Oh you poor thing. I'm in a similar situation (age 45) Had to stop tamoxifen after 4 yrs because it was causing uterine haemorrhages which took weeks to recover from. So, had ovaries removed oct (kept uterus as advised to have least invasive surgery possible) and went on to Letrozole in Dec. Already had significant menopausal symptoms before this latest round of surgery and drugs, and these didn't get any worse once the ovaries were removed. Once I started the letrozole though, it was a different story! I have suffered with hot flushes since chemo, but now seem to have them all day and all night. I am so tired just because of interrupted sleep, always feeling dehydrated because I can't keep up with the fluids I'm losing from sweating, and the aching joints are awful. I don't have many options left now though, all my docs are very clear that I must stay on hormone therapy as long as possible- my cancer was highly hormone driven and had spread to lymph nodes. My BCN has been v kind and just reminded me how bad tamoxifen was when I started with it, and it definitely got easier to tolerate after the first year. She also said there are two further alternatives to try - so if you aren't coping with Letrozole there are other options. She suggested I give it at least three months before trying something else or having a break. Lastly, she reminded me that a lot of the menopausal symptoms will be coming from the surgery and not the drugs at all.
I am really struggling with it all - had some real ups and downs since diagnosis five years ago, but just like you am questioning my ability to even carry on working at all, sadly cannot afford to stop or even cut my hours by much. I have had so much time off sick lately (had flu and now chest infection) and also struggle with Lymphoedema. Don't think there are any easy answers, but just wanted to say stay as strong as you can. You most definitely are not alone! Xx
