Deciding whether to take Letrozole

Hello Sandy,  Glad that you have finished your surgery and soon your radiation treatments will be done too.  It is nice to tick off the boxes.  
My situation was a bit different but will share how I made my decision to take Anastrazole which is one of the aromatase inhibitors.  At 71 I was diagnosed with low and medium grade DCIS in right breast and then in MRI saw something on left breast and I had surgery and it was a 3 mm invasive ductal cancer with 6mm DCIS. Had lumpectomy on right one too.  Had bilateral radiotherapy and then it was recommended I take Anastrazole.  My ER and PR was 100% positive in both breasts.  My bone density was good and I did not have any chronic issues so I decided to try the Anastrazole.  Had some side effects mostly joint discomfort, some fatigue, hot flashes, dry vagina etc.  Did that for 3 1/2 years then side effects became too much so Medical oncologist put me on letrozole.  Well after 6 months of being on it I couldn’t stand my IBS symptoms anymore so went back on Anastrazole.  Been a wild ride but I have about 9 months to go on it and my IBS  has lessened some.  
i think if you decide to take it will be important to have blood pressure and cholesterol monitored.  You could give the medication a trial run and see how you do and talk to your Dr if having issues.  
You can use the Predict tool to see if you are getting benefit from taking an aromatase inhibitor.  
Here is the link.  https://www.google.com/url?q=https://breast.predict.cam/tool&sa=U&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwjrsrLajLWWAxXr48kDHRJUJKUQFnoECCAQAQ&usg=AOvVaw3kTEmnB8QVnZVHj8Mn3QwV

Barbara

Hi Sandy . Like you I’m in two minds about Letrozole . I was diagnosed with left breast stage 2 ductal carcinoma after a routine mammogram in March . I had a lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy in May , and I was lucky to be told that there was no spread . I have just finished 5 days of radiotherapy which apart from a very hot breast I am managing well . I am 78 and like you take a blood pressure tablet and statin daily . 2 years ago I had problems with my heart beating too fast which is now under control . I have decided not to take Letrozole as at my age I think I would prefer to keep feeling as well as I do at the moment and I really don’t want to risk any of the associated symptoms that a lot of people are experiencing on Letrozole . I think if I was much younger with young children it would be a different story . 
whatever your decision I wish you well . 

Hi Hat and hopeful Barb (Sorry, haven't worked out how to tag people yet).

Thank you so much for your replies. Absolutely agree I'd prefer keeping well without any long term associated symptons. 

Had an interim review of the radiotherapy last week and the lady I saw went on Predict and there was about a 1% chance of Letrozole benefitting me. I don't feel its worth the risks taking everything into account, but will have a think.

Thank you so much for your helpful replies. Would be lovely to keep in touch.

Best wishes to you both xx

Hi Sandy . I’m sure you’ll make the right decision for you . For me quality  of life at this stage of my life is paramount . Let me know how you get on x