Stage 2 ER+

I was also Stage 2 ER+ (and PR+) and was diagnosed August 2020. I had chemo to shrink mine and then lumpectomy and radiotherapy, and now 5 years of hormone treatment.

I guess your experience will be based on what your treatment plan is likely to be after your operation, and how old you are - presume your are post-menopausal if they put you on letrozole.

I'm mid-40s so went through a medical menopause during chemotherapy with zoladex and am now on exemestane too, which is an AI like letrozole.

I found chemo the toughest part, probably not helped by an intense menopause at the same time!

Thing have really calmed now and I am very much enjoying life again. I finished chemo in January, had my lumpectomy in February and rads in April.

One thing I would say is that although I have been improving all the time, I do still need to pace myself. Recovering energy levels after chemo can take a good year or so and there is also all the hormonal changes to contend with. A lot of women find AIs like letrozole quite tiring and I also find I don't sleep as well now - partly to do with the frequent night sweats, but also as I can wake and be wide awake.

I would also say that recovery is not linear, either physically or mentally. It takes a long time for it all to sink in. I've been very positive and upbeat throughout, but can still have my moments even now, or feel physically exhausted.

On a positive note though, I really am doing great and I am very active, so pacing myself still means doing tonnes.

I'm mid-40s and worked throughout treatment with a few days off for each chemo cycle and operation.

Your life is on pause for a while, but it is soon over and you are on the road to recovery.

Thank you Beatthebreast for replying. Just getting ready to go in for my operation today. I'll read and reply when I can focus a bit more, all over the place as you can imaginexx

Hi mine was E+, I had a WLE in September with axillary clearance scheduled. Only 3 nodes were removed of which 2 were positive.  Unknown to me a sample was sent for Oncotype testing and had come back as very low risk of recurrence and spread so I’m not having chemo. I have started Letrozole and am waiting for radiotherapy. 
The operation was no where as bad as I expected, I had a drain in the wound which the breast care nurse showed me how to empty, antibiotics, pain relief and anti-coagulate injections to take home. 
I was shocked too how little energy I had post op. Hope your procedure goes well.

Can I ask how Letrozole is affecting you? I have just had surgery for ER+ and am scheduled for radiotherapy and Letrozole 

Can I ask how you found being on Letrozole.  I have had surgery and am awaiting g radiotherapy and Letrozole.  Thank you in advance x

Hello Natural

I have been on Letrozole for 5/6months now. I hesitated to start on it as I heard stories of SE. At.first I had stiff achey hips, knees and ankles First thing in  the morning or if I had been sitting for too long. Completely OK now, I am glad to say. Not sure if I am used to it now or whether the antihistamines I am taking for slight allergy to Herceptin has made the early SE go away.

Wishing you all the best

WallyDug

Thank you. That is helpful and encouraging x

I’ve only started on it this week but so far so good. 

Thank you. That encourages me 

Hi, I've been on Letrozole for just vier 2 months now. I was a little achy in the mornings, but nothing a short stretch didn't sort out.  No side effects now at all, which I am really pleased about. Good luck