Post menopausal and breast cancer

Hi Lisa Courtz

Thanks so much for your post.  Sorry to hear that you're having a tough time with menopause symptoms. 

I can totally understand why you're thoroughly fed up! Of course we are happy to be here but that doesn't make the side effects of treatment any more pleasant, or easier to bear. We really do lose so much, in order to regain our health. And you're dealing with this on the back of a difficult 8yrs. How life can test our limits!

I was diagnosed last year at 58. I was years post menopause.  I'd breezed through my natural menopause wirh barely any symptoms. 

Then I started taking Letrozole! I'm currently on a break and about to change to Anastrozole.

It wasn't until I stopped taking Letrozole that I realised how it was affecting me in so many ways. After two weeks, I can think clearly again. My motivation has returned. My mood has lifted, I'd previously felt as if I was existing under a heavy cloud. Much of my joint stiffness and pain has receded, except for my wrists,  which are still pretty bad. And I have a little pinch of libido! The severe fatigue remains, unfortunately. 

I say all this to let you know you aren't alone. How long have you been taking your aromatose inhibitors? Are your team considering switching you to another?

I've been taking mine for 7 hellish months and am changing now. I'm terrified that Anastrozole will be the same. 

In terms of feeling alone. I experience that too, more now than I did during 'active' treatment. I've found it really helpful to attend support groups, coffee mornings, exercise classes and wellbeing events specifically for those who've had cancer treatment. Do you have anything like that local to you? 

I hope that things settle for you. I'm sending all the hugs, Shaka 

Hi Shaka. Thanks so much for responding. It sounds as though you have been run through the mill too. t’s only my 3rd week on Letrozol, and it’s really interesting to see the effects it has had on you. I’m sorry to hear it’s been hard on you and fingers crossed this next tablet will be less negatively impactful. I’m not sure how long to give it before trying a different one, but I know my stomach alone, would probably thank me for it! 

You’ve given me a bit of hope that this cloying hopelessness I feel could be because of the letrozol, and not just me sinking into depression. Thank you. 

I should look for local support groups, and will try to motivate myself to do so. I’ve weirdly not told many about my diagnosis, as I’ve wanted it to be private. Only my close family and best friend are privy to what’s going on, and because I live 2 hours away from them all, it’s been easy to do. Part of me isolating myself, might make it a little bit harder to open up (I can’t blame the tablets for that, that’s all me, sadly).

• Thank you so much for your kind words, and will keep everything crossed that your new tablets will be kinder to you than the last. ️

Hi Lisa,

Sorry to hear you are struggling but you are certainly not alone. Not been on here for a bit but came today due to these very same feelings. I turned 60 this year and 6 days later diagnosed stage 1 breast cancer. I too took all the treatment in my stride lumpectomy and radiotherapy, counted my self lucky for catching early & no chemo etc. 

Finished all my treatment mid May but feeling that this now seems to be the hardest bit but you’re right as I often feel guilty and don’t like to keep moaning to my family which is isolating. I’m grateful for so many things and most of all to be here but the struggle of fatigue is exhausting ! I live on my own as 3 years ago I left an alcoholic husband after 35 years and was just getting back on my feet so just keep thinking give me a break! As I’m sure you do. 
Im on Anastrozole so back to the hot flushes and joint aches. Some days are great but then I feel punished by a few days of feeling like a 90yr old ! 

Struggling with the heat ! which is why I came on here to see if affects fatigue post treatment and seems it does so at least I’m not imagining. I too feel helpless and currently spending most of my time on Netflix or listening to pod casts. You’re not pathetic but as everyone keeps telling me be patient! I’m sure it won’t be like this for ever but no one really prepares you for the after affects. 

Take care of yourself , maybe consider counselling? I’ve tried groups near me but they’re closed for the summer and start up September so there’s always a light at the end of a tunnel. 
im so glad you did your emotional dump as allowed me to do mine also  X

Hi

Sounds like a familiar tale, and I am so sorry you are feeling this way too. I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy. Thank goodness for Netflix hey! I’m constantly reading, and when I’m not I have my headphones on listening to audiobooks. The exhaustion is the worst.

Never thought, as a lifelong sun worshipper, I’d be longing for colder weather lol. Bring on the frosts .

Thanks for reaching out, it’s reassuring to know that it’s not ‘me’ problem. X

No it’s definitely not you. I’m constantly looking up things in case I’m imagining it ! 
No one really prepares you for the after months. If it’s any consolation the first month on Oestrogen blockers were worse for me and seems to be improving. I’m 2 months post treatment and phoned clinic last week about fatigue and no surprise they said it’s all normal and wouldn’t be worried unless having this conversation 6 months down the line. I thought I’d be back to work by now but not looking likely til at least next month. 
Hang in there I’m sure things will improve for you too. As women I think we’re all so impatient and just want to get back to it ! 
Best Wishes in your recovery x

Hi Lisa Courtz, I didn't realise that you'd only just started on Letrozole.  I apologise,  I didn't mean to scare you!

I think the support from people other than our loved ones can be invaluable. Perhaps whenever you have a little window of feeling more motivated,  you will be able to make a call to enquire about available support. 

We all deal with challenges in our own, so, please try not to beat yourself up about not sharing with many people. You will know, if and when you wish to share with more people in your life. One of the things I've noticed is that support often comes to me from unlikely people. This space is great too. It's lovely that you've found your way here.

Thank you for your kind wishes. Sending the same right back to you. 

Peace, Shaka