Welcome to the Cancer Chat community Boneyjoney although I'm really sorry to hear about the side effects you've been contending with and for the impact Letrozole has had on your relationship.

I hope some of our members who have encountered similar issues will stop by soon to share their experiences and advice but in the meantime, I hope this information we have about sex and cancer and how to cope with a low sex drive will help you at this time.

You can also get in touch with one of our cancer nurses about this next week. They will be back in the office on Tuesday, with their helpline being open between 9a.m - 5p.m. They're very easy to talk to and will do all they can to support you, so do give them a call on 0808 800 4040 if you feel talking things through with them will help.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Good morning Boneyjoney.  I am in exactly the same boat as you.  No libido at all and intercourse is just too painful no matter what I try.  I had breast cancer twelve years ago and it hasnt got any better since then.  It used to upset me so much and used to feel bad for my husband.  I think it is now something that we have both had to accept.  I dont really know what to say but I just wanted you to know that you are not alone

Lee x

Hi Steph

Thankyou for the information. I've read the links and will call the Cancer Team next week.  Enjoy the Easter break x

Hi Lee

Thankyou so much for your response, it's much appreciated.  I know we shouldn't complain. Life is so precious and we need to accept that thing's can go wrong from time to time. My husband is very loving and totally understands the problem I have.   I think it's me that has to deal with the changes....but it's so hard.  Enjoy your weekend x

Hi Boneyjoney I remember now that the doctor said she could prescribe a course of estrogen's pessaries I think I cant remember.  My cancer is estragon positive but she said a short course would be okay.  I dont know why I didnt try it.  Have you spoken to your doctor about it.  I was and still am embarrassed to talk about it.  I shouldnt be I know.  Cancer changes everything, your life and your partners life too.  Good job we have loving husbands x

Lee x

Hi Lee...Yes estrogen was mentioned to me....but as my cancer was estrogen positive I wasn't keen to put myself at more risk.   I find it quite easy to talk to female Dr's or the breast care nurses.  We were referred to sexual health counselling....but found that very unhelpful as it seemed to be all about whether or not we had an abusive relationship or whether our parents had a loving relationship!  Seemed a pointless exercise as we both knew the problem was as a result of breast cancer and being on letrozole.  Hey ho....as you say thank goodness our husbands are loving and understanding. X