I just started the next 5 years of my life.
I added a tiny golden pill to my morning repertoire. Letrozole (aka Femara).
It’s an aromatase inhibitor, otherwise known as a “hormone blocker.” This will lower estrogen levels in my body by blocking the enzyme aromatase, which produces estrogen.
This adjuvant treatment (a treatment given after the primary treatment to lower the risk of cancer recurrence) is used with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
My cancer was “triple positive”; estrogen receptor-positive (ER+), progesterone receptor-positive (PR+), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 positive (HER2+). While this is considered an aggressive cancer, mine was caught at an early stage and the receptor positive status makes these additional treatments (like letrozole) possible and necessary.
It’s very weird to think about being on a treatment for the next five years of my life. There’s also something nice about making assumptions about the next five years, after the scariness of the last year.
I am worried about the possible side effects (joint pain, mood changes, osteoporosis, and more). I’m worried because some people have said it’s the worst part of breast cancer treatment. But I also feel determined to show these side effects who’s the boss. (Me. I’m the boss.)
I was going to end my thoughts there… and then my superstition crept in. so I’ll say this; I know this could be a hard road for the next five years. I may have real bummers of side effects. I may need to change prescriptions or fiddle with doses. But I GET to do that. I’m going to try to focus on the opportunity. And feel free to remind me of that if I get cranky.
The foggy steps of Edgehill Mountain earlier this week. Feels appropriate; I’m starting a journey and cannot see very far ahead. But it leads somewhere.