Feeling frightened about changing from tamoxifen to letrozole

Going through breast cancer treatment Hormone therapy
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Feeling frightened about changing from tamoxifen to letrozole

Hi everyone,

I’m looking for a bit of reassurance from anyone who’s made the switch from tamoxifen to letrozole.

I have medical PTSD following my breast cancer treatment, so I find any change in medication really frightening. I’ve been on Zoladex and tamoxifen, and although it hasn’t been easy, they’ve become familiar to me.

Unfortunately, I’ve developed a fatty liver and have gained a significant amount of weight, so my team feels it’s time to change to letrozole.

I know everyone reacts differently, but I’m feeling very anxious about starting another medication. My mind immediately goes to worrying about side effects and whether I’ll cope.

If you’ve changed from tamoxifen to letrozole, I’d be so grateful if you could share your experience. How did you find the transition? Were the side effects better, worse, or just different? Did anyone actually feel better after changing? Also, whilst I appreciate this is different for everyone, is there any brand that is better? I have been taking Relon Chem Tamoxifen, and wondered if I should request the same for Letrozole if available.

I’m really hoping to hear some balanced experiences, as I’m feeling quite scared at the moment.

Thank you for reading.

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Hello,

I changed from Tamoxifen to Letrozole and Zoladex to enable me to take ribociclib. Honestly, I haven’t noticed a huge difference. I am a bit achier on the letrozole - am doing weight training, yoga and running which all help. Both cause hot flushes and tiredness but I am working full time (assistant headteacher in a secondary school) and it is manageable. Hope that helps! (I also seem to get a new brand every time and it all seems much of a muchness…)

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I’m also apprehensive about changing from Tamoxifen and Zoladex to Exasmestane in order to get ribociclib. Have asked to delay the switchover until next month as due to go away soon. It’s normal to feel worried about the unknown. Hoping side effects won’t be bad but have to give it a try.