Hi. I have now taken Letrozole for over 6 years.  I cope pretty well but it definitely affected my moods.  I am a very positive person, was always chirpy and 'seem to remember ' - 'funny' and fun.  I think it's like very serious pmt.  I take a tiny dose of anti depressant venlafaxine which just tips me back to 'normal' mood.  I get twitchy, short tempered and anxious at times and my husband often says why don't I up my dose.  I'm reluctant to do this as if I miss it, even once I feel terrible - physically dizzy etc. So it would mean I can't ever stop it.   But, it is worth taking to counteract moods and the letrozole is something I'm not prepared to stop taking  if it stops, or ups odds to stop cancer coming back.  Letrozole does affect my mood, and also creates issues with libido and other physical effects, but on balance so happy to be able to take it as a prevention measure. 

Dear Janie

I am experiencing exactly the same symptoms since taking Letrozole. I was a. Sunny happy optimistic person prior to taking this drug. Even during diagnosis and surgery I didn’t cry or get upset but since I started the drug I am like a different person. Also feeling much less tolerant of other people.

it is a comfort to me Janie to know that it’s not just me. I thank you for your honest reply. I think that I need to come to terms with the change that Letrozole has made in me. I am scared though of taking more drugs because I have become addicted to sleeping tablets since this bad blip in my life. 

How much longer will you need to take Letrozole? I hope that you can come off it soon. I was told seven years. It feels as if the drug is stealing the next few years of my life and not only have I lost my breast, but it has stolen so much that was precious to me. It really affects the relationship with our husbands and like you, I’m not feeling the desire for physical intimacy, although I know I must resolve this because I don’t want my husband to be unhappy with me.

The song “Yesterday” springs to mind. Certainly all my troubles were insignificant prior to this.

So Janie, thank you for your reply.  I take comfort that you are cancer free and that this may be attributed to continued use of this drug.

I wish you good health, happiness and long life.

all bst wishes

Nikki

xxx

Dear Janie

I am experiencing exactly the same symptoms since taking Letrozole. I was a. Sunny happy optimistic person prior to taking this drug. Even during diagnosis and surgery I didn’t cry or get upset but since I started the drug I am like a different person. Also feeling much less tolerant of other people.

it is a comfort to me Janie to know that it’s not just me. I thank you for your honest reply. I think that I need to come to terms with the change that Letrozole has made in me. I am scared though of taking more drugs because I have become addicted to sleeping tablets since this bad blip in my life. 

How much longer will you need to take Letrozole? I hope that you can come off it soon. I was told seven years. It feels as if the drug is stealing the next few years of my life and not only have I lost my breast, but it has stolen so much that was precious to me. It really affects the relationship with our husbands and like you, I’m not feeling the desire for physical intimacy, although I know I must resolve this because I don’t want my husband to be unhappy with me.

The song “Yesterday” springs to mind. Certainly all my troubles were insignificant prior to this.

So Janie, thank you for your reply.  I take comfort that you are cancer free and that this may be attributed to continued use of this drug.

I wish you good health, happiness and long life.

all bst wishes

Nikki

xxx

Hi. It's difficult I know, but When I am feeling down I just think of the people who weren't given any options.  I think I was one of the first group  to have Letrozole prescribed for so long and As long as my dexa scans are ok (monitoring osteoporosis risk?)will probably keep on it?  Physically,  my hair is thinning a bit but generally I feel fit and healthy.  I didn't go for reconstruction as after 2 ops had had enough 'messing about'.  I was just so pleased to be rid.  It's not always easy but my husband doesn't seem to mind me being lopsided.  The remaining one is still quite attractive! I dont think he would be the person I chose to  be with if he did.  He does find my moods difficult sometimes  - can be the *** from hell, but  it's a question of weighing up your options and trying to accept it might not always be ideal.  Do ask about something to help your moods and you can also ask for help with your difficulties in the bedroom, but physical closeness and affection is important to you both.  At least you know it's not you!  Keep well and happy.

Thanks Janie

such wise words. It’s been so helpful being in contact with you. I’m literally just leaving home f R my first radiotherapy session. Barely slept all night but it will be good to start ticking off the number of sessions left and reclaim my life.

luckily, my husband has been incredibly supportive. His own mother had a full mastectomy and all lymph nodes removed and my mum is currently being treated for breast cancer. I have moments of total despIr when I am holding my baby granddaughter in my arms, hoping that my daughter and granddaughters don’t have to go through this. I’m having the genetic testing done because so many of my family have had cancer.

all best wishes Janie. Got to go xxx