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Aries's avatar
Aries
Member
2 days ago

Aries

I had a lumpectomy 4yrs ago and was told I didn't need radiation or chemo. Last yr the cancer returned and I had total removal of the nipple joined up with previous scar on left breast. I have been on Tamoxifen and had bad sweats bloated stomach sleeplessness and hot flushes. I changed to Letrozole and had same effects so tried the sister to it but can't think of the name. It's gotten so bad with restless legs as well I can't even look at it so dont take any of them. I'm 75 I know the risk and will seek further advice next wk. There was no quality of life for me during the 6 months I was taking these meds.

recurrence

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  • Tri's avatar
    Tri
    Member
    19 hours ago

    HiAries​ 

    I am so very sorry to hear about your recurrence and the pain and quality of life issues you’re experiencing. 

    I am taking Letrozole and initially I was already experiencing aches, hot feet and occasional electric shock style pain after my chemotherapy. This may not be a solution for you but in case it’s something you might consider, I started yoga and it coincided with  reduced pain in my feet at night.
    Recently I had to pause yoga for 6 weeks due to further surgery and I noticed my feet have started to feel hot and achey again at night. 
    It is great that you’re weighing up the quality of life and other factors and risks in discussion with your doctor. 
    If you have not yet see this I found this BCNA webinar “Hormone therapy is it worth it?” very helpful, candid and encouraging. 
    https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/webcasts/hormone-blocking-therapy-is-it-worth-it/

  • arpie's avatar
    arpie
    Member
    21 hours ago

    SO sorry to hear of the recurrence Aries​ - that's a real bummer :(   The AIs can be such a pain - I tried 3 (Letrozole and Exemestane) before settling for Anastrozole .... and it was much better for the next 5+ years.  I am 72 and weaning off them just now, after 7 years.

    I hope you have a compassionate Onc .... as quality of life, specially as we age, is so important .... It is unusual that you were only on the meds for 6 months!  Did you only start taking them after the 2nd surgery?  

    Which BC was diagnosed (1st surgery) and was it the same one, 2nd time round?

    Take care & all the best next week when you see your Onc