***OESTROGEN-REDUCING MEDICATIONS***

When I was on Letrozole, there was a mention of possibly 10 years, but not sure with the switch to Tamoxifen.  I paid for a prosigna report and had a ROR score for 10 years.  I'm not sure if hormone therapy was taken into account at all.

Hello Gardinia,  there is a test you can take after being on hormone blockers from breastcancerindex.com

It gives a score on whether the extra 5 years is of beneficial.  Here is the link for you.  https://www.breastcancerindex.com/

Both my surgical oncologist and medical oncologist recommend 5 years for me but if the had wanted me to do 10 years I would have wanted some data.  
Take care and stay well.

• Barbara

I've not posted in a long time but I've been lurking in the background. I've been on tamoxifen since October 21. My surgeon's first choice was letrocole, I'm now 65 and over 10 years post menopausal.hosever, I'm also increased risk of osteoporosis due to coeliac disease and my mother being diagnosed at 60. I decided to go for tamoxifen as I didn't want my mum's life.

I have to say that I find the side effects very difficult, both tamoxifen and radiotherapy, and life is very different. However, I know  that I can cope better with the side effects than the fear of recurrence. However, I'm speaking as I retired person whose husband is also retired (I'm .no longer allowed to drive due to side effects). I know how much more difficult it is for younger women. 

Just thought I would pose a question for those taking tamoxifen. I'm 50 been taking it for nearly 18 months increasingly struggling with joint pain - hands ache and grip not as good so drop things, aching hips and knees. Managed to speak to a BCN yesterday who told me its not a side effect which is contrary to what Macmillan site and the leaflet in my drugs say. Does anyone else experience this? I feel a bit young to be having arthritis or any related issues but I know my dodgy hip from birth hates damp weather and it doesn't help that I've got a stomach bug so been laid up for a couple of days.. anyway just asking thanks

Just a quick update. I had a call from my GP surgery yesterday. They wanted to book me in for a blood test and depending on results were going to start a prescription. I asked about it as it was news to me.

To cut a long story short, the doctor who I saw before my consultant a couple of weeks ago has asked for this test even though I am going back in three weeks. I'm a bit annoyed that she contacted my GP without copying me in. I've only been with the GP for six months and my previous consultant kept me informed.

I've agreed to the blood test but have asked to hold on the prescription until I've seen my consultant again as I'm on a break from Letrozole.

Hi Walker57,

I'm similar in age, haven't started treatment yet. Meet my Oncologist on Tuesday. I'm going to be on Letrozole for 10 yrs. My knees are already affected by osteoarthritis. I have treatment for osteoporosis. 

Just interested in what you said about not being able to drive anymore, that must have been a blow. What stopped you, if you don't mind me asking? Life is more important than driving but all this stuff that gets worse is not what one expects. I had hoped I wouldnt be as affected due to being so far post menopause. X

Hi, I had to stop driving as one of my side effects is extreme lightheadness. It comes on without warning and lasts for a while. I feel as if I'm going to pass out when it hits but that has never happened.

everyone is different and I think I'm maybe just unlucky with the side effects. I also suffer from dizziness, fatigue, constipation, tingling nerves in legs, and all the menopausal symptoms have returned. It also gave me cataracts. I know that could be my age but as it had only been 2 months since I got New glasses the optician put it down to tamoxifen.

Hopefully, you have an easier time of it.

I think I might get Letrozole. They all have similar side effects. What a bummer. Still I choose life, whatever it means this side of the fence. Hope the side effects diminish for you. Cxx

My GP has specified a brand of Letrozole but the pharmacy doesn’t always dispense that one. The difference so pronounced. My knees are so painful when other brands are delivered. I thought I must be imagining it as it was apparent after only a few days. The pain has been intolerable - loads of pain relief, support bandages etc. how can I try to always get this brand?

I have tried all sorts of ways to keep Accord brand as it is so much better. I have asked pharmacy to keep it but he says NHS do not prescribe specific brands. He told me to contact GP but they said I had to speak to practice pharmacist. I am currently waiting to speak to pharmacist on Tuesday. Will let you know the outcome. I always return what I don't want but keep reserve as I don't want to run out. Pain is better than the alternative!

Stay positive.

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