***OESTROGEN-REDUCING MEDICATIONS***

Hi Daiquiri, I’m on Anastrozole which is similar to letrozole. I find fatigue the worst side effect too. It’s a weird sort of exhaustion and for me it’s worst first thing in the morning and in the evening. I feel horrible when I wake up - can’t say that I sleep more, wish I could! But more sleep doesn’t help me anyway. I ended up retiring (from teaching) earlier than planned, at 61. I just couldn’t do the job anymore. It’s so much more bearable now I’m retired, I don’t dash anywhere early and give myself a slow start to the day. Strangely I can walk for miles and feel better for being out and active. If I do things at my own pace I can do most of what I want. I’ve had blood tests to check other possible causes for the fatigue - everything was fine. It’s actually quite a common side effect although often listed as ‘feeling sleepy’ or ‘weak’, neither of which adequately describes the overwhelming exhaustion when it hits. 
Sorry I can’t reassure you that it passes but maybe it does for some people? I’ve been 3 years on Anastrozole and have adjusted my life to accommodate the effects. Walking is my passion so I’m happy that I’m able to carry on and am probably physically fitter than I was pre diagnosis. Love and hugs, HFxx

Hi HappyFeet1 

I'm 63 and planning to return to work although I'm.waiting until I e seen the oncologist next week.

I'm a senior project manager working on large IT projects so like your job, you need to be on the ball,. I work from home at the minute so it's not as physically draining as I imagine teaching is but I do worry that I won't be effective.

My husband took early retirement so the plan is for me to work a few more years.

Like you say this is more than feeling weak..

I'm so pleased that you are feeling so much better and fitter.

I'll have a word with the oncologist to see what he thinks. I was dreading the letrozole side effects but haven't experienced much in the way of hot flushes. Perhaps as I had a horrendous menopause I was expecting  the same. I never gave a thought to tiredness.

I expect to have radiotherapy and am planning to work through the treatmen but as radiotherapy can also cause tiredness I'm wondering if that is possible.

Work have been great while I've been off and I can have a phased return but I need to be much more alert than I currently am. 

I'm also missing so much in my personal life because I'm too tired. I dont exercise so have put on weight. 

I find it hard mentally as it feel I should just get on with it. Reading your reply and knowing that this is just as real as the other side effects has been so helpful.

Thanyou again xx

Hi Gotchya

I have an appointment with the oncologist this week, so I will certainly mention it there. I'll look back for other posts too, to see what others have experienced 

Thanks Gotchya will definitely take your advice for when the temp heats up to cool down at night!! My oncologist recommended trying the folic acid as it works for some people,  I found a recent study in the BMJ about folic acid and hot flushes, didn’t show a statistical improvement compared to the placebo, but both dropped the number of hot flushes. So not guaranteed, but willing to try any supplement that might help.

Hi Daiquiri,

Good to read your story, I have my operation for a mestectomy coming up very soon.  I am taking Letrozole, my side affects are not that bad at the moment.

Not sure what treatment I will be having afterwards, they said I would need radiotherapy, but not ruling out chemotherapy, my tissues will be sent of to be analyse and depend on the results a decision will be made then. 

Re.radiotherapy, tierednes will depend on your dose of radio and how many wks you have it for,I was just given 5days worth and didn't feel bad at all,went for long walks during and was able to carryn as normal apart from wearing a bra lol,had to let them swing

Hi.I'm hoping for 5 days as well. Not sure what criteria are used to determine whether its 5 days or longer. My cancer was low to medium grade dcis.

 if its 5 days I have enough leave to cover with a couple of days after if needed.

I also have a family holiday booked for February which I'm desperate to go on A 5 day stint would mean I have a better chance of going away without delaying the start of radiotherapy.

Once I've seen the oncologist I'll know what's next so can plan. 

Knowing you managed so well gives me hope

Hi Gaps.

Glad you are coping well with letrozole. It's amazing how different experience are. 

I hope all goes well for your surgery. There is loads of support and advice for all the different treatments. I didn't have a mastectomy but there's lots of info here should you have questions.

The only thing I did regarding my results post surgery was ask for a copy and also a copy of the letter to the oncologist. Only because I found I didn't always remember all the details of meetings and having things written down meant I could ask my bcn any further questions .

All the best xx

Well radiotherapy has N accumulated affect,so during seems to be nothing happening,once finished,and the following weeks,the boob can get uncomfortable,pink,swollen and skin can become dry,none of this had a great effect on what I did everyday,So you ha e had a lumpectomy yes,and did you have lymph nodes removed,if so how many and,have you had the results back from that?

Mine was grade1 invasive ductile,10mm in size but before opp was told it was biggerhad 5nodes removed which were clear,which was great news,all of this is taken into consideration,fingers crossed you get good news,Oh yes Mine was oestrogen fed too.

Hi Daiquiri

Please could I ask who you approached to request your notes and letter to Oncologist ( never got to see mine, saw my BCN who has now retired and I have not been allotted another so guess it's just the BCN team ) ? I agree having them would definitely help me understand all this.  

Thank you and take care 

Unis.