Letrozole vs Tamoxifen

Hi  ER+ Breast Cancer survivors,

I'd like your views on Tamoxifen vs Letrozole. 

I've been on Letrozole for 4 months due to age (53) and not having had a menstrual bleed for 11 months - however, a week ago I did have a bleed and now need bloods to determine if I'm post or peri menopausal. 

I've had to stop taking Letrozole. 

To be honest, it was awful. Joint stiffness, lethargy, low mood, increased appetite. 

If I'm perimenopausal, I will have to switch to Tamoxifen. Is it any better? Anyone have experience of both?

Bests,

Bev

  • I'm sorry for the tough time you've had on Letrozole Bev.

    There have been many discussions on the forum about the pros and cons of Tamoxifen so I'm sure some of our members who are currently on this will be along soon to share their experiences and advice but if you'd like to have a quick chat with one of our cancer nurses about this then you can give them a call on 0808 800 4040, Monday - Friday between 9a.m - 5p.m.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi Bev,

    I was put on letrozole pre op, I too am er+. Had lumpectomy & Snb 9/6/20. Oncotype low and pre menopausal. Had review last week and was switched to tamoxifen. Overwhelmed with not having to have chemo I didn't really ask too many questions as all this has happened since end April, a whirlwind.

    I have read around it since and still none the wiser! 
    nit particularly helpful but as the weeks go by I'll message to say what effects occur. Have my radiotherapy for 5 days next week, another hurdle to leap over but got to be done.

    fingers crossed you can switch, if not there are other aromat. inhibitors ?? might be able to change.

    BW 

     

  • Thanks Steph,

     

    That's helpful to know.

     

    Bev

  • Hi 123Nelly,

     

    Yes, it's all completely mindbending, isn't it? One day healthy, next moment on this crazy treatment pathway.

     

    I had my surgery in March, lost a nipple as the tumour was right behind it, and finished radiotherapy in May. All eerie due to cv19 lockdown. Wasn't even allowed to touch the end of treatment bell when I finished my 5th day of radiotherapy. 

     

    Sadly, there isn't an alternative to Tamoxifen.....although right now, I'm thinking it can't be worse than Letrozole....

     

    Best wiahes for your radiotherapy. It can make you v tired so look after yourself and your poorly boob, and give it some posh moisturiser...

     

    Bev

  • I had surgery 5yrs ago followed by radiotherapy and tamoxifen till now. I found another lump couple weeks ago same side as before. I've got cancer again. So they're now switching me to letrazole from tamoxifen. I'd no issues whatsoever with tamoxifen. Although it's different type this time it's still hr positive.  I'm worried about taking the letrazole before surgery when I get my date as I need to work up till surgery and have to drive to get there. I was financially wiped out last time so thinking I'll wait till surgery before taking it as side effects sound horrific and I'm already experiencing the more than normal hair loss like last time. Not sure what to do for best