HI Bee,

I am so sorry to hear that your cancer has returned for the second time. Can I ask what type and grade you had first time around and, when you were diagnosed, what surgery and treatment you had then?

You ask a very valid question. The problem is that some people sail through hormone therapy with no side-effects at all, whilst others have a terrible time.

I have had 2 bouts of breast cancer in the past 11 years. The first time I had a lumpectomy, followed by Tamoxifen. The second bout,which was only a year after I was first diagnosed, was treated by a bilateral mastectomy, followed by Letrozole for 6 years. I had terible problems with my emotional state, night sweats, weight gain and some Arthritis, when I was taking Tamoxifent. However, my parents had problems with Arthritis, so it is impossible to say whether or not I might have developed my joint problems, even if I hadn't been taking Tamoxifen. It sounds as if you might find yourself in the same quandry if you started taking  any hormone therapy.

When I moved on to Letrozole, I found that my joints became much sorer, although my emotional state improved. I was post-menopausal when I started to take both. I eventually ended up having both knees replaced. I stopped taking Letrozole in July 2017, but still have pain in all of my joints.

Have you asked what percentage gain you will get from taking either of these drugs? Your care team should be able to give you the stasticis. In some cases, the percentage gain is very small.

I perservered with my hormone therapy, because I did not have chemo or radiation, although I had been advised to have radioptherapy. It was hard, but in hindsight, yes, I would probably still take it again.

I hope that, whatever you decide, it is the best solution for you.

Do please keep us posted. We are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx