Hello
I was diagnosed with hormone positive Grade 2 ductal cancer in September 2025. On 17 December 2025 I had right mastectomy and one (sentinel) lymph node was removed. Surgeon tells me cancer has gone. Lovely! The breast cancer was fortunately discovered when they were looking for something else… which they found: MDS blood cancer (low risk) for which I have blood transfusions every 6 weeks.
I have just realised that the reason I feel so bad about all of this is because I’m extremely anxious. It was a lot to take in but I, kind of, let everyone know I was perfectly fine, taking it all in my stride. Normally pretty calm, I have become a secret jibbering wreck!
My jaw is really sore with night grinding of teeth and I’ve just realised that this is associated with TMJ so now I know that I probably don’t have cancer of the latest thing to cause me angst!
Looking at LETROZOLE that I’m taking this is great for adding to the mix of anxiety.
Question is: has anyone else had the same experience. ie being “very brave and and taking it all in their stride” when really that’s not the case?
Also: Letrozole alternatives… any ideas?
Also 2: anti anxiety meds… any ideas?
I would appreciate any advice or similar stories to make me feel better. This anxiety feels much more serious than the two cancers together. I feel locked in a place where I only do what’s necessary, then sit down and feel fear…
Trip to the GP is on the cards: next problem is accessing an appointment…thank you for taking time to read and time to answer. ..
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Hello @168kitty
Welcome to the forums
I am so sorry to read about both your diagnoses, I would imagine your mind has gone off and all sorts of frolics!
I was diagnosed with what to me was apparently a “very straightforward” cancer so given how seemingly relaxed the professionals were and losing my dad in tragic circumstances when I was 13: I very much told myself “so what” “I’m fine” “I don’t need any support” I was so wrong!!
Having breast cancer has taught me so much about myself, the realisation that there is no “wrong” or “right” way to deal with cancer, everyone is different and will deal with whatever life throws at them in their own way.
Around six weeks after my surgery I fell off an emotional cliff and that’s when I found these forums and went to my local Maggie’s and got the chance to chat with my friend’s mum who had had a diagnosis and treatment 20 years previously: all these things helped my head to start to come to terms with having been diagnosed with cancer.
I would suggest getting in touch with MacMillan who offer counselling services or maybe a BCN moving forward course, whilst these in themselves may not necessarily help your anxiety, they may help you to find coping strategies.
Personally I’ve become a big fan of yoga: nothing complicated just the chance to switch off for an hour or so.
sending you lots of love
AM xxx
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Sending love
Just be aware anxiety can be a Letrozole side effect. Some might try and tell you it’s just because cancer diagnosis and treatment is a stressful time. It’s not something I’ve historically had. But my anxiety and depression arrived within 2 weeks of starting the tablets and disappeared with 2 weeks of stopping. I still have radiotherapy to negotiate but my warped sense of humour is firmly back in place.
As to alternatives Anastrozole was deemed likely to do the same. Tamoxifen has a blood clot risk I was unwilling to take because of an inherited thing my mum had. Talk fo your BCT x
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Thank you AM for your kind words, sympathy and suggested solutions.
It’s good to know it’s not only me this deep anxiety is happening to. I am aware of “being strong” when I didn’t feel it, hiding my distress because of other hugely distressing things happening to others in the family.
It was only when my husband suggested looking at the side effects of Letrozole that I placed ticks against neatly every one.
Next stop: oncology nurses and GP. onwards and upwards… and thank you so much for taking the time to answer
xx
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Hello bluetit11 and thank you for taking time to answer.
I’ve researched Letrozole now and it seems the current “one size fits all” approach might be having a makeover.
Apparently current thinking suggests that oncologists recognise the five-year rule “lacks finesse”. Letrozole for me reduces the recurrence by a such a small percentage that it’s a poor trade-off if it leaves me a jibbering wreck, not wanting to go out, anxious, joints and bones sore and aching, hair falling out: need I go on?
Off to consult with the experts: I will suggest cessation of Letrozole and maybe more frequent check ups. The alternatives are not an option: I want to come off this drug. Perhaps a short term cessation to see if things improve and then decide next step.
Thank you once again. Your wise words were helpful and kind.
xx
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