Hi alikat
Thanks for posting.
It can be very difficult to know whether symptoms you are experiencing are a side effect of a treatment such a letrozole or are caused by something else.
Possible side effects of letrozole include fatigue and diarrhoea. Some people will experience side effects when they start taking a medication. For others they may develop at a later stage or occur intermittently.
You mention that you have felt fatigued throughout and fatigue (extreme tiredness) after receiving treatment for breast cancer is very common. As well as a possible side effect of letrozole it may be associated with surgery and /or radiotherapy treatment. It doesn’t always go away with rest or sleep and may affect you physically and emotionally. Many people find that they start to get their energy levels back as time passes after treatment, but for some fatigue can continue for months or sometimes years.
Other factors may also contribute to fatigue, such as: the emotional impact of a breast cancer diagnosis; altered sleep patterns; reduced activity and poor diet.
There are things you can try to help manage fatigue. You may want to keep a diary to record when you feel most tired. This can help you plan activities you enjoy in the times when you have more energy. Trying to stay physically active can help. Eating a healthy, well-balanced diet is also important. The following tips for better sleep may also be helpful and you may be interested in the Macmillan booklet Coping with fatigue (tiredness).
As @purplerose has suggested, if you haven’t done so already, do discuss how you are feeling with your treatment team, breast care nurse or GP. It’s important they are aware of any symptoms you are experiencing and how they are affecting your daily life. Diarrhoea, stomach cramps fatigue and wheezing can have different causes and it’s important you are assessed.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
You may be interested in our Moving Forward resources that are for people who have had a diagnosis of primary breast cancer and have come to the end of their main hospital treatment within the last 2 years. They include our Moving Forward booklet and Moving Forward courses.
Through supportive, open conversations in a safe, confidential space, you’ll connect with people who understand. You’ll also find the tools you need to feel more empowered, confident and in control to begin to move forward with your life.
You can attend Moving Forward either at our face-to-face course or take part by joining online. Find a course near you or register for an online course via the links above or call us on 03457 077 1893.
You are welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Val
Breast Care Nurse
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