@Sam09 when you see your oncologist I suggest you ask specific questions
1. Is there a benefit in having your ovaries removed considering you are post menopausal?
I was told there was no benefit for me as my ovaries were no longer the source of estrogen in my body.
2. What benefit will letrozole give you?
Nothing is 100% and there are no magic cures but you should be able to get an idea of what percentage of women in your position benefit from taking this drug and what that benefit might be.
3. What percentage of women have side effects?
It's very important to remember that not everyone has side effects and that the side effects can often be treated to minimise the impact.
I'm on Arimidex which has very similar side effects to Letrozole. For me the joint pain was very annoying because at the beginning it stopped me from exercising (which ridiculously is one of the best ways to reduce the pain!!) I managed to get through this time and now at the 2 year point I'm happy to say I no longer have any pain. My bone scan earlier this year showed that my bones are strong and I don't need to be concerned about them thinning.
In my circle of breast cancer buddies I know 2 ladies who are unable to tolerate Arimidex (and are on Tamoxifen) but there is also another woman who has never had any side effects at all. We are all different and so there is not one single answer for everyone.
Your oncologist is the best person to give you these answers. Good luck.
