Hormone blocking therapy

@Julie_D60 - whilst people are always very keen to tell you the bad side effects of this treatment not everyone is the same and not everyone gets any or all of the quoted problems.  Once you start you can always tell your specialist that you need a break or want to stop them altogether - ultimately it is your body and your decision.  Be guided by your treatment team in the first instance as they know the finer details of your specific BC.  All the best.

@Julie_D60
I agree with @June1952, it’s human nature to spread the bad news, but not everyone gets terrible side effects. I am in year 10 of Letrozole now, stop next May (hooray!) and while I have side effects, they are manageable. I have never had any joint pain or aches, hot flushes or anything of that sort. It’s worth getting a bone density scan before you start, if your bone density is not good to start with, that’s definitely something to take into account. Otherwise, give it a try, you can always stop. Best wishes. 

https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/what-is-breast-cancer/types-of-breast-cancer/

https://www.bcna.org.au/resource/fact-sheet-breast-cancer-pathology/

https://www.bcna.org.au/media/5850/hormone-therapy-and-breast-cancer-booklet-112017.pdf

Hopefully these links will help you understand where you are at!

As others above have already said they are quick to tell you the bad side of things however, we are all different and our bodies all react differently to what treatment is given.  As you look through the first link, understanding breast cancer, you will see there's quite a few different types and not all require Aromatose Inhibitors!

Best wishes and take care and ask away as we are all here to help when we can

Thank you for replies, will read the resources provided.  Has been a mine field suddenly dealing with diagnosis, surgery and then understanding the illness and various treatments.  Still coming to terms with it all, coming out of shock; information often gives me comfort x

whilst I’m having some side effects , I’m also aware that the hormone blockers now are helping to prolong my life as I’m stage 4 , so I’m trying to fine tune my responses to the situation . Suspect a lot of people survive hormone blockers and we don’t hear about it as much as the negatives because they’re not posting on the forum 
don’t assume you will suffer all,the side effects OR be totally wiped out by them as we all appear to react differently to different ones , just to make it difficult 

Hi @Julie_D60, so glad to see you reaching out to wonderful members of the Online Network. I thought it was worth mentioning that we will be hosting our next Ask the Expert Digital Event on Managing side effects of hormone blocking treatment with Dr Michelle White on 29th June 2022 Click here to register for the event.

Hi @Julie-D60
i have been on hormone blockers for 18 months and worked myself into a frenzy about potential side effects before I started on them.
My oncologist told me to not get ahead of myself and that many patients have no side effects or only mild side effects.
I started on Letrazole and all was good for about 12 months and then I got carpel tunnel and trigger finger - I changed to anastrazole to no effect.
I recently saw a hand surgeon who said he could operate and it’s not major surgery but  I opted  for a cortisone injection which seems to have done the job for now.
I am 63.
One of the best posts I saw on here was that the most important side effect from her hormone blockers was she was still alive.
So in summary , don’t worry ahead of time  , you may have no side effects or only mild side effects and if you do develop side effects you feel are intolerable discuss with your oncologist and even seek a second opinion if you feel warranted.
Take care🌺

Thanks for sharing your experience. It has been difficult deciphering all the info especially when considering my job and what it could mean.
 However good feedback re trial it first to see how it goes, May have minimal side effects…

I've not started my treatment yet but will be going on Letazole I'm terrified going to turn me into an old person before I'm ready not functional like I am now and not been me as can make you moody and I'm not that person.

@Pommy8

Not everyone has bad side effects and hopefully that's you

@Afraser is one, hardly any side effects and lucky her, nearing the end of the AI

Here's a resource if you haven't seen it already 

https://www.bcna.org.au/understanding-breast-cancer/treatment/hormone-blocking-therapy/