Hi 6 months since end treatment lumpectomy radiotherapy been on the Letrozole 8 months.
Started with fatigue weeks after radio then the hot sweats ect
but now feeling depression as well I think it could be the Letrozole and am wondering if to carry on with it or not has anyone found sticking it out with the Letrozole the fatigue and depression lifted? Thank you all
Kate
Hi Kate
In my experience, side effects of letrozole come and go. Anything that I suffer with, seems to last about 6 weeks and then recovers. I’ve had a few occasions with depression, but they have been quite short (maybe a day or two). So I would say give it a little time and see if it improves. I can’t comment on fatigue, as I have ME/CFS so always struggle with that!
Sue xx
Hi Kate, are you on Denosumab or Zolendronic acid as well? Have searched my government (The BC cancer agency of Canada Provincial Health Authorities) website. Depression is not on the side effect list of Letrozole but Denosumab or Zolendronic acid. I usually have few days depression (abnormally worry about my SCB diagnosis) after my Zolendronic acid infusion.
bccancer.bc.ca/drug-database-site/Drug%20Index/Denosumab_monograph.pdf
bccancer.bc.ca/drug-database-site/Drug%20Index/Zoledronic%20acid_monograph.pdf
bccancer.bc.ca/drug-database-site/Drug%20Index/Letrozole_monograph_1April2011.pdf
Hello Kate,
Sorry to hear you are a rough time. I am not on Letrozole (Anasty for me!!) and I am not experiencing depression so I cannot answer your specific question.
However, whichever hormone treatment you are on, depression (in the clinical sense rather than just feeling a bit fed up etc) is a recognised possible common side effect. If you check the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) , it should be stated. It is not surprising that it can be a side effect of oestrogen depletion due to oestrogen’s interplay with brain chemicals. It is not unusual for some women to experience depression on approach, during and after the menopause, never mind hormone therapy to kick the boot in even more.
Of course, depression can occur irrespective of hormone treatment. Cancer diagnosis, treatment and living with the aftermath can all takes its toll at some stage or another, never mind all the other factors in life that can kick it off.
If you find the side effects are concerning you, perhaps discuss with breast care nurse/oncologist/gp and review the situation and/or alternatives with them before throwing in the towel so to speak. They may indeed suggest a break to try and ascertain causation. A number of people find taking an appropriate antidepressant suitable for them if the situation warrants it. This obviously may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some people find having a short break useful and then restarting or trying a different treatment. Some people find adapting their lifestyle through diet, activity and stress reduction can have positive effects. And some people find stopping hormone treatment to be the right choice for them.
Whatever you decide to do, I would just advise making an informed choice based on your individual risks and circumstances.
Wishing you well,
Chick ? x
Hi Katygran, what a super reply you’ve had from Chick. I don’t think there’s anything else to add, really. Just sending you a hug, and letting you know that your experiences and feelings are common. Its taken 2 years for me to normalise my treatments, but I was offered, and accepted, help from the psychological services. I was taught a few little tricks to manage my periods of depression. My biggest game changer has been joining a gym. I go religiously because it costs me money ?, but the benefits to my emotional and physical health have been huge. Hoping you are able to find some help and advice to get you through this patch. Hugs. X
Do you ever have headaches that come abd go and also muscle pain that seems tk get worse some days. I still have six more years on letrozole.
Hi Darla
Sorry for late reply.
After 4 years on letrozole, I was switched to tamoxifen because it was affecting my bone density too much.
Tbh I can’t really remember if I got extra headaches and muscle pain. I have cfs so a lot of my symptoms are related to that.
Please speak to your oncologist if it gets too much.
Best wishes
Sue x
Thanks Sue. 