Third Time Around!!!

I'M NEW HERE!!! First bout was basal cell carcinoma on nose and immediately adjacent to tear duct. Had it successfully removed 15 years ago and now see a small recurrence in the same area. Second bout was colon cancer 11.5 years ago; had surgery and chemotherapy; developed an allergic reaction to the chemo. So, rather than the 95% cure projected, allergic reaction reduced it to 85%. Now I have had a lumpectomy that proved to be malignant. No indication that lymph nodes were affected. Have completed 22 days of radiation and am next scheduled to see the oncologist for a prescription of Letrozole (to be taken for 5 years). I am 75 years old and, based on my experience these past 15 years, I have decided NOT to take the Letrozole, as the side effects are not predictable but do not sound like something I want to consider. I do not take ANY prescription medication; take an occasional antacid (love Mexican food), and an occasional Aleve for knee pain. Was supposed to schedule a knee replacement but was preempted by this lumpectomy. I have my daughter's support 100% with my decision. She is a RN, specializing in hospice care; so, she is very much aware of my desire to be responsible for my quality of life, free of chemicals. Your feedback/insight is appreciated.

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[Lainey66]

I am considering doing the same regarding tamoxifen. It has been prescribed for me more as a precaution as I'm triple negative and as such there is no medication for me. I was told if it helps at all it will only decrease the chances of the cancer returning by one possibly two percent. At the time my outlook was anything that helps at all is grand. However the weight gain, bad joints, constantly sweating (even on cold days), some times feelings of nausea, headaches etc etc, just are not worth it. My family flip when I say this as they worry so much, esp my children (young adults) I'm 50. I'm fed up of being tired, sore and so big 🙁🙁🙁

[Hidden in reply to Lainey66]

You're braver than I am in taking the Tamoxifen, but I can understand your struggle with a decision that causes your family such emotional stress. My discussing this with you is as it was with my daughter. You're 3 years younger than she is and 6 years younger than my son. You're YOUNG, as are your children, and you've been dealt a really tough hand. Your personal comfort and peace of mind may contribute greatly to your sense of wellbeing, when it comes to discontinuing a medication. I am double positive (estrogen and progesterone receptors) and the Letrozole is to block any future cancer from attacking and feeding on these healthy positive cells. That's 5 years and a 50% chance of recurrence. Thanks...but NO thanks!!! I'll be 80 and am just not up to slowing down. You and your family are in my prayers, Lainey66, and you're in control. I'll let you know how my appointment on Thursday goes. Keep smiling!!! It makes everyone wonder what you're up to!!!

[Debs1962]

I think you have made a balanced decision, and if I was your age I wouldn't take it either, I am 54 and take letrozole have done for 2 years, I don't get any noticeable side effects, so I am incredibly lucky, but I do worry about my bones, as I was diagnosed with osteoporosis before I started letrozole, so glad they did check! So take alendronic acid as well, which I don't like taking as I worry about things I read about it.

But what I do is try and take control of what I can, like diet and life style, I don't eat meat or diary and exercise as much as I can, take extra vit D3 as even though I have been on calcium and vit D for two years, got my Dr to check vit D levels and they were a bit lower than should be, so taking a bit more vit D. I think that's why I got the osteoporosis as you need vit D to absorb the calcium, also there are links to breast cancer and low Vit D.

You have had a crap deal in the last 15 years, but you are here and if you are able to live life to the full without medication good on you!

Deb xx

[Hidden in reply to Debs1962]

Perhaps if I were younger, it would make a difference...I'll never know. My physician was surprised when he found out about the diagnosis. We had been talking about a knee replacement, which I was all for. That'll be my next project, to ensure I will at least be able to jump and click my heels together. Continued success with your program. I've decided I'm not overweight...it's that I'm supposed to be 6'4" tall!!!

[carolinenailsea]

Life can really throw a pile of rubbish at you. You really have been through it. You should be very proud of yourself to get through all this. Very best of luck going forward and with the knee op too. Best wishes Caroline xx

[MaryEB]

Hi, don't have any insight into the drug to add to others comments as not in my regime ( triple negative but no lymph involvement) but as you seem very motivated to live well I would highly recommend scheduling that knee replacement as soon as u can. I too was due knee surgery that a lump got in the way off, but lots of persuasion and talking to consultants (it's a different anaesthesia technique and I'm in my 50's) got then to reschedule the knee operation a week after wide lump excision and sentinlal node removal. ( That lovely! 3 weeks when you are waiting for pathology results) Rehabilitation from knee replacement is a long slog that u have to apply yourself to BUT the rewards of a reliable pain free knee are worth it and concentration on the daily gentle physio and the progress - all be it slow you could see was a wonderful focus & distraction from all the lump stuff and 5 months of chemotherapy then radiotherapy. Good luck with your decisions and if you've got the motivation get that new knee and enjoy a good life making the most of it. X

[Hidden in reply to MaryEB]

Thanks for your feedback and support! I figure to move forward, the knee replacement is a MUST!! Wishing you continued positive progress in your journey.

[Patrenee]

I think you should try taking the letrozole and see if you have side effects. You can always decide to stop treatment. They have to list all the possible side effects but that doesn’t mean you will have any of them.