The Reality of Hormone Suppression Therapy: My Personal Breast Cancer Survivor Struggles

I Wasn’t Going to Share This…

I wasn’t going to share this, but sometimes, when active treatment is done, and the hair grows back, and we no longer look sick, the expectation is that we are better and back to normal. But the truth is, we are not the same. We are still in treatment, we are still fighting—physically and mentally. breast cancer survivor struggles

I wanted to share my experience so that those who are going through this, or have family and friends in this stage, understand that we are not the old version of ourselves.

An Interesting Couple of Months: The Aftermath of Infusions

When my infusions ended, I knew a new chapter of treatment awaited me, but I wasn't fully prepared for what was to come.

Enter hormone suppression therapy—a crucial part of breast cancer treatment for many, but also a path filled with challenges. My new regimen included monthly Lupron shots and daily Letrozole, both designed to keep estrogen at bay and reduce the risk of recurrence. What I didn’t anticipate was how brutal the side effects would be.

The Harsh Reality of Side Effects

From the moment I started hormone suppression therapy, my body began waging a war against itself. The joint pain was unbearable, and despite taking morphine every four hours, I was still struggling. To add insult to injury, pregabalin became a daily necessity to manage nerve pain. Even with all these medications, I found myself drowning in brain fog, hormone-induced mood swings, and crushing fatigue. It felt like I had swapped one battle for another.

Common Side Effects of Hormone Suppression Therapy

For those unfamiliar with these treatments, here are some of the widely documented side effects:

• Bone and Joint Pain: Many women experience debilitating stiffness and discomfort.

• Severe Fatigue: A deep, unshakable exhaustion that makes daily tasks feel insurmountable.

• Mood Swings & Depression: The sudden drop in estrogen can lead to severe mood fluctuations.

• Cognitive Impairment (Brain Fog): Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, and staying sharp.

• Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Common with estrogen suppression, leading to disrupted sleep.

• Weight Gain & Metabolic Changes: Many women notice weight gain, despite no change in diet or activity.

  
  

Read more about hormone therapy and its side effects here

Hitting the Pause Button: A Much-Needed Break

After months of struggling through these side effects, I finally made the difficult decision to take a break from hormone therapy. Almost immediately, I started to notice a difference. I was sleeping better, feeling more like myself, and even experiencing glimpses of productivity that had felt impossible just weeks prior.

This pause has allowed me to spend more quality time with my daughter, focus on my work, and reclaim some sense of normalcy. I know this break is temporary, but for now, I am embracing every moment of clarity and relief.

The Crossroads: What Comes Next? breast cancer survivor struggles

At the end of April, I will face a tough decision: Do I restart hormone suppression therapy, or do I prioritize quality of life over potential recurrence prevention? It’s a question that haunts so many breast cancer survivors, and the answer isn’t easy.

The benefits of hormone therapy are clear—it can significantly reduce the chances of cancer returning. Studies suggest that for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, recurrence rates can be as high as 30-50% without ongoing treatment.

Learn more about recurrence rates and hormone therapy options here.

However, the cost in terms of side effects is equally undeniable. How do you weigh the possibility of extended years against the guarantee of daily suffering? The mental toll of this decision is just as heavy as the physical one.

Finding Support and Making Informed Decisions

For now, I am giving myself grace. I am listening to my body, my heart, and my doctors. And I am leaning on my community for support. If you’re facing a similar decision, know that you are not alone. There are resources, support groups, and experts who can help navigate these choices.

Join a breast cancer support community

Optimizing Life After Breast Cancer Treatment

If you're navigating hormone therapy, these resources may help:

• Managing Side Effects of Hormone Therapy

• Understanding the Risks of Stopping Hormone Therapy

• Holistic Ways to Support Recovery

  
  

  For now, I will focus on feeling better, regaining strength, and cherishing the moments I feel good. The future will come soon enough. Until then, I’ll take it one day at a time.

Have you been on hormone therapy? What was your experience like? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.