Letrozole and ovarian cancer

Hi all, I had borderline ovarian cancer Stage 3b 2 yrs ago, and following surgery I was put on Letrozole to prevent eostrogen forming, I’ve been advised that I will need to take this for the rest of my life, I’m struggling so much with side effects of joint pain, especially hands and feet, fatigue, depression, and just generally no life in me,  I’m trying different supplements to try and manage the effects but nothing seems to be working and I just don’t know where to turn for advice, my consultant doesn’t seem interested in that side of things so I’m feeling pretty deflated with it, just wondered whether any of you lovely lot had any advice for me x tia x 

  • Hello MissyMoo74

    I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling with the side effects of the Letrozole that you're taking. I know from reading other posts here on the forum just how debilitating these can be and how they can impact your quality of daily life. 

    It's disappointing that you don't feel your Consultant is taking these problems seriously. Please do get in touch with your clinical nurse specialist if you have one or the Consultant's secretary and ask for an appointment to discuss your ongoing medication. If it helps to have someone with you during that appointment for support then you might want to ask a family member or friend to accompany you. It can also sometimes help to write down your problems, concerns, and questions ahead of an appointment. 

    It's certainly worth talking with your Consultant to see if there are any other alternative hormone inhibitors or medications that you may be able to try and indeed to help you weight up the risks and benefits of continuing with this medication. 

    You might also want to speak with your GP for some support and advice in the meantime. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. I know they will be happy to listen and offer any advice, information, and support they can as well as help you think about any points you might want to raise with the Consultant. 

    I do hope that you're able to find a way forward MissyMoo74 that isn't as difficult as you're currently finding things. 

    Do let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator