Hi, I had lumpectomy and radiotherapy for breast cancer in June 2023 and began Letrozole about November when all treatment completed, but have had awful side effects, hot flushes (had acupuncture for this), mood swings, night sweats - but especially joint pains in my hips and knees. I have researched about it but cannot really find any conclusive evidence that it will reduce the cancer recurrence b a significant amount. The joint pains are affecting my life in that walking which was such a pleasure with my dogs is now a much shorter and painful experience - I have mentioned it to the Nurse Practitioner at my GP surgery at a recent review but she didn't offer any real advice or suggest any alternative or even investigations into the joint pain in case its something unconnected so feeling frustrated. I did have a bone scan after the surgery due to thoracic spinal pain but was told there was no sign of malignancy (great) and to see my GP re the MSK issues but having had a GP telephone consultation - prescribed Amitriptyline for night time - and nowhere with the Nurse I am feeling like no one is listening to me and I am expected to 'just get on with it' - is that the only recourse?. So, what I need to know please is a) is Letrozole really needed and is it effective as per evidence based research ? b) should i request an alternative if hormone treatment is needed and c) should i insist on some investigations into the joint pains? Do hope you can help as feel i am getting no where and its worrying me. Thank you
