Letrozole

Hi Brighton and a very warm welcome to the Community but sorry to hear about your diagnoses and concerns.

Navigating the cancer journey can be such a stressful and challenging time but getting support from people who have walked the ‘exact same' cancer journey can help a lot. (I have a completely different cancer).

The New to Community is like our reception desk where we look to direct you to the best part of the Community for you to get support. The Community is divided into dedicated Cancer Support Groups (Discussion Rooms) so can I recommend you join and post in our dedicated Breast Cancer support group. This is a safe place to talk to others with a similar diagnosis, treatment experience, to ask questions and get support.

To connect in with the group click on this link > Breast cancer then once the group page opens click on “Click to Join” when the black banner appears or “Join” under “Group Tools” (this all depends on the device you are using)

When you are ready you can introduce yourself by clicking “+new” or “+” in the top right next to the group title. You can copy and paste the text from this post into your new post.

You may find it helpful to call the Macmillan Support Line open 8am-8pm (timings may differ across services) 7 days a week on 0808 808 00 00. This service provides cancer information, practical information, emotional support, benefits/financial guidance or just a listening ear.

We also have our Ask an Expert section but do allow a few working days for a reply.

Talking to people face to face can be very helpful so do check to see if you have any Local Macmillan Support in your area, do also check for a local Maggie's Centre as these folks are amazing and give support to all the family.

Do get back to me if you need further help navigating the community.

Hi Brighton, 

I had been diagnosed with oestrogen positive breast cancer in December 2022. I had  a large 8cm tumour and 2 l+ lymph nodes involved, reason why I had to have  mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

I have been taking Letrozole following completion of cancer treatment since October 2023. I am usually very sensitive to any medication taken. I  had developed any possible side effect to chemotherapy. Surprisingly, Letrozole has not caused any problems to me, whatsoever. I did not suffer at all with menopausal symptoms, possibly because I have already been through it, for at least 10 years. I have not lost but grow a head full of thick and curly hair since chemo ended. Letrozole would have stopped this happening I guess.  I do try to stick to the same brand of Letrozole though as I understand from word of mouth that changing the brand could potentially cause problems. 

Given the size of my tumour and the 2 positive lymph nodes removed, Abemaciclib was also added to my treatment, for 2 years. I was also recommended Zoledronic Acid, for prevention of bone metastasis, for 2 years. I understand that Vit D and calcium were routinely added to this medication plan, to aid osteoporosis happening in the absence of oestrogens.  

I hope this helps.  Try to keep positive in the midst of all this. Best wishes, L .

Hi LauraI abd I see it’s your first post so welcome.

Do look at connecting in with our dedicated Breast cancer as this will connect you with many others who are navigating the same journey.

Thank you Laurel your story was so encouraging and has really helped me mentally.

best wishes Brighton