Letrozole - aches and pains continue
Last year I was switched from Tamoxifen to Letrozole. At first I was feeling okay on the Letrozole but then I had a post menopausal heavy bleed (thats a whole other story), so had a medication holid...
Forum Discussion
I started Letrozole 5 wks ago. Rheumatism is much worse but tolerable with a lot of walking & major increase in anti-inflammatories. I've had anxiety/depression for years but Letrazole seems to be making it much worse. I'm often very anxious in the mornings and this can sometimes go away with exercise or later in the day. However it seems this anxiety now continues into the evenings when previously I was able to switch off at night. I'm talking to my oncologist but I know his agenda is to keep me on hormone therapy. Is anyone else feeling this increase in anxiety? I've got other side effects (thrush in mouth, dry vagina) but it's the anxiety that might be the deal breaker. Living like this for 5-10 years is a horrible prospect and my GP said Letrozole has the least side effects so I'm reluctant to try others.
I did surgery & radiotherapy but refused chemo and I'm struggling with this decision. I was quite sure when I said no to chemo but this decision is harder to make. I'm sure my constant anxiety isn't helping me make this decision! (Grade 2 tumour that had spread to lymph nodes and Endopredict results said 5-10% chance it will return without chemo and endocrine therapy).
I'm new to forums so not sure if I've just made a new post or reply here.
Your post came up in a reply toDianeD … I am sorry this sounds like the Aromatase Inhibitor (AI ) Letrozole has been a rough ride for you. My situation is a bit different as I have a slightly different breast cancer type (Triple Positive) and had chemo and immunotherap, but I am also taking Letrozole. The choice whether to continue is one that features in a very good BCNA webcast but if you want to continue I hope your oncologist can discuss the options of trying a different brand with you. With great respect to your GP, I imagine the oncologist will have a broader experience of different AI’s. From other posts by BCNA network members I have heard members say they’ve tried different ones and have found some suit them better than others, and there’s no real hierarchy, it just seems to depend on the individual.
I hope you can get in touch with the BCNA helpline who might also help direct you to some resources to manage the anxiety you’re experiencing. It seems more than a few people reflect back on their choices and wonder if they might do things differently so you are among friends on the network. Sending you positive vibes as you navigate this space.