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Stopping Letrozole

Mchw
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I  am currently on letrozole and ibrance for secondary breast cancer have been taking this for 2 years, I also used this alongside medicinal cannabis and my most recent scan has shown there is no cancer cells detected by CT scan. The letrozole I have struggled with the side effects and would like to stop taking both of these drugs. Is there anyone that has stopped this treatment after getting a clear result. My oncologist wants me to continue on the treatment however has not indicated how long. 

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    Hello Mchw,

    Such great news to have a clear scan! Brilliant. 
     

    Yes I have stopped taking Letrozole. I just couldn't stand sweating/low mood/aching joints etc. I took it every other day for 6 months and now I don't take it at all.  I guess the after effects really weren't THAT bad for me but I think to be fair I have always been resistant to chemicals in my body. Yes I know I AM taking a risk but my oncologist says (for me anyway) there is only a 2% help from Letrozole so I just didn't feel it was worth all the hassle. 
     

    I had had breast cancer stage 2 diagnosed in October 2019 and after my breast conserving op and 15 sessions of radiotherapy I didn't want the added angst of the hormone treatment. I do occasionally worry about the 'risk' but I am feeling great now and don't want tablets to spoil that!!! 
     

    It's a very individual thing I think. Many women seem to sail through taking the hormones. It was just never going to be for me. 

    My MRI scan in early September 2021 was clear so that was brilliant. Roll on the next one. Hoping that it will be clear this Autumn too.  
    I am wishing you every success. I strongly advise you to make  the decision with your oncologist. They know best and they will also work out your risk of getting the cancer back. It's all helpful things to know. 
     

    Stay well.

    Big love,

    Kebbs x x 
     

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    It's a hard decision to stop the drugs. I am on Anastrazole   6 months after surgery, chemo and radiotherapy for stage 2 breast cancer. Would like to stop taking it but scared of secondary. The side effects were not good at first but seemed to have calmed down. Sleeplessness and tiredness still. I think it's only a decision you can make, with advise from your oncologist. I haven't had any scans yet , it's great news that yours are clear.

    Best wishes

    Silver 

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    Hi Mchw,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am delighted to hear that your scan was clear and hope that this continues to be the case.

    How bad are your side-effects to Letrozole? My cancer was primary and not very aggressive, yet I have had 2 bouts in the past 11 years. I took Tamoxifen for the first year and was then changed to Letrozole after I had a double mastectomy for the second bout. I finished taking Letrozole in July 2017, after taking it for 6½ years. 

    I had a number of nasty side-effects, leading to a further 7 operations on my eyes and joints, as well as the commoner ones. I lost my mum to secondary breast cancer and, like Silverdays, I was afraid of this happening if I stopped, so I perservered. 

    This is a very hard decision to make and nobody can make it for you. You can however be guided by your care team, so please discuss this with them before stopping. They can give you figures to compare how much more effective the Letrozole can be instead of having no treatment, or they may even be able to change you to another medication. This has to be your decision and yours alone and, I sincerely hope that you reach the right decision for you.

    Please keep in touch and let us know what you decide.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

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