← Return to Intimacy with Long-Term Partner after Double Mastectomy and Letrozole

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Hi angik. I just read your post & have never made a comment since I’ve joined this group, but today, for whatever reason, I signed in to comment. Actually, I could feel the dark place you mentioned. 1st off, you’re human. Breast cancer, double mastectomy & letrozole at 53. Like hormonally our female bodies aren’t going thru enough & then this!? Devastation all around. I don’t know if you’ve had reconstruction surgery so not sure if that’s an added factor to your mental state. Letrozole alone can cause low mood, fatigue, sadness, anxiety or depression. AI drugs lower our estrogen soooo much, that we’re fighting ourselves to feel what we remember as being normal. You said you were in a dark head place but you reached out! That alone shows strength & courage so please continue. Has your oncologist suggested another AI drug to try or even given you a “drug holiday” to give you a break? Psychologist are great, but that doesn’t change what is chemically going on in your body and mind. Besides myself, both of my sisters had breast cancer. Unfortunately, they’re both gone & my diagnosis was a little over a year ago, so my genetic verbal references can’t help me on my journey. One sister stopped her AI treatment. All I can remember is her saying she didn’t feel right, she wasn’t herself, she couldn’t think, etc. I have no idea what or if she discussed this with her oncologist& will never know. She was a nurse, full of energy & knowledge but very private. The reason I’m sharing is because this was the beginning of her mental decline. You have got to be your own advocate, fighter & stay determined to find balance & peace along this challenging road. You are not alone! Ask questions, make suggestions, listen. Your quality of life is huge! You’re still young& have a partner. Yes, it’s hard for them too, but you didn’t choose to feel like this. Please keep searching for things & ways to help. ☮️&❤️

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Replies to "Hi angik. I just read your post & have never made a comment since I’ve joined..."

@jlvk thank you! I have struggled with my mental health all my life, though have been stable the last 20 years. I am not sure that it’s the Letrozole that is causing the moods, or the stress of it all. I know that the meds are potentially saving me from recurrence so going off would be a last resort. I appreciate your perspective.