Letrozole/Tamoxifen and Ablation

[SilverliningsForNow]

Had an ablation 5 weeks ago and from the start nothing. No AF, no palps, nothing . So happy QOL back. Started taking Letrozole again on Thursday for Stage 1 breast cancer back in May and bang atrial flutters/palps/ectop beats and finally on Sunday AFib. Stopped taking it immediately and all gone away again. Rock and a hard place. Understand Tamoxifen has similar reactions. Hard to get cardiologists to acknowledge connection but its definitely there in my case. Now starting to think this created AFib in first place.

[Kevinder23]

Oh im sorry to hear this what a dilemma to have i hope your doctors can help, maybe the oncologist may have alternatives xxx keep you chin up xxx

[SilverliningsForNow in reply to Kevinder23]

Thanks ❤️

[Mrsvemb]

I had stage 1/2 breast cancer in 2014. Following surgery I was put on Letrozole. As with a lot of tablets in my case, I suffered with severe nausea. My oncologist agreed that I could stop the Letrozole, but would need closer monitoring, which I had (I do have private healthcare). So far so good in my case.We are all different and what works for me may not work for you. Your oncologist is the best person to speak to.

[SilverliningsForNow in reply to Mrsvemb]

Thank you so much for that. I have read that the take up of Tamoxifen is really low and so many women cannot complete the course because of the side effects so my options are so limited. I just cannot put something in my body which makes me so ill. I am going to have a really frank talk with my oncologist. You have been very helpful, thank you.

[Mrsvemb in reply to SilverliningsForNow]

I should have added that my oncologist did suggest that I try Tamoxifen but I declined. Both tablets block oestrogen. Let us know how you get on.

[SilverliningsForNow in reply to Mrsvemb]

Exactly the same with me but I just don’t know if I can bring myself to go through it.

[Silvasava]

I was on Tamoxifen for 5 years, was just coming to the end and the guidelines were changed. Changed to Letrozole for another 5 years. No heart issues at all. Mine started over a year after the drug regime had finished. Cardiologists opinion is radiotherapy is the trigger

[SilverliningsForNow in reply to Silvasava]

My oncologist went back through all my images for my radiation and my heart wasn’t in any of them but every time I took up Letrozole again my symptoms worsened. I think there is no doubt in my case that the link is letrozole. There has been research carried out which shows the link between Letrozole and AF.

[Silvasava in reply to SilverliningsForNow]

I'm pleased the oncologist checked your images to make sure, unfortunately my radiation was on the left side, but that was getting on for 14 years ago. If I'd not had the radiation I might not have been here anyway so I'll live with the repercussions and be grateful. Good luck, hope you can get an alternative treatment sorted.

[Junoesque]

I have been taking Letrozole for two years now and my AF has deteriorated over this time where I used to get one episode in a month it has now got to every second day. I am wondering if this is connected. I have breast cancer and was given the alternative to an operation or taking Letrozole. The Letrozole has almost got rid of the lump. The Doctor says he doesn’t need to see me unless things change.I wonder if I should talk to him about it. I think I may have to put up with feeling awful most of the time with AF. Confused 🤔

[SilverliningsForNow]

So sorry to hear that. I can sympathise - breast cancer and AF are no joke. There are empirical studies linking AF and Letrozole but I can only speak for my particular case and I stopped taking it on Sunday and haven’t had anything whatsoever since. The ablation stopped everything for me and without the Letrozole my quality of life is so good. Check it out there may be a happy ending for you.

[Alemo27]

Have AFIB for many years before this year diagnosed with breast cancer Lumpectomy and Tamoxifen for 2 months now

For AFIB - metoprolol and Eliquise

- should keep me on.

Will see the outcome .

Members with Similar conditions

welcome your experience