Hi millyd, I had a single mastectomy feb 2025, axillary node clearance in April and radiotherapy in Aug. I started Letrozole after the radiotherapy and Ribociclib in December 2025. I was also dreading taking these, as I had heard so much about the side effects. I can honestly say that I’ve not been too bad at all. Slightly achy hips first thing in the morning, which go as soon as I get up and move. I did develop a ‘trigger thumb’ but that has been cured with acupuncture. I do get some nausea in the morning but have only needed anti sickness meds twice. I’m now back at the gym regularly, doing spin, weights etc and feeling almost back to full fitness. Exercise has definitely helped me, physically and emotionally. Like most of us in this forum, I get easily tired, especially in the afternoon. I now just listen to my body and rest when I need to.
I’m glad I agreed to take these meds. Just remember that you may only get a few side effects, if any, and you can always discuss options with your oncologist. The breast care nurses are also incredibly knowledgeable and helpful.
I hope this has helped and I wish you luck with your treatment x
Hello - am interested in whether you had to do chemo? Did you have positive nodes? Am wondering since you had full clearance. I do have at least one positive node and other suspicious looking ones and thus a full clearance. Not clear yet if chemo will be needed. If you did not have chemo, what determined that for you? thanks for any info xx
Hi there, I had invasive BC so surgery removed 5 lymph nodes; one had a small tumour and another had cells present, 3 were clear. Originally the surgeon planned for radiotherapy only, but I am not yet through menopause and my BC is hormone positive, so when it went to MDT oncologist advised there was a very high chance of recurrence so my plan changed to chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiotherapy and then targeted therapy. I’ve just finished chemo and will find out my next steps on Monday. I find the changing plans hard as I like to know what’s coming, but I’m learning that you can’t predict this journey and I’m trying to make sure I ask questions along the way so I understand the decision making. Maggie’s has been great helping me get my head round it all. Hope you get on ok x
Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences of letrozole and ribociclib. Not been too well the past couple of weeks so apologies for not replying sooner! It really helps to hear how others are getting on and definitely makes me think it’s worth trying and seeing how I manage. X
Hi, I had 2 positive nodes, hence the axillary clearance. At the MDT it was decided to send my nodes for OncoDx testing to determine my risk of recurrence. This was possible as I’m post menopausal, hormone sensitive BC and had only 2 positive nodes. The tests showed a low risk of recurrence, which was why chemotherapy was not advised.
I hope that helps, Jenniferguess, and I wish you well with your treatment x
Hi Jolou I am just looking into the Letrozole I am suppose to start soon. Where can I get good information on what I can and cant eat? Herbal teas, herbs, vitimins. Anything you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
I have been taking Letrozole for two months and Have just started Ribociclib after the same chemo regime as you, EC and Paclitaxel, folllowed by surgery and radiotherapy. I was worried about all the side effects as I was feeling so well but so far after one cycle I must say im finding it ok. Achy joints but otherwise fine. I can live with that to help it from coming back. As the other ladies have said, keep hydrated, eat well and exercise seems to be key. You’ve done the hard bit
Thank you for your response.