Hiya!

When I was told to take Letrozole, nearly two and a half years ago, I was adamant that I wasn't going to take something g to make me feel ill, so I didn't! ( Looking back, I think I behaved quite childishly)

A few months later I was talking to my GP and gave her my opinion on taking something that could have so many side effects. In a very calm and sweet way she said that not everyone gets bad side effects, so why not give it a try. After all, she said, if you feel bad from taking it, you just stop. But if you don't feel ill it's a win win situation! So I started taking them almost exactly two years ago. For the first few weeks I would feel a bit nauseous, nothing too bad but it put me off my food. I lost half a stone in that time. However, the nausea didn't last! And, unfortunately, the half stone came back as quick as it went. The list of possible side effects is frightening, and I have developed one or two, but nothing too bothersome. In fact, I had occasion to stop taking it for a few weeks, while something totally unrelated was investigated and I felt quite uneasy about it. I was really glad when I got the all clear to start them again!

That's my real life experience and I'm sure you'll hear a lot of similar stories. In fact I know women who have been reluctant to stop taking it at the end of their five or ten years.

Good luck, I hope I haven't totally confused you about it, now!

Christine xx

Hi Kimmyboo,

I was prescribed Letrozole after completing radiotherapy sessions in February 2020. I had a breast reduction for stage 2 lobular breast cancer which was diagnosed on October 2019. 
Like you I have always had good health (apart from breast cancer!) and didn't want hormones to upset my active lifestyle. The protective element of Letrozole for me was about 2%. I did try them out but very quickly found I was in low mood and had painful joints preventing me from walking and swimming. I kind of thought that if I didn't stop the Letrozole then I would get heart issues through not exercising?!!  

It IS a very personal decision that needs a lot of thought. I DO sometimes think I ought to be taking them but I love my life and just don't want anything standing in the way of being active and joyful about life. Whatever time I have left I want it to be as best it can be rather than being almost 'wounded' by hormones isn't what I want. 
 

I hope you come to the decision that's 'right' for you. I did ask the oncologist about my decision and he said that it was an informed decision offering me little real benefit. I was ok with that. Go well and stay well. 
Kebbs x