer from returning but I am so sorry to hear that your wife has now developed brain fog type symptoms and short term memory loss. I think it might be worth flagging this with her medical team and asking whether they think that these symptoms she is now experiencing might be related. Explain that you have read that the long term use of letrozole can impair cognitive function. They will also be in the best position to tell you what steps to take or how to alleviate these issues. 

It might be helpful to talk things through with our cancer nurses and there is a free helpline you can ring on 0808 800 4040 - it is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. 

I hope that you will also hear from others on here who have experienced similar side effects and that they will be happy to share their Letrozole stories and experiences with you. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Lucie, many thanks for your message. I will take up your suggestion to speak to one of the Cancer Nurses.

Best wishes and keep up the good work.

Jim

I’m not sure if my earlier reply was successful…I can’t see it !

Anyway, thank you Lucie and I will speak to one of the Cancer Nurses.

Best wishes and keep up the good work….

Jim.

Hi Jim,

I am so sorry to hear that your wife is experiencing these problems. 

I took Letrozole for 6½ years, following 2 bouts of breast cancer. I suffered from lack of concentration, brain fog and memory loss as a result and had a number of other side-effects. It is now 10 years since I stopped taking these, but this is a legacy which has remained with me ever since. Fortunately, the deterioration stopped when I finished taking Letrozole, but I have never got back to where I was before treatment. I have tried many of the suggestions on coping mechanisms, but to no avail.

Many others have complained about these side-effects from Letrozole, but I haven't heard of any action that might help to reverse these symptoms. It is a good idea to talk to her medical team and to make them aware of the situation and it will be interesting to hear about what they suggest.

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

Kind regards,

Jolamine