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tonichris's avatar
tonichris
Member
3 hours ago

Hormone Blockers

Hi. I was diagnosed with early invasive carcinoma with lobular & ductal features, grade 2, ER/PR + and HER2- on 3rd March. I had a lumpectomy on 9th March and subsequently developed a large - 94mm - haematoma which popped on 4th April and has been bleeding since. It is not losing much now, but still enough to have delayed radiation. There have been 2 unsuccessful attempts to drain it, but it remains solid.  I am currently now scheduled to start radiation on 5th May and had the planning scan last Friday. I'm then due to start Letrozole 2 weeks after radiation finishes. My big concern at the moment is the Letrozole and the potential side effects. We have a 7 week trip to Europe booked to leave on 31st August and I'm terrified of side effects kicking in and affecting our holiday. There are plenty of stories on BC forums indicating how awful those side effects can be. What would you do? 

treatment decisions

1 Reply

  • Katie46's avatar
    Katie46
    Member
    1 hour ago

    Hi tonichris​ 

    I've been taking letrozole for almost 2 years. I did experience some aches and muscle tightness at first which gradually improved over time as my body adapted to the lack of oestrogen. I was pre menopausal, so I was also getting Goserelin injections to shut down my ovaries, so I had a very rapid loss of oestrogen. However it was never bad enough to stop me doing anything. I found stretching, walking and keeping active helped reduce the the muscle stiffness. I felt a bit creaky if I sat for too long, but once I was up and moving I felt fine. 

    Unfortunately with all these drug no-one knows how their body will react, some people get no side effects at all. 

    You have a bit of time before your trip to see how you go, and if you do happen to get severe side effects you can always speak to your oncologist about trying something different.

    All the best, Katie