I had a mastectomy of my right breast 3 years ago, following the removal of a tumour that was oestrogen positive . I have been taking letrozole since then. This summer, I had a tumour in my left breast, which was a new primary cancer, but also oestrogen positive. I understood that letrozole was an oestrogen blocker, so I wondered how I could have developed the second cancer with oestrogen receptors?
Thanks for getting in touch. Welcome to the online community Northyorkshirelass. My name is Paula and I am one of the Cancer Information Nurse Specialists on the Macmillan Support Line.
We are sorry to hear you have been going through a tough time with a second primary cancer found in the opposite breast.
A new tumour may arise from different genetic mutations or risk factors not prevented by letrozole.
Your treatment team are the right people to discuss this with in more depth as they have access to the right information regarding your own cancer diagnosis.
Unfortunately, as a cancer charity we are not part of the NHS and therefore we are unable to access your medical records, however if you would like to call us to discuss further, please ring us and speak with the Macmillan support line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000. The Macmillan support line is open 7 days a week from 8am till 8pm.
Best Wishes,
Paula
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist.
Ref: PL/ HM
