New diagnosis

Hi Ijna, sorry about your diagnosis.  I was also diagnosed with invasive ductal cancer (about 3 weeks ago) and my surgery is on the 16th.  I was also given a big pamphlet to read but was too anxious to read it and still haven't read it.  I'm in a good place at the moment and happy with my treatment plan so I don't want to risk reading it and scaring myself.  I'm not on any meds yet so I can't help with your symptoms.  You should try posting on the awake thread as there a lots of us there just chatting, moaning, laughing or asking questions.  Here's the link https://community.macmillan.org.uk/cancer_types/breast-cancer-forum/f/breast-cancer-forum/128753/awake?pifragment-13906=3095#pifragment-13906=3094

Wishing all the best for your surgery.

Hi

A warm welcome to the group, though sorry you have reason to be here. It is a massive shock, isn't it? I think it's fairly normal to instantly forget everything that was said in that room when you get your diagnosis. Don't worry, your team will go over things again and take you through it step by step.

I don't take letrozole so I'm not sure about the side effects - maybe someone else will come along to help with that. There is some information on the Macmillan page for letrozole, but as you're wary of reading, it does list headaches as a side effect but doesn't mention a dry mouth. You can always give your breast clinic a call and ask them about the side effects. They should be able to put your mind at rest. 

I can understand you feeling anxious about reading the information (I was the exact opposite and wanted as much as possible - we are all different) so here is some positive information. Breast Cancer is very treatable. Outcomes are really good and treatments get better and better. It's scary and frightening and quite a rollercoaster of emotions but you'll get through it. Treatment isn't exactly something you'd ever recommend to anyone, but it's very do-able and one day you'll be out the other side of all this wondering what on earth just happened. 

We are all here for you, whatever you need

R