Hello...invasive ductal cancer , mastectomy, node removal

December 2017 I was diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer with 2 out of 12 nodes positive...MY cancer was ER +.

I refused chemotherapy. I had read in to it and decided it was not a good time to do that with my daughter at a critical time at school.

So I had radiotherapy only and am now on ajuvative therapy....tried letrizole...it drove me nuts with the pains in my joints, particularly my wrist, also had some serious down mood swings...from nowhere.

So took a break and went to Temoxifen, That made me like a psycho, mood swings, sleeplessness, the mood swings were manic...but they said they didnt think it was the meds but changed me to exemestane.

I am now four months on it, its killing me, I am exhausted all the time, all my body aches, niglly little headaches most days, horrific time sleeping and it has made me lose my appetitie although it has made me like an over stuffed sausage around my torso.My hair is thinning too.I am extremely breathless.

I can live with most of the effects, but this is not a life, to be so tired I wake up and can barely walk...I dont go out anymore much , I walk the dog but no socialising. I have gone off people...even my family...I just feel to drained to even speak.

My question is...if I take no tablets...what is the prognosis...I mean , how much am I actually benefitting from taking these tablets?

I cant live like this.

  • Hello UKT
    I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling so much with the hormone therapies that the Consultant has recommended. It's not uncommon for women to have some of the side effects that you've described but as you say it's important to consider the impact they are having on your quality of life. 

    I would suggest getting back in touch with your breast care nurse and ask to speak to someone who will be able to answer your specific questions and help you make an informed decision about discontinuing the medication. 

    If you'd like to talk things through with one of our nurses then they may be able to give you some general advice and information. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator