Hi Eggy

Like you I was coping really well with my cancer, I had a mastectomy in July and was more worried about my husband than myself. It was detected early and was a stage 2 and eostrogen receptive, the oncologist said that he had removed the whole tumour and there was no sign of any in the lymph glands. My Onco DX score was 6 out of 100 so he decided I didn't need chemotherapy just a short intense course of radiotherapy which I had. I was put on Letrozole whilst waiting for my op which was postponed because of Covid-19, it didn't suit me and I was swapped to Exemastane, however that was as bad, now the oncologist wants me to try Tamoxifen and Ibandronic Acid. I said I would rather not take anything but he asked me to research it and reconsider NO WAY am I taking Tamoxifen the list of side effects it may cause are horrendous including thinning bones and cancer of the uterus. The Ibandronic Acid is to help with thinning bones but I can't see why I need to take if if I don't take Tamoxifen which causes bone thinning.

The more I research into what effect these meds have on other women the more I can understand why so many refuse to take them, apparently it is as high as 6 out of 7. I asked what % of benefit these things have and the oncologist told me without them my chance of recurring cancer is 7%. I have decided to manage without the eostrogen blockers and take my chances, I can't face years of feeling ill, I am a chronic depressive and have been since1972 and all these drugs cause depression. Why anyone would prescribe medication that is going to make you feel worse I really can't understand.

Do your own research, ask about percentages and decide for yourself, only you know how you really feel and what is acceptable. 

Good luck.

I am 74 and have just had a lumpectomy and 5 days of radiotherapy. Reading about letrozole and tamoxifen does not enthral me.

I have been given letrozole and take it every other day. I do however feel it will do no good since I have high blood pressure, high cholesterol and  severe osteoarthritis especially in my neck. Treatment for these 3 things are ongoing so letrozole can only make it worse. They can give you meds for the effects but why add other drugs? Years ago there were only lumpectomy and radiotherapy and women survived 30 years plus. I am looking at eating the right foods to reduce the relevant hormones. There must be a better life for the next 5 years than letrozole life.  Come on researchers look at what we are saying and respond positively. 

Im six months in and finding myself with hair loss, joint pain, headaches and sickness/diarrhoea

Im six months in and finding myself with hair loss, joint pain, headaches and sickness/diarrhoea